How to Organize a Monthly Craft Fair

Earning an income from your crafts is difficult when you are limited in the time and money you have to travel. Since most craft fairs are holiday- or summer-oriented, your opportunities to market your homemade crafts are restricted. Make your own opportunity by organizing a monthly craft fair in your town.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Locate a building for your venue. Due to fluctuation in the weather, your craft fair should be indoors. You will need a large building that is available once a month. Old warehouses or empty stores are good starting places. Private schools with gyms are often available too.

2. Step 2

   Check with your city, county and state to verify that you have any permits you need.

3. Step 3

   Contact all of your craft friends. Attend other shows and pass out business cards about your upcoming fairs. Ask other craft people to tell others. A venue like this will excite a lot of individuals as it will open up new opportunities for them too.

4. Step 4

   Determine your costs for the building and for advertising. You will only be able to handle so many booths. Charge a fee for each booth and pass this expense along to others renting the booths.

5. Step 5

   When you sign up vendors, keep two things in mind. You need to mix it up. Too many vendors selling the same type of items will reduce interest in your fair. Keep it fresh. Don't rent out the booths too far in advance to give new vendors an opportunity to participate too.
   
   If you get a tremendous response, you may need to seek out a larger facility. For now, twenty booths will be a good start.

6. Step 6

   Attract customers by offering special events. Craft demonstrations and do-it-yourself craft classes will give an incentive to craft lovers.

7. Step 7

   Advertise, advertise, advertise, but keep the costs low. Start with word of mouth. Add flyers place in grocery stores, laundry mats and a few other choice spots.
   
   Create simple postcards and place them around town. Leave them in craft stores, coffee shops, diners and other locations with the owner's blessing. Avoid high priced ads.