A Crafter Question

I am a promoter of expos and craft fairs and am finding it difficult to have the crafter section of these events fill up. Is there something that I am missing when looking for craft vendors? Please offer suggestions on what is important for a craft vendor and what would be appealing. We do not allow too many of the same type of product - that just does not seem to be successful for those involved, so still not sure what or how to reach and maintain craft vendors. Suggestions please.



Thank you~

Carla



PS - If this is in the wrong place, I do apologize as I tried to get to the classified section and received an error message.

HI..I AM A PROFESSIONAL CRAFTER. HERE ARE SOME THINGS I LOOK FOR...

SIZE OF VENDOR SPACE

COST TO ENTER SHOW

ADVERTISING...LET VENDORS KNOW YOU WILL BE PUTTING THE WORD OUT. RADIO, TV, POSTERS, ROAD SIDE SIGNS ETC.

DON'T MIX FLEA MARKET STUFF , HOME PARTY VENDORS WITH CRAFTERS. IT WON'T WORK. I WON'T DO THOSE TYPE OF SHOWS.

LET VENDORS KNOW HOW MUCH TRAFFIC YOU HAD THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

IS FOOD AVAILABLE?

HOW'S THE PARKING SITUATION?

MAKE SURE ALL CHAIRMAN, STAFF, VOLUNTEERS ARE WARM AND WELCOMING.



ALSO WHEN YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, GO TO OTHER SHOWS AND PICK UP VENDORS BUSINESS CARDS. CHOOSE VENDORS WHO DO HANDMADE ITEMS OF GOOD QUALITY.

I THINK THESE ITEMS LISTED ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT.

Thank you so much! I have done what you have asked with the exception of mixing the groups together - that could be my problem. So truly you are saying that if we want crafts, simply keep it crafts only?



That could be the difference - interesting as I have been to other events where they were mixed so never thought twice about it, however, I will do so going forward and may need to change my June show to strictly crafters.



Thanks again~

Carla

I have done a craft show at certain place for a few years,I no longer am selling there. I used to get lots of business, until they started putting in the home vendor parties, and peple who sell stuff like 99 cent store stuff. I lost lots of business when they started letting those guys in. it is more like a swap meet now. pretty sad. When I go now to craft fairs, thats what I want to buy, crafts! not things from avon, not tupperware, or 99 cent store stuff, I want good ol hand made crafts! try to get the beaders, and wood workers, artist, jelly makers, and blanket makers! Lets give the crafters back the "Craft Fair"!! LOL okay, c [img]images/smiley_icons/love30.gif[/img]

-- okay no offense to those who do sell that stuff, but I am it to make money for me, not for rich companies.

also another thing you can add to your event is for some people to submit a home made item for a contest. hand out ribbons..or ask some vendors to donate for prizes. ( I have always been proud to donate one of my items) contest always draw a crowd!



* is your town famous for anything?? I lived a tiny town of about 200 people, and we had the zuccinnie(sp?) fest, a town an hour away was called melon days. another was the apple festival...

Name it something fun and easy.



Good luck! have fun...

Great Idea's! Thanks so much and I will work my future events with such things as drawings, booth awards & theme's. I love being able to think outside the box, but with the craft shows it just wasn't happening for me - obviously had not really paid attention when I visit and shop them myself.