Labeling a Craft to Sell....????

[Danny]

Have a FIRST time Craft Show in a couple weeks and I have finished lots n lots of different things.  My questions (a couple) What is the best way to set up your area that is 6 foot by 12 foot with the tables etc. ?  I will have neighbors so to speak.  ....AND....  HOW do you put a price on each craft?  I have bought the temporary lil stickers.  Front or Back?  Also I have succesfully completed (and I am proud of them) ....Pictures....OF various subjects ....AND.... made my own frames.  How do you display these and also how do you either/or show the prices of each?  ....AND....  WHAT would be a sellable price for each?  (Most are made from Baltic Birch and Pine Frames) ??
Hey guys n gals as you might notice I AM EXCITED....  Would really appreaciate any and all HELP....  Thank you in ADVANCE....  Danny  :+}

[Judy Hunter]

If you don't have a backdrop small easels work for displaying pictures. I use small string tags for pricing my things. remember to have a drape for your tables so you can hide your boxes and thing under the tables.  remember packaging.

[boxmaker]

Danny, like Judy says you can buy the tags at most stores, check the crafts and school supplies for them. And buy some fabric (get it on sale) to drape from one end of your table to the other and cover the front of your table to the floor, use a neutral color. Bring plenty of starter cash ie. $1.00 bills, $5.00 bills, tens and some change, bring bags (use plastic bags from the grocery store). Bring tissue paper if you want to for wrapping fragile things, and some boxes. I built a set of steps three steps high that you can break down for easy transport to display things on and add a different color fabric over the steps, and easels are easy to build also. You can also buy black foam board in the craft section and use push pins to display ornaments on, prop it up with a board and clamp or use an easel. I am sure I have not mentioned everything, but this may get you thinking.

                                                             Mark

[mouse]

Some things I learnt from doing lots of craft fairs many years ago as a professional wood turner.

Do not overload the table, it looks messy.
Have replacements for items sold under the table.
Make sure all items are visible from the front of your display
Always group items in odd numbers, it is more eye catching
Put your most expensive items at the front if possible.
Look enthusiastic and talk to people browsing your stall There's nothing worse than a stall holder sitting reading a book.
Do not put signs like "do not touch, breakages must be paid for" on the table. It frightens people away
HTH

[Danny]

I THANK ALL for your input.  I WILL SURELY use your advice.  My Portrait work has me puzzled as to what price to tack on them....  I was told a FORMULA to price items from a Pro. and it just doesn't seem like I could ever get the amount.  Like the ones I am posting.  Like it took me around 4 to 6 hours to finish some.  I was told to add $10 per hour it took to cut the craft.
How bout you guys n gals that have did many, many shows throw me some hints.  Please....  :+}

[GrayBeard]

Danny...that darn indian must be "Falling Rock"...I see him everywhere!

I had mine in a 'recycled' frame that I painted and priced at $50. Almost sold - woman said she would be back with her hubby but never showed. Found out he fell down the stairs in the church and she had to rush him to the hospital! Broken Ankle.

Did you make your frames?

~~~GB~~~

[Russ C]

You have some nice work there. I don't do craft shows but I have sold portrait work similar to yours from $45.00 to $65.00. The others have some good advice for the shows. 

[Danny]

Gee Russ and you also Graybeard you both make me feel good about your feelings.  You know being a Newbe type with selling I have only used family and friends as the advice givers and No One has ever given me the top dollar for my Portraits as you have.  Over all its MAYBE $10 bucks!  Cheap family, but in less than 2 weeks I shall set up my display area and will just see how things sell.  And Yes Graybeard I have always made all my picture frames.  Thats the easy part of it.  Thank ya all for your advice.  Danny  :+}

[Rapid Roger]

When you think about it, $10.00  per hour is pretty cheap. Just ask any plumber or auto tech. or anyone who works a real job almost anywhere. Don't forget the price of materials and the cost of your saw and blades and finishing materials.
You will probably never get to making alot of money scrolling but, don't cheat your self either.
If you start off high, you can always come down but, you can never go up on price.

Rog

[Becky]

The portraits look really good.  I think those prices are reasonable.  I sold a portrait sort of accidently recently - no backer and no frame and the person I sold it to thought she got a steal at $45. 

I haven't done any shows so don't have real advice, but I wish you good luck!

[kp91]

I used business cards as price tags.  My Father in law was a printer back then, so my costs were pretty low for the cards, but you can still get them quite cheap.

Plus, it reminds the buyer where you got it from.....

[Russ C]

I like the business cards as price tags idea. Thanks for sharing. 

[GrayBeard]

Business Cards as Price Tags....Avery has free software that has all kinds of business card templates and they also have an "add-on" for MS Office 'WORD' that makes bus. cards within 'Word'!

Buy the blanks online in bulk and make your own!!!
You can also make 2 sided cards with your B/C on one side and the price tag and other info on the back.
I have been doing this for years. Even make them for friends as gifts!

When you make them just leave some space in a 'corner' where you can write in the Price.

There are other 'free' or very inexpensive software programs for making labels and business cards....one that comes to mind is called "Office Printer" and does business cards and labels! I think it goes for about $15. Google ... "business cards, software, free" and see what you find.

I spent a lot of years in the printing industry and would never think of buying business cards when I own a color printer!
Business Card blanks come in a 10 up format so 10 sheets give you 100 cards for just your printer costs. Buy re-filled cartridges on line and save money there too...I use <ldproducts.com> for my cartridges.

Have never had a problem!

~~~GB~~~