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Holiday Craft Show Hints

© Barbara Massie

 

While doing Craft Shows at Holiday Time, one needs to be flexible. Sometimes you can take a negative and turn it into a positive. I sit, reflect and plan what I want to have happen at a show, then at times have to reassess before the next craft show. This is time well spent because I can change things before I start again.

Challenge yourself to increase your business by being flexible enough to change inventory and pricing as circumstances dictate. If you are looking for more ideas for crafts, go to Holiday & Seasonal Crafts.

Here are two questions with ideas of how to conquer unexpected problems.

Q. I estimated how many holiday items to make for this year, but there aren't enough to keep my booths stocked till the end. I was tempted to cancel a show right at the end, but should I fill in instead with items I sell all year? How can I estimate how many holiday items to make?

A. First, many crafters don't make holiday items to sell. So yes, fill your booth with non-seasonal product when you run out of holiday items. Many customers like to buy crafts for gifts that can be used year round.

The frustrating part of this is you were sure you made enough stock for the season, but it came up short. This can be good!

Think about it - you do want to be able to stock your booths, but you don't want a lot left. Don't over compensate and make too much. Otherwise, you will be in a vicious cycle of always having seasonal product left to store. Inventory needs to be depleted and cleaned out each year.

To plan, look at your records and determine your best sellers that ran out. Don't increase volume on fad items! Determine approximately how many items sold per show and multiply that by the number of shows you plan to do. This gives you a figure to work with.

Read How Much Inventory to Bring to a Craft Show for hints on that topic.

Q. Some items I have made are not selling, but if I mark them down in price I will not make a profit. Should I just keep showing them, hoping they will sell?

A. I would put the items on sale and try to at least get back what it cost to make them. Even if you have to sell them at less than cost, you will be turning them back into money. This can also be a lesson on pricing for you.

When pricing items, make certain the price, if reduced as a sale

The copyright of the article Holiday Craft Show Hints in Crafts is owned by Cheryl Lewis. Permission to republish Holiday Craft Show Hints in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.