craft sale best sellers? Let's make a listing! Please

[mrsskgilbert]

Originally Posted by CAmomof2

Stacey,

So in other words, you can't help me . What are you thinking of getting? I have some $1 items, some $4 items, some $5 items and a few $7 or $8 items. I had read somewhere of someone pricing their stuff with 95¢ on the end. She said that she thought it made people feel like they were getting a better deal and she just had a pocket full of nickels. My friends are coming over tonight to help me finish up some stuff and do my mock set up. I'll get their feel on the pricing too. We're all tightwads, so I think we should be in line with the general public .

Hi Christel

I thought of that, but honestly I just dont want to have to deal with "change". So I think I will stick with "bills". Hopefully $100 will be enough for change. I am going to get $30 in $1's, $40 in $5's and $30 in $10's. Well see how that goes!

[Chef Mama]

Originally Posted by kaitysmom

It took about 5-6 days to get them...but I'm in KY and they shipped from Hawaii...so not too bad.

Thanks. I'm leaving on Thursday to go to my brother's house for this craft fair out of town. I'm thinking I'd better wait & get those for the next one. They look really cool! I wish I could find something like that locally just to pick up a few.

[Chef Mama]

THanks for all the ideas ladies for card displays & more. I got both snowman pails & snowflake ones at Target. They are so cute! Money is so tight & I probably shouldn't have spent that (also picked up candy, the hot cocoa & a few things I can't recall), but I hope to do well at this fair. That's the goal anyway! LOL!

[Chef Mama]

Well, I just found a place in Texas that sells the magnets. They are a little bit more, but I think they'll be here before we leave & I can glue them on at my Bro's. Did you use one or two of these per clothespin?

[dancincz]

Originally Posted by CAmomof2

Stacey,

So in other words, you can't help me . What are you thinking of getting? I have some $1 items, some $4 items, some $5 items and a few $7 or $8 items. I had read somewhere of someone pricing their stuff with 95¢ on the end. She said that she thought it made people feel like they were getting a better deal and she just had a pocket full of nickels. My friends are coming over tonight to help me finish up some stuff and do my mock set up. I'll get their feel on the pricing too. We're all tightwads, so I think we should be in line with the general public .

hi - just got asked to do 2 more shows yesterday - this brings my total to 2 this month and 3 next month and a show at my hospital - one show is huge...now I'm thinking 100 of everything won't be enough
as far as change goes - I'm fond of giving people the choice - ie: 8.50 or 2 for 15. - that works well - I get about 40/50. one dollar bills, 4 5.00 and 2/3 10.'s - I also bring a roll or two of quarters (because I do lots of 1.50, etc.) - if you do the .95, bring a roll of nickles - I also have a long note pad (the ones you get for fridges), put it on a small clipboard and keep a running list of all items sold - show name and date also - this way I can keep track of the best items, slow ones, etc. - also, any notes about the show, it's advertising (or lack of), parking, attendance AND whether I'd do the show again - hope this helps a bit (sorry for the long post)
carole

[nsruss]

Originally Posted by mrsskgilbert

Hi Christel

I thought of that, but honestly I just dont want to have to deal with "change". So I think I will stick with "bills". Hopefully $100 will be enough for change. I am going to get $30 in $1's, $40 in $5's and $30 in $10's. Well see how that goes!

Stacey, just a thought but you may want to bring more $10s if bank machines in your area only dispense $20 bills. I ran into that issue at my last fair. Everyone was fresh from the bank machines and only had $20s.

[madmichelle]

Originally Posted by lacroico

...
I'm going to have a sign on my table "Buy four get one free or equal or lesser value". Do you think my prices are too much. I see a lot of people sell most of my $2.50 items for $1. It cost me more than a $1 for most of them and I'm supposed to x3 - according to this thread so I thought 2.50 would be fair. What do you think?

You should not charge less that what a product cost you otherwise what is the point of making it at all for a stall. Whether you get the price depends upon the market social demographics as much as anything else. For example if I were to sell something in my local town which has a high blue collar Western European immigrant demographics then I can't charge as much - their attitude is that "it is home made and so therefore should be cheap" whereas if I take the same product to a white collar more Anglo Saxon/ 2nd generation immigrant community their attitude is generally that "it is handmade and therefore an original" and thus are more inclined to pay more for it - in fact if it is too cheap then they will ignore it as that might make them look like cheap stakes or they think the product must be inferior and thus to be avoided.
I like the idea of 5 for the price of 4. Everyone likes a bargain and this way you might push people to spend just that little extra so they can get the bargain. This is much better for you than offering 20% off which is what it works out to be but you get more turnover your way!
As to how many to make depends on the size of your markets. Just keep a lot of the multiples in boxes to replenish the table rather than have them all out at once.

[mrsskgilbert]

Thank you to everyone for the great inspiration and advise. I am now on the countdown to get everything done. I have to set up in the morning at 7:30 am. Keeping my fingers crossed that I do well!

Good luck to all the ladies who have fairs tomorrow as well.

[craftymomto2]

GOOD LUCK to all of you who have sales tomorrow!! May your booth be busy all day long and a pocket full of money at the end!!

[tmurph36]

good luck ladies... I wish I were setting up at a fair tomorrow... I will be working this weekend. YOu all have wonderful input and great ideas.

[Yvonne Wilson]

good luck girls on your craft sales....may you have tons of customers that "oh" and "ahh".Of course buy all your goodies and make it all worth the time and effort you have put into the day!!

[kaitysmom]

Originally Posted by CAmomof2

Here's the snowman mug filled. I still need to put the tag with the poem on it. I'm also attaching a photo of my Rudolph's Spares. I posted these on another thread, but thought I'd put them here too.

I have my best friend coming over tonight to help me get a few things wrapped up. My fair's on Sunday, so I'll be busy all day tomorrow.

Can anyone tell me what kind of change they brought? I need to go to the bank tomorrow to get money for change and I'm trying to decide what to get. Thanks!

Love the snowman soup! I went to our Dollar Tree and they were out! The cashier said that they would be getting more in Saturday - so guess where I will be going tomorrow?

As far as change...I always bring at least 50.00 in singles, 30.00 in fives and 2 rolls of quarters.

Good luck! Sending everyone with shows this weekend good craft show mojo!

[jenndspencer]

sales dust! I send my fellow ttc friends baby dust, so I think sales dust is appropriate here! Good luck, and enjoy!

[stampermomof2]

Originally Posted by Joypup

I would still say $3 each, or 4 for $10 -- maybe 10 for $20

You are not only a crafter -- but a salesperson -- and your job is to sell as many as you can make, while also making a living wage.

The pretties kit stuff is expensive, really -- and you deserve the extra money.

Get folks to go in together to buy a bundle, and don't think about selling one or two ;^)*

these are beautiful and worth $3

If they want to make them for less -- let them buy the materials from you!

Julie

Thanks for kind comment and advice, Julie! I think I will price them at $3. If they don't sell at my fair tomorrow I will lower the price at the next one to $2.50. Then I might do a third fair, too depending on how these go and if they'll still give me a spot.

Ay yay yay, it's passed midnight and I still have a lot to do to get ready for my fair. I still have to print out my prices, create a checklist of things I want to remember to bring (and take home!), an inventory list of my items so I'll know what sold, prepare a MDS board showing stuff made with MDS (and I have to find my digital scrapbook that disappeared!), pack everything up and get my tables ready (bringing 3 that all have tons of stuff on them), and score all the make n' take cardstock (might not get done).

Tomorrow I will get change - thanks for the reminder on that! And I might get a Santa hat at the dollar store because 2 other demos (different companies) said they will be wearing one and encouraged us to do so (but not mandatory).

Oh, I need to get my camera ready, too so I can take photos to share with all of you .

Thanks to all for your well wishes, tips, advice, shared ideas and pics, etc. etc. etc!!!

[DianeCraft]

I am new to this site and have found this forum. Very cool and a bunch of very creative ladies on here.

[DianeCraft]

I wanted to share a modification I have made to the Tic tac snowman kisses poem. I use this instead of the other version that is found online:
..
Many kinds of kisses,
some for love,
and for good wishes,
These ones are cute,
and can’t be beat,
Snowman kisses . . .
are a yummy treat.

[blueslady]

Originally Posted by DianeCraft

I wanted to share a modification I have made to the Tic tac snowman kisses poem. I use this instead of the other version that is found online:
..
Many kinds of kisses,
some for love,
and for good wishes,
These ones are cute,
and can’t be beat,
Snowman kisses . . .
are a yummy treat.

This is so cute!!!! Thank you so much for sharing it.

[barbiejo]

Originally Posted by DianeCraft

I wanted to share a modification I have made to the Tic tac snowman kisses poem. I use this instead of the other version that is found online:
..
Many kinds of kisses,
some for love,
and for good wishes,
These ones are cute,
and can’t be beat,
Snowman kisses . . .
are a yummy treat.

LOVE THIS!!!

[kat2800]

I am making post-it-note holders with 4x4 chipboard and a magnet on the back. How do you ladies attach the matching pen so it can stay with the notes? I have seen some with ribbon, some with velcro but wonder which works best and what you use to make it stay put.

Also, any place to buy the RSVP pens cheap? I don't care if they are the brand name or not.

[purplepatch]

Originally Posted by craftsrlb

I was wondering if anyone would share their poems for elf pillows and grinch pills. I had a show last week and the dollar items went really well, so I thought I would make some more choices.
Thank you

Here's a little poem I have written for you, for your Elf Pillows. Hope you like it and can use it! I can't do much for a while except use the computer due to having both legs injured, but I sure am enjoying reading about all the fun everyone else is having making things. I can't wait to get back to crafting big time! Good luck with your fairs.

Santa’s elves are nodding
It’s time for them to rest.
They’ve worked so hard for far too long-
They always do their best.
Santa says, “You’re clever chaps,
But now you elves must have your naps!
Please take these pillows to your beds,
It’s time to rest your weary heads”.

[lynnewithane]

Originally Posted by purplepatch

Here's a little poem I have written for you, for your Elf Pillows. Hope you like it and can use it! I can't do much for a while except use the computer due to having both legs injured, but I sure am enjoying reading about all the fun everyone else is having making things. I can't wait to get back to crafting big time! Good luck with your fairs.

Santa’s elves are nodding
It’s time for them to rest.
They’ve worked so hard for far too long-
They always do their best.
Santa says, “You’re clever chaps,
But now you elves must have your naps!
Please take these pillows to your beds,
It’s time to rest your weary heads”.

What are elf pillows?

[kaitysmom]

Originally Posted by purplepatch

Here's a little poem I have written for you, for your Elf Pillows. Hope you like it and can use it! I can't do much for a while except use the computer due to having both legs injured, but I sure am enjoying reading about all the fun everyone else is having making things. I can't wait to get back to crafting big time! Good luck with your fairs.

Santa’s elves are nodding
It’s time for them to rest.
They’ve worked so hard for far too long-
They always do their best.
Santa says, “You’re clever chaps,
But now you elves must have your naps!
Please take these pillows to your beds,
It’s time to rest your weary heads”.

That is SOOOOOO stinkin cute! Now I have to make some so that I can use this poem! WELL DONE!!!

Beth

[stampinrealtor]

Im using those little red & white peppermint puffs that I got a tub of at Costco.

I have a stamp that is a bug and says Bah! Humbug! or maybe just Hum-bug (can't remember). Anyway I want to modify the grinch pills to be scrooge pills with this stamp. what do you think?

Just missing my ATG gun and all my misc supplies to begin mega crafting are here! But I am also a realtor and just got 3 new listings and possibly 4 houses under contract!! Time is precious! Im lucky that my DH knows that when I work this hard something has to give. Unfortunately, for my family it's cooking and cleaning. Hee!Hee!Hee! Maria

[purplepatch]

Originally Posted by lynnewithane

What are elf pillows?

Here's a link to an "Elf Pillows" picture:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...1560?&cat=5644

[kbgirl]

Well, I am a little disappointed with the show today. First off, it was a small show with around 16-18 vendors there. It was held at a church in the next town from me. I was the only papercrafter there and I thought oh boy, this is great. Well, I guess people wanted stuff that was not really handmade more like a re-sale shop. I had many, many lookers, but not many buyers. They would say, oh this is cute and then move on. My biggest sellers were the glass magnets and the small paperclip bookmarks.

I did however have this one lady who was just amazed at everything I did. She told me I had a special talent for this....that made me feel much better. She went around to the other booths and then came back to mine and ordered $47.00 worth of items that I will give to her at my next fair on Nov 29th.....That really brightened up my day...

So, all in all, I only sold $35 worth of items and then the $47 in orders for a grand total of $82.00 and my booth space was $10. I sure hope the next one is better.......

Leslie

[mrussom]

I'm back from my craft sale and it was great. I didn't have anything over $5 on my table (not on purpose it just happened that way) and I made $230. Lots of lookers and buyers. I was the only one at the fair that had papercraft items - there were lots of people with knit items and jewelry so they really competed with each other. The lady by me selling jewelry was very jealous of the people coming to my table and I felt bad about that (but then she kept complaining to me so I stopped feeling bad!!). I sold lots of bookmarks and nugget boxes, notepads and some manicure sets that I made up. I will be posting some pictures Monday but its all stuff everyone has seen before. The elf pillows that I did (without the cute poem that someone now has posted) were a hit, along with the poop, reindeer noses and magic reindeer food too!). It was a fun time and I'm glad I did well. I did the sale for a foundation in the name of my niece who passed away in 2008 and I'm glad I raised some money for it. My sister was very happy indeed! I even got rid of cards this time too, which I was happy for. I donated a bunch to their church too, the ladies worked very hard on the craft sale and they have a nice church and I wanted to give backa bit (plus they have an awesome ladies room and they have great soaps and lotions in there - really - I love using their bathroom!). Anyway, I hope others do well at their sales too.

[jenndspencer]

Originally Posted by kbgirl

Well, I am a little disappointed with the show today. First off, it was a small show with around 16-18 vendors there. It was held at a church in the next town from me. I was the only papercrafter there and I thought oh boy, this is great. Well, I guess people wanted stuff that was not really handmade more like a re-sale shop. I had many, many lookers, but not many buyers. They would say, oh this is cute and then move on. My biggest sellers were the glass magnets and the small paperclip bookmarks.

I did however have this one lady who was just amazed at everything I did. She told me I had a special talent for this....that made me feel much better. She went around to the other booths and then came back to mine and ordered $47.00 worth of items that I will give to her at my next fair on Nov 29th.....That really brightened up my day...



So, all in all, I only sold $35 worth of items and then the $47 in orders for a grand total of $82.00 and my booth space was $10. I sure hope the next one is better.......

Leslie

Time for me to pass on the encouragement! Don't give up, You are a talented artist, and you will find the right venue. Sometimes the crowd isn't right, it has nothing to do with your talent! Try to learn what you can from this experience and move on. GL at your next sale!

[jenndspencer]

Originally Posted by mrussom

I'm back from my craft sale and it was great. I didn't have anything over $5 on my table (not on purpose it just happened that way) and I made $230. Lots of lookers and buyers. I was the only one at the fair that had papercraft items - there were lots of people with knit items and jewelry so they really competed with each other. The lady by me selling jewelry was very jealous of the people coming to my table and I felt bad about that (but then she kept complaining to me so I stopped feeling bad!!). I sold lots of bookmarks and nugget boxes, notepads and some manicure sets that I made up. I will be posting some pictures Monday but its all stuff everyone has seen before. The elf pillows that I did (without the cute poem that someone now has posted) were a hit, along with the poop, reindeer noses and magic reindeer food too!). It was a fun time and I'm glad I did well. I did the sale for a foundation in the name of my niece who passed away in 2008 and I'm glad I raised some money for it. My sister was very happy indeed! I even got rid of cards this time too, which I was happy for. I donated a bunch to their church too, the ladies worked very hard on the craft sale and they have a nice church and I wanted to give backa bit (plus they have an awesome ladies room and they have great soaps and lotions in there - really - I love using their bathroom!). Anyway, I hope others do well at their sales too.

Congrats! So glad you had such a great show! Enjoy your success!

[buggainok]

Another tired crafter report.

All in all a very successful day at my holiday bazaar at a local church. For some reason, lucky I guess, I got a spot right by the front door. So my booth was the first thing everyone saw when they walked in! It was the first time I was at this fair, and I was shocked that they didn't give such a prime space to someone who was a loyal veteran of previous shows. But I'm not complaining - it was great!

I was the only papercrafter there also, and I think that helped. I was busy all day and sold lots of stuff. Like someone else said, lots of people around me had jewelry to sell and were not selling much at all. They were watching the people stop at my booth all day.

Bestsellers were small notepads with pens, post it notebooks with pens, and those cute purse gift card holders with embossed envies. These were all $4 items, so they added up pretty quick.

One lady picked out 10 notebooks and said she was giving them to her many granddaughters. That was a nice sale.

Little tea holder cards stamped with cute little hedgehogs on the front and tied with a ribbon, with a tea bag and poem inside were a hit also. They went for $3. A gal bought 8 of them and was so happy to find them. She said, "At my age, most of my friends already have anything they want or need. I just want a little something to let them know I'm thinking of them at Christmas and these are perfect."

Sold a few York peppermint patty packs and a couple of Nugget packs, but not as many as I thought I would. Thank goodness I have another fair on the 14th for some of these perishables, lol.

Nothing in particular stood out as far as other items, just a mix sold, a few here and there of different things.

People are so funny. A lady was looking at the wrapped Hershey bars "Christmas Fudge" style. Her hubby said, "We need about 8 of those. I got all excited until she said, "Oh, I'm just going buy one so I can see how they are made, and make my own." At least she was honest.

I was totally shocked that I did not sell a single Snowman Soup. They were really cute, in the red little pails from Target. They were very labor intensive, with a stamped, scalloped colored snowman image, lots of tied ribbons, etc. and 2 packs of cocoa. No one really paid attention to them at all.

My dd said she thinks it is because people can't get their mind around cocoa in a bucket, not a mug. I think she may have a point. I'm going to repurpose the pails for Valentines, to save my $15 investment in them. I'll pick up some mugs for my next round of Snowman soup.

My booth fee for this fair was only $25 so I made out pretty well for the day.

A fun thing to share: They had a local animal rescue group there with their wonderful dogs all day long, different dogs about every couple of hours. These folks rescue dogs from all kinds of shelters, socialize them, and train them to be therapy/companion dogs. The doggies were at the fair to be around lots of people and get experience with crowds.

There was a beautiful Mastiff that weighed 170 pounds,and a lovely Great Dane almost that big. Also smaller breeds, even a tiny Chihuahua. They all wore their official jackets with their names on them. They were all so friendly and fun to meet and pet. Each one had a story of what happened to them and how they came to be rescued, some at the last minute before their time at the shelter was up. I so admire the people who do this.

Onward to the next fair on November 14th. Got to make more notebooks.

[buggainok]

Originally Posted by kbgirl

Well, I am a little disappointed with the show today. First off, it was a small show with around 16-18 vendors there. It was held at a church in the next town from me. I was the only papercrafter there and I thought oh boy, this is great. Well, I guess people wanted stuff that was not really handmade more like a re-sale shop. I had many, many lookers, but not many buyers. They would say, oh this is cute and then move on. My biggest sellers were the glass magnets and the small paperclip bookmarks.

I did however have this one lady who was just amazed at everything I did. She told me I had a special talent for this....that made me feel much better. She went around to the other booths and then came back to mine and ordered $47.00 worth of items that I will give to her at my next fair on Nov 29th.....That really brightened up my day...

So, all in all, I only sold $35 worth of items and then the $47 in orders for a grand total of $82.00 and my booth space was $10. I sure hope the next one is better.......

Leslie

Leslie, more encouragement coming your way. Crowds are funny and fickle, indeed. My dear departed dad had a great saying: It takes all kinds - and they're all here. (And sometimes they're at the craft fair, lol.)

I feel sure you will do better at the next fair. Your items are well crafted and appealing and your prices are in line.

One silver lining - at least you don't have to make too many things to replenish your stock.

[mrsskgilbert]

Well I had my first ever craft fair today. All in all I didnt do to bad. After making up my booth fee I made $163, but only came home with $137 (just had to buy some stuff!) I was kind of surprised though, I took a bunch of $1 items and I think I only sold about $10 worth. Anyway ladies I am exhausted so I will share more tomorrow with pictures!.

[doggonecrafts]

Just catchin up on this thread.
Bugga & Mary - glad your sales went so well! Bugga - I got chills reading about the dog rescue at the show. Since I'm involved - it's nice to hear about what other organizations do!
I am surprised at the snowman soup. Mine are not in a mug - but they are family sized - so hopefully they will sell. I'll let you know next week.

Leslie - sorry to hear not many people were buying but I'm glad you see you got a huge order! That's really great! Hopefully the next show will be much better for you!

I'm getting excited for our show next weekend. Hopefully the weather is good, so crowds come in!

[doggonecrafts]

Stacey - just saw your post! Yes it's the hard thing when you spend your profits at the same fair!!! But, hopefully you got something good!!

[Lenice]

I just finished my first Craft Fair, I think it was a success, between my sister and I we made about $350. I have a lot left over so I think we are going to do another one to get rid of some stuff.
The Snowman soup didn't sell very well and I made 60 of them, so I will make up some more (40) for the Children's party at the local hospital, my DH is a cop and they do the party every year and give the kids a stuffed animal and a stocking stuffed with candy, they will get snowman soup instead.
The big sellers were Tic Tac Snowmen , Teabag holders, gift tags, cards, post-it-note holders and altered Altoid tins with a pop-up grinch inside, they were my favorite too.

[stampinbuddy2002]

I did a craft fair on Friday. The local homeschool group put it on- the first time they have done this. It was from 10-2 on a Friday, and had about 35-40 booths. Unfortunately, no one really showed up. After some persuading, we're going to have a "do-over" on a Saturday soon...to give us a chance to unload some of our wares!! lol Anyway, I did make $100, my best sellers were Christmas ornaments- the glass ones with the stamped acetate inside, the magic piggy wands I saw on here, the paperclip bookmarks, nugget containers, and packages of Christmas cards. I did also sell quite a few of the mint sandwiches...hope this helps someone!

[stampinsweeney]

Do you think that selling stamp kits at the craft show while selling cards would undermine my card sales? There are so many people who comment on how beautiful my cards are and blah, blah, blah, but they make their own cards. So, I was thinking...why not sell them stamps if they won't buy the cards?

Any thoughts?

[Chef Mama]

what tea bag holders are you gals making? Do you put tea in or just sell the holder for them to fill?

[DianeCraft]

Originally Posted by Lenice

I just finished my first Craft Fair, I think it was a success, between my sister and I we made about $350. I have a lot left over so I think we are going to do another one to get rid of some stuff.
The Snowman soup didn't sell very well and I made 60 of them, so I will make up some more (40) for the Children's party at the local hospital, my DH is a cop and they do the party every year and give the kids a stuffed animal and a stocking stuffed with candy, they will get snowman soup instead.
The big sellers were Tic Tac Snowmen , Teabag holders, gift tags, cards, post-it-note holders and altered Altoid tins with a pop-up grinch inside, they were my favorite too.

How much did you sell the Tic Tac snowmen for? I just spent a couple hours making some. They are very cute but I did a paper-pieced snowman so they took longer than I wanted and it probably won't be worth my effort for profit! (I definitely need to find a good rubber stamp next time for these!)

If I can figure out how to post a photo, I will do this tomorrow.

[DianeCraft]

I would love to see any of the tea bag holders people did... any pics?

My sale is next week-end. It is my first and is a 2 day sale and a very popular one so I am feeling optimistic.

[mmcandy]

I did my first fair today. The best sellers were the individual gift bags that I made with my big shot and Christmas designer paper. I sold 30 and took an order for 12 more.
Individual thanksgiving and holiday cards sold very well.

Sold several sets of 4 reeses peanut butter cups layered with designer paper scallop and stamped acorn. People bought them for their Thanksgiving table.

Snowman soup packets