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'Twill Soon Be The Season - Part I

© Barbara Massie

The thought of the holiday season always seems to be lurking in a crafter's mind. Of course, "the season" to sell is still approximately three months away, but the season will be only as successful as the preparation and planning allocated to it. That old cliche description of "Having Christmas in July" is certainly the mindset crafters need to remember, but change to "Starting Christmas in July." Holiday selling accounts for most of your yearly profit and organizing now will bring more profit into your pockets during that season. Find excellent business information at the Crafter's Business Resources web site.

The summer months can be a slow selling time for many crafters. Don't get discouraged. Relax and use slow time to regroup, make decisions and build your inventory.

Organize during this slow time Make decisions and plan for the busy season

Determine:

1. How many and in which shows you will participate?
2. How much inventory is needed to participate and to make a profit?
3. Where will you find the time to create all the items?

Let's look at each question separately:

#1 Shows are advertised in many ways. Look at ads in the newspapers, craft show publications and ask your friends to recommend shows. There are sites on the Internet with show listings. Choosing which shows to participate in can be helped by reading the monthly craft and show publications that list shows. Most have information telling the location and giving some historical information on the age of the show, attendance expected, etc.

Try finding a show on the Web. CRAFTSHOWS - USA has lots of information just a click away.

A subscription to a local craft show publication is a good investment and of course, an expense that is tax deductible.

Every city and little town now has many craft shows during the year. This might make it difficult for you to find and choose a few that will best suit your needs, so finding the right shows will take some homework and research on your part.

If you attend a show that looks like one in which you would like to take part, find the sign-in/registration table and ask to be put on their mailing list. Thoroughly research any show that advertises arts/crafts sales, but whose main purpose is a concert or carnival. People do not attend these shows primarily for the arts and crafts, so your sales might be lower and not worth the time and expense you must invest. Research and talk to other participants before investing in the cost of space.

The copyright of the article 'Twill Soon Be The Season - Part I in Crafts is owned by Barbara Massie. Permission to republish 'Twill Soon Be The Season - Part I in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.