- Advice
3 Steps to craft fair success
Who doesn’t love a good craft fair?
Across the country, independent crafty businesses are flourishing. While online marketplaces get all the press, nothing beats meeting and mingling with artists face-to-face at a craft fair. The atmosphere is the perfect combination of creative inspiration and freelancer grit.
This weekend, BUST magazine is hosting Primped!, a fashion and beauty fair dedicated entirely to one-of-a-kind style in Brooklyn. For artists, crafters, vintage sellers and the like, selling at fairs provides an opportunity to test products and find new customers at little cost. We chatted with 3 freelance vendors who shared their best sellers and top tips for craft fair success:
Share your passion
Danielle Breitenbach and Jessyka Neitzel of Bacon Neckwear have discovered that craft fairs are the best place to share your passion and perfect your customer service. The ladies make, sell, and custom design bowties and accessories at fairs throughout the country.
"One of the best ways to have success at a craft fair is to engage with your customers. People come to craft fairs to have a personal experience with the people who make the products. First and foremost smile, then tell people your story about how you made your product, why you do it, and share your passion for it,” says Danielle.
Their best seller: The Dapper Chap Pointed Tie, cotton gingham $35
Get feedback
For Limegreen founder Talima Davis, fairs are a perfect opportunity to test products and ask for immediate feedback.
"I like engaging customers. It’s important to create an atmosphere where people will want to come over and learn more about what you are selling. Craft fairs like Primped! allow me to see the scents that customers love and get some great feedback."
Their best seller: Candles, prices vary
Stay curious
Jewelry designer and craft fair newbie, Jieun Reiner, decided to start selling her wares at fairs to learn more about the crafting community. Her handmade line, Almanac for June, is inspired by all things astrological and mythical.
“Crafters are naturally creative,” says Jieun. “Curiosity and searching for like-minded creators lead me to participate in my first fair!”
Their best seller: Moon Phase four earring set in sterling silver, $56
www.etsy.com/shop/AlmanacForJune
Live in New York?
Check out Primped!, BUST Craftacularʼs indie fashion and beauty Fair on Sunday, May 4th, 2014 at the Brooklyn Night Bazaar, 165 Banker Street, from 11am-6pm, with free goody bags for the first 300 people at the door.