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Originally Posted by spritzerJ

Hello Crafty Folks,

I have a question....
Curious if anyone has had a table at a bazaar or craft fair before and if they had any hints or suggestions.

Was it worth it (cost wise)? What would you do different or not do?

I am looking at joining a couple this November. And dare I say the last craft fair I participated in I was 8. My best friend and I stenciled gift bags. What a cute memory. We were so earnest!

Thank you!

hey Spritzer! I have done many shows all over the East Coast (SC/NC/Ga/Fla) all with varying degrees of profitability!
1. Our rule of thumb was to recoup about 5 times the booth fee to be of profit. (booth fees being: lowest being $30 and highest being $100)
2. Time...your time...is worth something in addition to cost of suppliesso ALL of that has to be factored in. I would mark up my items 5 times or more dependent on my costs put into them, factoring time.
3. Travel, if any distance at all, is a factor (gas, etc)
4. Cost of meals for doing said show are a factor
Doing Craft Fairs/Shows are a lot of fun if one doesn't have a lot of travel, supply costs, and meals costs.
All I can say is to venture out....nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
Supply & Demand is also a huge factor.
I found putting a price below an even dollar amount to be a better "marketing ploy" ie: instead of $20, I would do $19.95. You would NOT believe what a difference that number actually made in selling an item. And that was total price. I had factored in my sales taxes so it was that number totallly.
Good luck..what would you be selling, if I may ask???
Selling foods, etc is a HUGE hassle...health inspections, food permits, and those booth fees are always exorbitant!!!