Market Research- a few tips for selling at craft fairs

So I recently did my first craft fair. Scary stuff eh?, but whilst panicking that I may have nothing to sell I managed to pick up some helpful hints from around the jewellery school.

Helen told me to bear in mind the amount of money people would want to spend at the type of fair I was selling at, as it was in a pub, it would probably be less than or around £30. Annie’s titbit was to always leave enough time to set up, as it will take longer than you think. I asked Penny for advice on hallmarking when selling silver, items under 7.7g are ok without, however it’s best to check with the Assay office if in doubt and their downloadable regulations can be found on the website.

Sophie gave me her own top five:

1-bring scissors and a pen

2-make sure you pack your car/boxes/stock the night before so you can wake up and go

3-try and display a variety of things and price ranges, have cheaper (under £10 pieces) so that you have something for everyone

4- think about your display, place your best and most interesting pieces at eye level, then cheaper ‘add on’ stuff right at the front on the stall for impulse purchasing

5-stand up and engage with people, but don’t be creepy and too pushy

From reading previous posts-link to posts- practice runs, know what you have got, know how you want it to look, know any gaps in your product range. Be ready to learn from what happens on the day. Talk to any friends that sell in this way, they will all have different helpful experiences or they may even lend you a card machine.  Also don’t forget the value of the experience you will gain by giving this a go; it will give you more of idea about which pieces get interest if not sell like hot cakes. I learnt that it is essential not to file your nails down to nubs before needing to wrap items with little stickers, it’s an edge finding nightmare.

Lil Adams is the London Jewellery School Sundays Studio Manager. Lil studied Fine Art in Leeds and lived in Melbourne before travelling about and settling in London. She now works at the British Architectural Library and enjoys making jewellery with found and natural objects and is shamelessly addicted to casting.