I've recently come across a couple of opportunities to be a vendor at a craft fair, but I am weighing the pros and cons of doing it. It's something I've always thought I wanted to do and the price is right(one place is $25, the other is $15). But- my hubby isn't on board with it, the paperwork to get a tax id looks complicated, I don't have a display ready so I'd have to go buy a tent, tables, tablecloths, etc., it's outdoors from 11-6 in 100 degrees, MIL can't babysit because FIL is in the hospital, and it would keep us from doing any family activities or trip on the weekend. I'm almost ashamed of the things I make, not sure if they are a good quality or something that anyone would want.
I am not worried about making any money(I already know I won't), but I don't want to go farther and waste money on it. I did one craft fair and it was indoors, at a church. I made just enough to cover the registration cost. My FIL joked that it was still worth it for me to get a few hours of peace and quiet.
I already emailed the person organizing one of the events, before thinking things over logically. I was excited and I really just wanted to know how much it cost. But now I'm not sure. Do I go for it no matter what the cost and inconveniences are? Or do I back out, and how do I word things if I email her back to say "thanks for your time, but I'm too unorganized of a person to follow through" without sounding like an idiot?
ETA: I went ahead and emailed them back that I'm not ready to be a vendor yet, but maybe I'll get to shop there. Thank you Malia for the help with the wording.
Thanks everyone for the advice. I definitely should take another look at Etsy. I had avoided it so far, because I'd have to bug my husband about paying the fees. But now that I think about it, if I list 20 items and don't sell anything for a year, I'll only lose $16. That's not so bad, costs the same as the fee for one day of the craft fair. I used to have things listed on another site which had no fees at the time, and in 1 year I made $9.
One of the things I make is woven sashes. Another weaver I admire uses natural fibers(I use artificial yarn because it's what I already own), and sells similar items for historical costumes or custom guitar straps. She lives near New Mexico/Arizona where weaving is really popular, and teaches classes on it. Her items sell on Etsy for $30 to $60.
Hi T. - don't be so negative!! Stop saying that you know you won't make money. It's all in the attitude!! My suggestion was to see if there is anyone who you can double up in, in their booth and split the cost. Or, if not, can you rent the equipment that you need from a party supply store? That way if you don't want to do it on a continual basis, you don't have a bunch of stuff that you don't need. Whatever you do, have a good time!!!!
I would wait until your homelife is a little bit more settled...& for when babysitting is not an issue. An easy & honest way to back out of the craft fair would be to state: "due to family illness, I am unable....".
Have you ever considered Etsy.com? It's a great site for selling your wares!
I like the Etsy idea. It will give you an opportunity to share your wares with the world without disrupting your family. It will also allow you to test the waters and see if you might want to expand to local events later when the kids are a bit older.
I buy things from Etsy from time to time. It's a great place to support moms, and get some nice products at the same time.
Good luck, and don't sell yourself short. You sound like a creative person who should give explore your creativity and give it a chance to grow, especially since you enjoy it. :)
I use to do a couple craft fairs and learned a lot. Not all craft shows are alike. My stuff was all hand made children's knit items so the shows I did the best at were fall/winter juried craft shows. Juried means that you submit an application with pictures of your items and display and they choose which people will be invited to participate. Juried are more expensive but the people attending a juried show are there to buy high quality stuff. The free shows that are done by PTA's at schools and church ones usually have low quality store bought stuff. A lot of the times the good spots go to the school or church fundraising tables so they make the money. You as a paying vender end up shoved in a corner where there are a ton of people wandering around with few buying.
Have you tried selling your items on etsy? It's super cheap and easy to use, and you could see whether or not your items are something people would actually buy.
This is my etsy shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/BabyCakesbyMamaZita
I've sold five of my cakes for a profit of about $125 so far. Not huge money but it's a fun creative outlet for me and it doesn't hurt to make a little money!
If you decide not to do it, all you need to do is just tell the people "After thinking about it, I'm not quite ready to take that step yet. I'll keep it in mind for next year."
You can watch for the pop-up tents and see if you can get one on Craigslist, and start building up your stock. Meanwhile, go to some of the craft fairs and try to watch what people may buy..... but remember, they may want something they CAN'T already get there... if you have something unique, it may sell well.
Sounds like it would be more stress than fun. Maybe wait until you are in a better position.
I'm curious. What do you make?
I wouldn't invest money into a business that I thought was going to lose $. Shop your product online 1st to see if it is a seller. AS a matter of fact, go online and see if there is anything similar, how it's made, and what they are charging for it. BTW - inquiring about a spcae in no way obligates you. If you haven't put down a deposit, you have no responsibility.
You don't do craft fairs to sell a lot at the time. You do craft fairs so people will know you are there and may have products they are interested in. You can show the items you have already made and have a sign that says 'special (custom) orders accepted'. One caution --- do not make any licensed items, no Disney, MLB, NFL, Harley Davidson, John Dear... ect you can get into a world of hurt should you do that. A lot of people try it and if for instance Disney would catch you doing it they will send you a letter asking you to cease and dissist -- if you don't they will take you to court --- and win. And the fines can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A customer can purchase the licensed fabric and pay you to make something but you can not purchase the fabric, make something and sell it.
I have a friend who is a Tupperware Lady and she does flea markets and may sell $10 worth the day of the flea market but also book 2-3 shows --- that's where the money comes in. So depending upon what you sell you can make money doing craft fairs and flea markets ---- but more on booking home parties than actual sales that day.
Don't beat yourself up and be a negative nellie... you wont get anywhere that way. Think positively and logically.
You will need to get a tax id and sales and use tax id. you will have to file the proper reports quarterly with each entity and pay any taxes due. Even if you go to a free set up and make sales, you still have to file reports or the IRS and state will be after you.
I am not familiar with online sales and sites so I can't answer to the tax forms, etc related to that. You would need to look into it just so you are covered either way.
We own our company and a huge part of my job as owner is making sure I get payroll taxes paid monthly and all reporting done quarterly. There is a lot of paperwork and I am the one in the family who is most organized with that part. Hubby does the selling, negotiating, etc and I do financials. It is a team effort but well worth it for us. We are full time and live off our salaries paid by our company.
You don't sound like an idiot just because you ask for information. Any person in their right mind would gather all information befor making a decision so they can make an informed decision.
Good luck to you!
I have done art fairs. Getting a tax id and business license is about the easiest thing to do. Its a pain, but easy. A craft fair is a good way to see if what you make is marketable. You sound down on yourself, but you'll never know if you don't try. They are a lot of work to get set up, but they are fun. Yes do it.
Hey T.! I am reading your question and want you to know that filing the business name to get the tax id is not hard, but annoying because I had to wait in line to meet with the comptroller's office, etc...just took time. Etsy is a great place to start. I started selling there, and word of mouth through friends and co-workers, etc. I have done some craft fairs/holiday shows around the Austin area and could tell you what is worth your time and money! If you want to e-mail me when you want more information on which ones are worth it please don't hesitate to contact me...you can contact me through my website. www.AlanaLilieDesigns.com
What do you make?
If you don't have anything to share that you're particularly proud of, perhaps you can enjoy the fair more by just attending and seeing what others have. It will give you a peaceful way to pass an hour or so and you can bolster your confidence if you find there are things that you do craft that are every bit as good as items you see offered. Then, you can perhaps participate at another time when things are a little less challenging (babysitter available, etc.) As for the email back I would simply state, "I'm sorry, but a change of plans make it necessary for me to withdraw as a participant in the craft fair. Thank you for your time and consideration and I apologize for any inconvenience this change may have cause."
If it makes you happy, then it is something you need to do. I lived for years with a man that told me that nothing I did was worth the hassle of not being there for the family. So I stopped doing the things I loved because of it. I regret that decision. Everyone needs to have time to themselves to do whatever they want. Think of it this way, if he wanted to go fishing for the weekend, would it be a big deal?
Also, on another note, if you are just going to do this once or twice here and there, then there is no reason to file for a Tax ID number. Even if it does turn into a more legit business, you can operate under your own SSN for a while.
I would love to see this craft fair, and more important see you there :)
