Village shows/craft fairs etc - trading at

[cambsmills]

I'm being really stupid. Why? My village has an annual classic car show and what do I sell? Classic car gifts, books etc. So it would be obvious to have a trade stand at the show. The fear of the unknown is putting me off and that's why I'm being stupid. Ran the refreshment stall last year as a volunteer and very much enjoyed it but was very tired afterwards. Having been a professional caterer this was in my comfort zone so no problem.

Other than needing some sort of tenting in case it rains (it did last year but was still busy) and insurance, what else do I need? I've got plenty of stock, but if we run out stock room is only 2 minutes away.

Advice please. Is it worth the effort? And what sort of tenting do I need as I've no idea about these things?

Any comments greatly appreciated.

[11thEagle]

A gazebo with a couple of tables should do shouldn't it?
some sort of sign made up and a float!

[bykimbo]

For the RNLI stall this month we had a fold-out gazebo (Argos I think) and a couple of tables that folded flat. Cloth covers that draped down the front, a few folding chairs for the stall-keepers to sit when not serving. A cash box with float (old ice-cream box). A pen and paper for hard sums. A copy of the insurance certificate (public liability). Plenty of staff, including runners to go back for more stock when needed. Ours was over 3 days, so we had to pack everything away into store each night. I think that was it.

p.s. Oh, and I came home and made a tray of tea each day. :)

[madelaine]

I bought a gazebo last year for the Shrivenham annual village fete (just a few miles from me) and it was well worth the effort. Apart from anything else, I saw loads of friends!

Make sure you have a decent float and some help so you can get to the loo. Take loads of water, a packed lunch and chairs (obvious, but easily forgotten).

[bykimbo]

Oh, and plastic bags. And any other packaging for breakables that might be needed.

[Spyder1942]

Craft fairs etc round here seem to be full of over priced rubbish as if they stocked up at the pound shop.Some of the so called local crafts still having "made in china " labels on the bottom of items.

[madelaine]

I fear that craft fairs are all but dead, Spyder.

[cambsmills]

Thanks for the replies, along the lines of what I was thinking.

[cambsmills]

No trade marquee so have to have my own weather protection. Pitch will cost approx £20. One day only and venue 1/2 mile from home/stock room so no travelling to speak of.

Catering was busy as it was in the village hall so people were sheltering from the intermittent rain and at the stupid price of 30p a cup there were many takers. (Pricing set by village hall committee not me, did tell them it was too cheap, especially as in proper cup and saucer)

[poppa501]

My take is that if you only clear expenses then it would be worth doing. It's only once a year. As for tables, many people don't have a pile of folding tables laying around the house. If you are in good with a church, you may be able to borrow some of theirs--chairs too. Just a thought. Make sure you have plenty of free flyers (price lists?) and/or business cards. Don't forget eBid! Display your merchandise neatly and orderly. Nothing worse than a cluttered display. If there is a lull and you have someone "watching the store", stroll around and see what everyone else is doing. Strike up a conversation with some of the other sellers--pass out business cards to them--make contacts. You may discover some wholesale suppliers that could come in handy at a later date. Also, many small dealers may be on the lookout for something you have and sales/trades may be in the making. Most of all--Enjoy! Your first time out will be a great learning experience!

Love to all
Poppa

[cambsmills]

Good tip re the dogs. As a dog owner myself (he won't be coming with me) I would appreciate that.

Next door helps the church with jumbles etc. will see if she can help re tables.

[MadcatwomanEnterprises]

I've done craft fairs, school fairs and galas that have been a total waste of time; I haven't even taken a tenner on the day. On the other hand, my kids' old primary school has always been brilliant - it is in one of the most deprived areas of one of the most deprived parts of the EU, but I haven't taken less than £80 there for a couple of hours work, so it all goes to show that you can't really guess how well things will do.

Hope it goes well and is worth your while.

[JudesNiceThings]

I used to use a big frame tent at outdoor events when I sold antiques.
I found that an 'L' shaped table layout was best, with the back table not so far back as to look uninviting ( Ie the 'sideways one tempts them in, but if they have to go too far in, they get a bit intimidated) but far enough to offer shelter from the rain or sun.

By all means take yourself a chair to sit on - it will be a long day, but be prepared to talk to people about your stuff, and come out to the front to talk to them instead of 'hiding' behind your counter.

It goes without saying that you should never leave your cashbox in public view at any time.

Obviously there will be refreshments easily available, but be sure to take plenty to drink - and to refill the 'dog water' bowl.

To help with accounts, write each item down IMMEDIATELY you sell, otherwise you will forget.

If your items are small but fairly 'covetable' its a good idea to lay out the fronts of your table in a regular pattern, so you can see if anything disappears!

Have a very good day, and dont forget to advertise eBid in some way!

[bykimbo]

Chairs are a big no-no as far as I am concerned - both for buyer and sellers.

The last thing you need is a few people ''taking a rest'' by parking their butts for 10 minutes in front of your pitch.
It is also looked upon as ''non-professional'' to see a stall holder sitting down.


Depends how busy the fair is I suppose. I think a chair's essential if you're not constantly serving. I wouldn't think a seller without a chair was more professional, just less well organised! I would stand ready to serve if the stall was approached, but if there's spells with nobody looking, park your bottom!

[bykimbo]

All I could give is my opinion.
I did the show circuit for over 10 years - around 40 shows per year.
It was always frowned upon to be sitting behind your stall.
I know of several of the large show organisers that request that stall holders do not sit during show open hours.
Suddenly standing up when customers approach does not look good.
During quieter periods, it is better to ''look busy'' - even if are just at front of stall moving items from one side to the other. If customers approach during that time, it is far easier to talk to them, than suddenly standing up.
There were times I would have loved a chair - and with back problems, it would have been really appreciated.

Interesting, thanks. I'd still take a chair to a village fair, but it's good to know the "in the know" thinking on this one.

[cambsmills]

When I do a boot fair I always stand, customers don't seem to approach quite as much if I'm sitting, I guess they don't want to disturb you. I have rheumatoid arthritis, but always stand. I'll put up with the discomfort later.

[bykimbo]

Not just ''in the know'' thinking on this one really.

Looking at it from a different angle......

A stall you set up anywhere is only a mini version of a b&m shop.
How often do we go into Tesco, B&Q, M&S, Harrods etc etc, and see staff sitting down just because its quiet (apart from those on the tills).
They always trying to look busy.

I don't think a village fair is the equivalent of M&S :)

In case it wasn't already clear, I found this information useful and interesting and wasn't disagreeing with you. I personally would probably still take a chair to a low-key friendly do such as a village fair, but I perfectly accept your argument that I'd probably sell less than if I took it more seriously and stood. I'm spelling this out as I suspect you're not used to people agreeing with you or admitting to being informed by your posts. ;) :D

[meebo1]

And as it's already been suggested to have more than one person in attendance, there can't be any harm to have a chair. 1 can sit while the other looks busy

[MagnetsAndHangers]

I don't think a village fair is the equivalent of M&S :)

In case it wasn't already clear, I found this information useful and interesting and wasn't disagreeing with you. I personally would probably still take a chair to a low-key friendly do such as a village fair, but I perfectly accept your argument that I'd probably sell less than if I took it more seriously and stood. I'm spelling this out as I suspect you're not used to people agreeing with you or admitting to being informed by your posts. ;) :D

It was perfectly clear.

In case mine wasnt clear - i was just showing a different angle of looking at it.

As far as people agreeing with me or admitting to being informed by my posts - I couldnt give two hoots either way.

[kengillam]

I used to sit in a chair and paint at craft fairs, I found people hung around more than if you were hovering trying to sell. A lot of people don't like to feel pressured. You have to play it as it comes, but somewhere to rest your feet on a long day is always welcome.

[paintinglemonjane]

It was perfectly clear.

In case mine wasnt clear - i was just showing a different angle of looking at it.

As far as people agreeing with me or admitting to being informed by my posts - I couldnt give two hoots either way.

Tut Tut! No need to be like that. :)

[paintinglemonjane]

I used to sit in a chair and paint at craft fairs, I found people hung around more than if you were hovering trying to sell. A lot of people don't like to feel pressured. You have to play it as it comes, but somewhere to rest your feet on a long day is always welcome.

I know what you mean Ken and people can also see what your doing a lot better when you are sitting, but I don't think its the same when you are selling items on a stall.:)
I do think it is much better to have two or three in attendance on a stall though. It's a long day and can be very tiring and a chair comes in handy, everyone taking turns of course.:D (Visualising the chair fight)

[cambsmills]

Thanks for all the interesting comments. Hubby and I will do it together and take turns at manning the stall. I think also that being able to take a break and go for a walk will help as it's not only legs that get tired but brains too. Plus it's a classic car show, so networking and photo opportunities.

There's usually a live rock'n'roll band so will want to have a bop.

Yes, I will take ebid flyers with me