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To Craft Fair Or to Wholesale?
OK Sounding Board.....who has feedback on craft fairs and selling wholesale? These two things are on my radar right now as craft fair season is on the horizon and I've been approached about selling some of my prints wholesale.
First, craft fairs. Years ago, when I sold my crafts, I did a few craft fairs. I'm still of the thought from my experiences then, that they are a lot of work for little return. However, this was a long time ago and I don't want my past experiences cloud my judgement for the present and future. Have you participated in craft fairs? Have they been juried? Has there been a difference in attendence and sales are juried and unjuried shows you've particpated in or gone to?
Secondly, wholesale. This is something that has been on my mind for awhile. I'd like to wholesale some of my prints and now that I've been approached, I guess there is no time like the present to pull it all together. Have you sold your work wholesale? What kind of discount do you give a wholesale buyer? A straight across the board discount? A 'buy so many and you get ___% off discount'? How did you determine what kind of discount you could give to a wholesale account?
So many questions...............I'd love to hear what you have to say.
I'd also love more time to dedicate to some illustrations I have in the works. I really need to make that happen.
Off and running...............have a fantastic Tuesday in your corner of the world and I'll work on the same in mine.
Ciao for now,
I sold my photography at a few art fairs years ago (before digital!). I agree, lots of work for not much income -- at least for me. I know some people do great at art/craft fairs. There is a potter in our town who basically sells out at fairs.
ReplyDeletewow, interesting that the potter sells out. don't worry lynette, i 'remember' B.D. too. I still use my 35 mm when I want really great photos, like of my bil & sil's wedding. something about film captures moments differently. 'the medium is the message' m. mccluhan
DeleteI can't answer either for sure, but I've been planning to do my first show next month and am astounded at the amount of product I am going to prepare. My Etsy shop will be quite full if worse comes to worse. I have been asked to prepare numbers for a possible wholesale order for which I have yet to hear back. I didn't do a 50% discount as most say is the norm, but it was a lot lower. I've also been approached to offer things on consignment at a small coffee shop down South. I'm going to take a risk and try it on a trial basis, just to get my things out there.
ReplyDeletecan't wait to hear how it goes. wondering also what a typical fee is for fairs or if they're all over the board. got a $75 dollar cost from a juried fair here, but they couldn't even give me any attendance estimates because they don't charge people to get in. i'd think they'd be able to give you some sort of guess though before you plunk down 75. that's a lot to me, but if the return was worth it. let me know how you make out with the wholesale and the consignment.
DeleteI've never had much luck with craft fairs, but I did have a lot of fun (when it wasn't 100 degrees outside).
ReplyDeleteDebbi
-yankeeburrowcreations
LOL...........oh that would be the worst. sitting at a craft fair in 100 degree weather, esp knowing that my pool was at home waiting for me.
DeleteOnly began craft fairs last year - and they were largely to get the word out locally. There did seem to be a lot of work involved, but I didn't lose anything and did raise the ColdhamCuddlies' profile. As I'm closing the shop (to replace, reprice and relaunch) for 3 months in the summer, guess craft fairs locally will help me to see what goes and what does not.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, have finally managed to get back www.ColdhamCuddliescalling.blogspot.com at it's usual spot on Blogger, and have posted for the first time in 3 weeks. Beginning to feel "normal" again - if I can ever be called that!
YAY! you're back. I'll pop on over. so glad you finally got it all sorted out isobel.
Deletethe 3Rs....replace, reprice, relaunch! Love it!
My experience: I ONLY do indoor shows that are juried; otherwise you run the risk of crazy weather and "flea market" atmosphere, instead of a venue attracting the right clientele- who is solely there to purchase art/craft...not too negotiate your pricing down like they will if you end up in a fair that has those other vendors..or even vendors that are selling junk. From just experience, I have found my 3 venues and I stick with those- each booth runs me about $150.including electric and booth cleanup services. It has taken me 5 years to narrow it down and I have lost patience, time,money, and one tent in the process...LOL
ReplyDeleteWholesale: since I have owned an art gallery and a gift shop- I know what it is like to be on both sides of this fine craft/sales line. You should price yourself fairly and not be in competition with your Retail brick and Mortar store if you are selling that same product online. Retailers HATE that- and- if you bring that SAME product to a craft show- it should be priced the same as to not undercut the Retailer- especially if it is in the same town- they will drop you fast. Ex. I sell my ornaments wholesale at $8. they retail anywhere from $16.99-$19.99 depending on what store you go to ( all here in baltimore) I make suggestions on what they should be priced at- but the highest at $19.99 also offers free boxes and gift wrap- so she charges a higher price. Now, on my etsy site you can purchase the same ornament for $16. but..with shipping- generally around $5- brings total cost for ornament up to $21. So, i don't tick off my retailers and everybody is happy. i also charge $16 at craft shows too. You may be thinking to yourself- wow- $8. 8 measely dollars for a handpanted ornament- yes, may I be the first to say- it kind of sucks selling wholesale! Retail dollars are SO much better...however; the sheer VOLUME i do makes up the difference, now granted it kills my hands and i feel like a sweatshop sometimes, but I have to realize the "cap" for an ornament. The Retailer has to be able to "sell through" this product- so it has to be priced right, or they will never order again. Also keep in mind- the ornaments got me in the Retailers door- now when I have other items in my line- they are more apt to give me shelf space because my ornaments sold so well, and I am an easy vendor to deal with. Its a win-win if you price yourself right and establish good relationships with your retailers.
In case you are wondering who i am...its Debbie from Pinkboxstudio! My google name came up zfunkyfish- which was the name of my store in Fells Point, and my picture is not showing up on my end...didn't want to confuse! :)
Deletewell debbie, i'm so glad you said pinkboxstudio or i wouldn't have know who the heck you were hon ;)
Deletethank you SO much for your awesome input. you brought up a couple things I hadn't considered. the fair i was looking at is juried but outside. though i do think it is popular, there is a no refund policy for bad weather so can't say that sits great with me.
thank you SO much!
I'll be doing my first fair this weekend - it's marketed as a Mother's Day fair, so I hope for some business as etsy has been rather slow for me lately. Then I'm doing more of an art fair on May 11. They should give me some idea of whether it's worth it to pursue doing more of them...Thanks for a great topic!
ReplyDeletewell we may just have to explore this topic some more! seems like we can all use a good discussion of it! best of luck at the fairs and do let us know how it goes.
DeleteI have never done a craft fair nor have I ever sold whole sale however, I do buy whole sale for my store... wink wink. I know some of your prints would be amazing in my shop if you decide to go that route:) Let me know!
ReplyDeletewell, as a newbie, I have no craft fair experience (other than the 'trunk show' I did in my own house) and have not yet sold wholesale! Sorry, that is of no help what so ever - for the record - I commend zfunkyfish for such a detailed comment!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a topic Pam. And fantastic input from Debbie at Pinkboxstudio. I have a few things in a consignment shop, (that I will be checking on later today!) but was wondering about wholesale too. The whole pricing thing is what is tricky, and getting in the door.
ReplyDelete