Your first summer craft fair is always exciting. From setting up your table to making that all-important first sale, there’s a lot to look forward to! As a newbie to craft fair selling, however, you might also be feeling a little nervous about your first stall, which is completely normal.
The best way to beat pre-fair anxiety? Make sure you’re prepared.
We’ve put together our top first-time seller tips to help you get ready for your upcoming summer craft fair.
Set Up Your Table Shopfront
Turning a blank, 6-foot table into a shopfront for your crafts can be a little daunting. To reduce overwhelm while preparing your display, start by considering what sells well at craft fairs and your showstopper pieces. These are the items you want to be the most visible on your table, and once placed, you can structure the rest of the display around them.
You might, for instance, use height to your advantage to create a vertical display. Add two raised platforms, one on either side of your table, and use these to display items that are eye-catching or more likely to sell. Place the rest of your items at table level, being careful not to clutter your space with too many crafts.
Other handmade product display ideas include grouping similar items, adding tiered shelving units, and placing lower-priced items in display boxes.
Remember to keep your aesthetic cohesive by using the same materials across your display storage. If, for instance, your raised platforms are made from a light-coloured wood, make sure your display boxes are, too. It’s a small touch that instantly helps pull your table together for a more professional look.
In terms of decor, keep your table simple so your crafts take centre-stage. Add a tablecloth in a neutral tone and use a chalkboard to jot down important information, like your brand name or social media handles.
Consider small decorative touches if they feel right and suit your crafts. A small vase of dried lavender, for instance, would be an excellent choice if you’re selling aromatherapy oils and candles.
The key here is to let your products guide your table. Keep it simple but thoughtfully designed, and make sure that it’s easy to take apart and put up again for a summer of stress-free selling.
Invest in Craft Fair Essentials
As it’s your first summer craft fair, you’re going to need to invest in a few essentials.
The first are business cards. Add these to your table, stacked neatly on a tray, to make sure that passers-by can easily pick up your information.
Your business cards should include your logo and contact details, like your:
- Website
- Social media handle
- Email address
For a professional appearance, design and print your cards online using a trusted supplier like VistaPrint or Moo. These are super simple to design on, and a well-printed card instantly makes your craft business appear more legitimate for a major confidence boost.
You also need to consider how you’ll take payments at your summer craft fair. It’s smart to have a variety of methods on offer, including cash and card, so that you don’t miss out on any sales. To accept card payments, you’ll need a card reader or POS system, which enables Chip and PIN, contactless, and digital wallets.
Be sure to invest in a reliable payment system now and test it out before your first event for stress-free selling.
Packaging is another essential to think about: how are you going to wrap your products up after a sale? There are plenty of options here to suit different budgets, from tissue paper to gift boxes. Make sure that your packaging keeps your products safe on their journey to their new home, especially if they’re fragile!
Finally, don’t forget the little odds and ends that are always useful, like scissors, pens, a notepad, and tape.
Consider Your Branding
Your small business craft stall is a reflection of your entire brand. It should be professional and have a clear brand identity, building awareness so that, after a few fairs, your table’s instantly recognisable as yours.
This includes clearly displaying your brand name and logo. Add yours to your table runner for a smart, professional look, or simply write your name on a chalkboard for a budget-friendly option (make sure to spend some time on your font!).
For outdoor market selling, where it’s common to have covered stalls, a larger banner attached to your marquee or tent is a fantastic choice for attracting attention in busy crowds.
Consider small touches that elevate your brand, too, like:
- Branded stickers on your product packaging
- Tissue paper in your brand colours
- Matching fonts across your price lists, business cards, and signs
- Branded thank-you cards and/or care instructions
You can also reflect your branding in your customer interactions. The way you greet people, talk about your products, and tell your story should feel consistent with your overall style.
Be Ready With Change
One of the most underrated craft seller tips is to always have cash on hand, and lots of it! Even if you expect to take most of your payments via your POS system, you don’t want to miss out on a sale because you’ve run out of 50ps.
A good rule of thumb is to bring a mix of notes and coins (especially lower values) so you can handle any transaction with ease. Think £5 notes, £10 notes, and plenty of coins for smaller purchases.
Keep your cash organised in a secure cash box or pouch, choosing something that’s easy for you to access but not on full display. This helps you stay quick and confident during busy moments, and gives customers a smoother experience when making a purchase.
It’s also worth separating your spare cash from your takings. This makes it a whole lot easier to track how you’re doing and avoid any end-of-day confusion when you’re tallying up your sales.
Wear Comfy Clothing
Don’t get so caught up in your craft stall setup that you compromise your comfort. Craft fairs can be pretty physically gruelling, from the initial displaying of your products to being on your feet all day, and it’s crucial that you dress for a lot of movement.
Wear comfy shoes, first and foremost. Blisters at your first summer craft fair are never ideal, and it’s important that you’re able to stand, walk, and chat without being distracted by poor footwear.
Whether inside or outside, layers are another essential. Wear plenty of items that you can take off or put on, ensuring that being too hot or cold is never a problem. Ensure these are clothes that you can move around in, too, especially if you’re going to carry a lot of products to and from your car.
Final Thoughts
Our final tip is to always stay positive. Local craft fairs in the UK are competitive, and no amount of craft market preparation is going to guarantee you a sale. If your first fair isn’t going to plan, keep smiling, keep selling, and trust that you’ll hit your stride eventually. You’ve got this!
If you’re selling handmade items in the UK, keep up to date with the latest crafty news and inspiration on Folksy.
This blog post was written by Jacob Lane exclusively for Folksy. Jacob is a journalist and writer with an interest in independent makers, creative small businesses, and the world of handmade craft. He enjoys exploring topics around selling online, craft fairs, and supporting independent artists and creators. See more of Jacob’s work on LinkedIn and X.
