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Thread: Craft fairs and selling events- where are they?!

  1. #11
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    Apr 2010
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    Hello

    You can try the stallfinder website, there are some really good fairs listed there. I can't post the full link yet, but if you put stallfinder into google it will just come up. The other option is to look for other card makers, soap makers, jewellers etc in your area and check out events on their website. I know it's a bit cheeky, but normally works.

    Mia x

  2. #12
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    Jul 2009
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    A word of caution.
    I've done Desire in both Richmond and Winchester and have exhibited at a number of shows run by Crafts in Focus and other major show organisers over the years.
    Currently there are a huge number of jewellers on the show circuit and exhibitors in many other media seem to be falling away. Consequently many shows have inordinate numbers of jewellery exhibitors plus so many other makers are also making jewellery, so much so that the public are really aware of the imbalance.
    Also there are some people who 'design' their jewellery (it is said) and get it made up in the Far East and sell it cheaply tho there is quite a movement amongst jewellers against this.
    These shows are also very expensive and unless you are very lucky you'll also have to add accomodation / petrol etc to your costs. Add to this the high metal prices and you have quite an uphill struggle on your hands in a time of reduced spending by the public.

    So look at the whole picture critically before you dive in.

    Having said that, Good Luck Hannah!

  3. #13
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    Jul 2009
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    Cornwall
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    I'd second that, it's really difficult to get into shows with jewellery. I applied to several Crafts in Focus shows this year but only got into Henley. I did OK but several top end and established jewellers said that sales were well down this year. Most of my sales were between £25 and £80.

  4. #14
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    Jul 2009
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    And you had a really peachy spot this time! I had my lowest takings ever for Henley, Hatfield and Penshurst (tho it has to be said the weather wasn't helping <_< )

  5. #15
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    Jul 2009
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    Lincolnshire
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    Hmm I will have to have a re-think about the Craft in Focus events then I think... Im still just about breaking even so I cant eally afford to do a show with a big fee and accommodation etc. Thanks for the words of warning Somersetmaker and Carole (you are always a font of knowledge!) I will keep them in mind though.
    I think im going to have to broaden my price range and try for a few smaller shows to get some sales coming in then build up to the big ones. Stallfinder might be a good way to start that- thanks Mia

  6. #16
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    You have to build up your profile though, and the better shows are the places to be seen. If sales aren't great, just think of it as PR. I get orders from all over the country which could only be because people have seen my work somewhere. I think your work is different enough Hannah to get noticed. People seen to love colour in their jewellery at the moment.

  7. #17
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    Jul 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by caroleallen View Post
    You have to build up your profile though, and the better shows are the places to be seen. If sales aren't great, just think of it as PR. I get orders from all over the country which could only be because people have seen my work somewhere. I think your work is different enough Hannah to get noticed. People seen to love colour in their jewellery at the moment.

    Very good advice, with the current financial problems trade at shows has dropped off, but i now see them as big advertising and brand building exercises. Looking at the long term i am giving out cards to more or less every 'browser' and just connecting with them making sure they realise my jewellery is made in wales and not just bought in like most of my competition. Ok they may not all purchase but fingers crossed i get a few regulars on the website. i have done four big shows this season so far and picked up commissions and new internet customers already so although the show may only make a small profit there and they continue to pay into the future.

    I started slowly building up my show calender 3 years ago doing 1 or 2 shows then upto 6 then this summer i am doing 16 shows.

    Give them a try and good luck

    Stu x

  8. #18
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    16 SHOWS?! holy cow

    Thats mad! I might try and apply for a few bigger shows and see how I get on- I'll worry about paying for it if I get picked!

    Jewellery especially is so over saturated at the moment but I do try to stand out

  9. #19
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    Blimey 16 shows! I've cut right back on shows this year. I've only got 2 now before October. It's a bit scary but I've found that internet sales and gallery sales have picked up considerably this year, so I'm not noticing a loss of income. I think all those years of doing anything and everything are finally paying off.

  10. #20
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    Jul 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by caroleallen View Post
    Blimey 16 shows! I've cut right back on shows this year. I've only got 2 now before October. It's a bit scary but I've found that internet sales and gallery sales have picked up considerably this year, so I'm not noticing a loss of income. I think all those years of doing anything and everything are finally paying off.
    Im hoping our internet sales will rise once the new site goes live, i just see the shows as very big footfall events and alot of potential customers, really its just as cheap as paying for google adwords with the customers also able to pick up and check our quality. Im pleased you have had some serious success with your website and galleries.

    Stu

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