First Time!

[barb e]

I am considering going into a craft show in October for the very first time! (Yikes)  Just wondering how much stock I should have.  Should I have a few of many different things or lots of a few different things??

[Judy Hunter]

I do crafts shows.  My suggestion would be to have many different things. You never know what will appeal to people.
Pay attention to your display. Show things off to their best advantage. Use a backdrop if you have hanging things. Something as simple as a folding screen made from Styrofoam  would work just fine. Drape the table to the floor in a complementary fabric.  It makes a great place to hide your packing boxes or extra inventory.

GOOD LUCK!!

[Rapid Roger]

I haven't done any craft shows but I have done the monthly flea market we have here.
I totally agree with what Judy had to say.
I would display one or two of several completely different items and hide the excess under the table. I tried to make it look like a person was buying a truly "one off" item (even though I might have six more just like it)  and see which way "the wind blew" as far as different things that appealed to "this" bunch of folks went.   
Then I could replace the sold items in just a few minutes for another "one off " looker.    I would just remember what was selling at this show for next time. 
I had everything, from crosses to puzzles to fret work and even a rubber band gun! Ya just never know! 

Rog

[DWSudekum]

Barb I do several shows a year and have been successful in each.  I have a variety of my craft displayed and I try not to over crowd my display table(s).  One of the keys to having a successful outing is to talk to your customers get them involved.  You might even find after several shows that you have repeat customers and that is a good thing.  Good luck with your show.

DW

[Wooden Lace]

I agree with all the other comments, and would add that you never want the customer to feel pressured to buy.  I spend a lot of time during my shows "re-organizing"  my display.  Actually it's just busy work so I look too busy to bother them and they feel comfortable coming into the booth.  If you're waiting to pounce on them, you'll find a lot of people just walk right by.  I greet them and then leave them alone...works for me.
Nancy

[don in brooklin on]

I don't do craft shows but my best friend did the circuit here.  One thing he did was to have a basket of what he called "Twoonie" toys.  In Canada that is $2.  Little cars made of pine.  His stock at each show was about 100 as I cut some out for him.

People that have kids would come to the craft show and would look for something for kids and this was perfect.  It would often be the conversation starter to get people to the booth and look at other items. Also, sometimes it paid the table cost.

It really depends on the market.

If you are doing a lot of Christmas ornaments look for boxes for the expensive ones.

Don

[barb e]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  It has been helpfull. The application went in the mail the other day and I guess the cutting starts when I get home from holidays!