Top Ten Ways to not Make Money at Craft Shows

I have been involved with crafts shows for a longbuying.
time, and have been on both sides of the table... as a8) Make sure and have NO small change, or bags,
vendor and as a customer.. Here is a list of the topthat way you won't have to get up and complete
ten "money losing" tricks.:the sale.
1) Lay out your crafts on a table without any9) Make crafts that you do not like making, or don't
thought of display, look grumpy, set up your chairknow how to make properly, do not explain them to
behind the table and read a book. Better yet, don'tanyone. Show no passion in your work or display, let
even pay attention to your potential customers.everyone know, you are there for the money only.
2) Eat a large onion laden cheese burger, that is10) Explain to people that you are on the verge of
bigger than you mouth, have it loaded with ketchupwelfare, and need this money, and produce stick it
and mustard, and let everyone know you are eatingnotes for your business cards..
it!, then try and explain your crafts while people areDon't laugh... everyone of these things has happened
backing away from you! (why do they always sellat shows I have visited or shows that I have been
cheese burgers at craft shows???)in. I was actually set up beside someone who told
3) Dress like you just rolled out of a barn, lookme she hates crafts, but figured it was easy money...
crusty, and act as if you would rather be somewhereguess what?.. Her sales were non-existent.
else... anywhere else. Total lack of interest alwaysSmile, show some passion in your work.. be confident
attracts customers...NOT!in your work, and the best way to do that is to
4) Take absolutely no interest in setup... Take yourcreate a craft you are passionate about. Something
table and jam it right up to the aisle as close as youyou would make, even if you were not selling it. Look
can, and then lay all your crafts out in a single file. orproud to be there... after all you worked hard all year
better yet, pile them in a pile.. or in bins... ignoring allfor this show!
that free space behind you where you could haveFind out what your passion is, in the craft world, this
spent the money on shelves and displayed yourmakes all the difference, and it shows in your work.
products nicely.Set up a pretend display at home, I know this
5) Do not smile, at all, look totally peeved that yousounds like a lot of work, but on setup day, there will
were dragged out of bed for this weekend, and yoube panic all around you, and if you pack your things
and your crafts look like it. Show a total lack ofaway in some sort of system, you will then unpack
interest when a potential customers stops to look orthem in a calm manner. You can even do a drawing
asks a question, better yet, wander off and chit chatof your setup that you did at home, and follow it.
with other vendors.You will be distracted by other vendors, especially
6) Make sure your crafts are put together literallythose wanderers who spent 5 minutes setting up...so
the night before, and are about to fall apart, andits best if you are practiced.
then stick a high price tag on them. After all no oneFind something you like to do, and do it. There are
will notice right?many ebooks on line now, that you can buy today
7) Thinking this craft business is a great moneyand be learning the craft tonight, these are written
maker, and pricing your crafts as if people shouldby passionate people. Give that a try or take a class...
bless you for making them.. and then look totallyjust find something you like and your craft shows will
crusty by the end of the day when people are notmake you some money.