First step, what is your objective? What are you to trying to achieve? Why are you trying to achieve it? What would good look like? Yes, I have practiced project management for several years and I have a need to plan! My objective is to promote my artwork, promote interest and traffic to the website and online shop, perhaps sell a few items to pay for art supplies, meet like-minded people and have fun. Next step visit craft fairs. The arts and craft marquee are always a must see for me at any agricultural show, markets, or Christmas fairs, so had some experience but from a customer perspective. Unfortunately, I had not taken much notice of the stall holders set up, how they displayed their stock, or considered the logistics. So, let us start with important things to consider: • Stall holders require insurance cover – public and products liability – usually up to £5 million. This is usually part of the terms and conditions. This costs about £35.00 per month. Yes, it was a bit of a shock to me as well. • Risk assessments are required for internal and external stalls. There are excellent examples online. Contact me and I will send you a copy of mine. • If you are selling food items or have any electrical equipment, ensure that you have the relevant paperwork and have covered all of the legal requirements. • Terms and conditions. Each art and craft fair will have their own and it is essential that you read the small print. They provide guidelines on setting up times, opening and closing of the fair, together with loading and unloading, parking availability, cancellation policy and so on. • Most fairs will have details available of attendance/footfall and also how they advertise the fair to pull in the customers. Popular fairs will have a waiting list which is worth joining, a late cancellation from a stall holder may be to your advantage. • Good fairs will have quotas for types of stalls to ensure there is a diverse range of stalls available, which means that you are not competing. • Costs involved. You will have costs of the stall to pay, together with travel and parking costs, don’t forget that insurance and, cost of your stock. There will be set up costs to develop your stall e.g. tablecloths, equipment, and other display stands. Let us discuss the size of your stall – how much space will you have? This really depends on the event you are attending. Most events in town halls, village halls etc provide a 7ft x 5ft space with a 6ft x 2ft table. You must work within this space as you will upset other stall holders and worst still, the organisers. In larger craft marquees you may be provided with a 10ft x 10ft space (3m x 3m). This provides more of a challenge as you will have to design and use the space to its best advantage. You may have a corner to work with, in theory, more selling area. Other fairs you may have to provide your own gazebo, typically 10ft x 10ft. These don’t have to cost a fortune; it will depend on how much you will use it. On the practical side, especially if you will be attending craft fairs alone, these gazebos often take two people to erect. For these larger spaces you will have to consider partitions, wall display frames and other props. Before you attend your first of the above events, consider doing a mock-up of your stall. Draw up a plan on graph paper. Consider the products you will be selling; how you can display these to their best advantage; consider providing height and interest; perhaps have key products that will attract people to the stall. Think about how many tables you will require for the bigger spaces. Take time to review gift shops, garden centres and other retail outlets and how they display their wares. What attracts you to them? Charity shops are a brilliant source for baskets and other display infrastructure. Take photos of your mock-up, be objective. What do you think? Is your display balanced? Overcrowded or not enough stock displayed? I have recycled old backs of garden seats for mug displays and puppy pens (resprayed mesh frames) for hanging products against walls. Be creative! Don’t forget brand image. Would people know who you are and what you are selling? What is your artwork about? Consider a banner at the back of the larger stalls, together with leaflets and cards with your contact details. Provide details about you to provide that vital connection. Pay attention to table coverings that will set off your artwork and provide a look and feel. Stock – provide a range of products from affordable to the more expensive items. At some events, you may have to modify the stock you take to cater for the expectations of the customers. How much stock to take? Difficult one this as you may not know what will sell on the day. But it’s a good idea to have spares to enable you to replenish your stall. Do pay attention to what other stall holders are selling. I never take greeting cards as everyone sells them! Also how other sellers are pricing their items. From the experience and research taken so far, I have developed a two tier pricing system for use at different events. Next. How will you manage payments? Very few people carry cash these days, so consider buying a card reader that can be use via an app on your mobile phone. Do also consider a battery pack for recharging your mobile and card reader. Do check that this works before you go to the craft fair and you understand how it works. Also, have a small float for those people who prefer to pay cash. What about packaging? Boxes, wrapping tissue, paper bags and paper carrier bags. If people are buying some of your beautiful artwork, it would be an excellent idea to pay attention to how it will be packaged. These items are readily available and inexpensive from Amazon and other outlets. Don’t forget to pop in one of your cards or leaflets. Consider adding a little something extra if the customer has bought a few items. Other equipment such as scissors, tie wraps, Sellotape, bulldog clips, first aid bits, pens, pencils, labels for prices, calculator and so on are really useful. I have a bag resembling that of Mary Poppins that carry all these things. Last point, logistics. Check location if it’s the first time you are attending; how long will it take you? Emergency numbers on your mobile if you encounter a problem. Check those T and Cs re loading and unloading, parking arrangements. For the bigger events, consider how will you transport your equipment and stock. I have a small trailer (belongs to husband). Ensure you arrive in good time to set up ready for the fair to open. Consider taking your own refreshments, especially if you are working alone. I have an Event Book that details each event and the above information, together with other useful notes. Advertise!!! On social media, your website and other platforms. Tell people that you are attending these events, so they can come and meet you. Consider providing discount codes that people can use when buying from your website. This will enable you to track where your customers are coming from and what is working. Use these events to launch new products/artwork. Phew! A great deal to consider but enjoy and have a brilliant time. Website: https://artworkbyjan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artworks-by-Jan-100465378128301/ Twitter: @JanUnderdown Instagram: jan.underdown