Here we continue with our series on the trials and tribulations of starting a craft business. Shall we learn together?

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to be in my very first indie craft fair. The Holiday Booty Market was produced by some wonderful people in the Craft Mutiny. I thought I would share with you some observations and some lessons that I gleaned from my experience.

Your Stock – In the months and weeks leading up to the fair, I was making whenever I had a moment. I am very deadline driven and really seem to kick it into gear whenever that deadline is approaching. I found myself making things right up until the day of the event, not really knowing if I had enough stock to sell, or fill a table. The best advice that I got before the show was from Becky from This Chickadee. She told me that no matter how much stuff you have, it will be enough. Such a simple, yet powerful way of thinking. It helped calm my nerves. In the end, she was right. I sold out of somethings and didn’t sell others.

Ask Questions – Something I still have a problem with is asking questions of other crafters about their experiences with craft fairs. It is ok to ask the organizers questions about how the show went in previous years, and what you should expect. It is ok to ask fellow crafters the same. Many are happy to answer or point you in the appropriate direction for the answer. The community is very supportive and the old adage of the only stupid question is an unasked question can apply.

Be on time – If the organizers of the craft show give you a set time for set up and load in, be on time. It is the respectful thing to do and it makes all the difference. The time for set up is there for you to get organized and ready for shoppers. It is unfair to your fellow crafters if you are late with your set up and your boxes and other materials are in the way. It also looks bad to shoppers, if your booth isn’t set up when the show opens. Not only do you hurt yourself by not being ready, but you also hurt the rest of the show, too.

Help where you can – When you are accepted into a show, do what you can to help when the organizers ask for it. Whether it is promotion, setting up or cleaning up the space, or bringing a baked good to share. Offer what you can when asked and be sure to follow through. Not only is it good karma, but it shows that you are a team player and want everyone to have a good show. Be sure to follow through with any requirements of your being in the show as well. If you don’t, you probably won’t be asked back next time.

Network – Take a break from your booth to go and talk with the other vendors. Introduce yourself and your craft if you’ve never met before. Ask them questions about their work and how long they’ve been crafting. Compliment work that you admire. Encourage other vendors to come and look over your booth if they have the chance. Be sure to trade business cards and when the show is over and you are home, subscribe to the other crafters’ RSS feeds and follow them on twitter.

Trade – This was one of the best surprises of the fair. I sort of knew about it but never experienced it until this past weekend. If you find something of another crafter’s that you must have, ask if there is anything of yours that they would be willing to trade for. It is a wonderful unspoken rule at the fair that vendors deal in their goods. I scored some great jewelry and an awesome scarf through trade. Now, when people ask me about my scores, I tell them all about who made it and instantly become my fellow crafter’s marketer and vice versa. Brilliant really.

Have any other advice concerning selling at a craft fair? Please share in the comments.