Hello there! Welcome to the Upcycle Design Lab. My name is Cindy, and I want to share with you the final installment of my craft show video series. In this video, I will be discussing my experience as a first-time seller at a craft show, including the total sales, the best and worst sellers, and my overall thoughts on the event.

At Upcycle Design Lab, we specialize in crafting with recycled, repurposed, and unwanted materials to create unique and eco-friendly items. Throughout the series, I have provided insights for those who are interested in attending a craft show for the first time. So if you’re curious about what it’s like to prepare for and participate in a craft show, stick around and check out my other videos in the series. Together, let’s reimagine the things we throw away and find our place in the market.

Finding Your Place: Overcoming Vendor Intimidation at Craft Shows

Craft Show Recap

In this final installment of my craft show video series, I want to provide a comprehensive recap of my experience. As a first-time seller, I wanted to share insights into what it is like to get ready for and attend a craft show. At the Upcycle Design Lab, we specialize in crafting with recycled, repurposed, and unwanted materials. Our goal is to make old items new again through experimentation with trash and recyclables. If you enjoy reusing, repairing, and reimagining old items, I hope you will join our community and check out our other videos.

Now, let’s delve into the specifics of the craft show recap.

Sales Totals

When it comes to a craft show, one of the main things everyone is curious about is the sales total. As a first-time seller, I had set a goal to cover my costs and gain experience, rather than aiming for a specific monetary target. While my expectations were modest, I was pleasantly surprised by the sales I made.

In total, I sold X number of items across various categories. These numbers exceeded my expectations and provided a boost of confidence. However, it is important to keep in mind that sales can vary greatly from one craft show to another. Factors such as location, target audience, and competition play a significant role in sales totals.

Best Sellers

Among the various items I sold at the craft show, there were a few standout best sellers. These items resonated with customers and flew off the shelves. Let’s take a closer look at these top-selling items and the factors contributing to their success.

One of my best sellers was the Tin Can Earrings. I sold X number of these earrings, priced at $15 each. The unique and eye-catching design, combined with the affordable price point, made them a popular choice among customers. Additionally, the use of recycled tin cans added an eco-friendly appeal, further enhancing their appeal.

Another top seller was the Kids Grab Bags. These grab bags contained a variety of knick-knacks and small items, priced at $5 each. While this was a last-minute addition to my inventory, it proved to be a wise decision. The low price point, coupled with the element of surprise, attracted attention from customers and resulted in nine sales.

Watch Face Earrings were also in high demand, with eight pairs sold at $20 each. The combination of vintage watch faces and recycled materials created a unique and nostalgic charm that resonated with customers. The higher price point reflected the craftsmanship and uniqueness of these earrings, which suited a target audience looking for statement jewelry.

Market demand played a significant role in the success of these best-selling items. Understanding what customers are seeking and offering products that align with those desires is crucial for achieving sales success at craft shows.

Worst Sellers

While some items exceeded expectations, there were a few that did not perform as well. These items struggled to attract interest from customers, prompting reflection on potential reasons for the lack of interest.

One of the poorly selling items was X. Despite its unique and innovative design, it failed to capture the attention of customers. Possible reasons for this lack of interest could include pricing considerations and presentation. It is important to evaluate various factors, such as the target audience’s preferences and budget constraints, when pricing and presenting items at craft shows.

While it can be disheartening to see certain items not sell as well, it is essential to view these experiences as learning opportunities. Identifying the reasons behind low sales can help shape future strategies and improve overall performance.

The Content Creator’s Upcycled Items

At the Upcycle Design Lab, our mission is to promote sustainability and creativity through upcycled items. Our booth at the craft show showcased a range of unique upcycled creations that resonated with customers. Here is a list of the upcycled items we sold, along with their unique features and selling points:

1. Tin Can Earrings: These earrings, made from recycled tin cans, offered a stylish and eco-friendly accessory option for customers.
2. Watch Face Earrings: Vintage watch faces transformed into one-of-a-kind earrings provided a nostalgic and distinctive look.
3. Dragonfly Ornaments: Crafted from aluminum cans and magazine paper, these elegant dragonfly ornaments added a touch of nature to customers’ homes.
4. Tin Can Christmas Ornaments: Rustic and charming, these homemade Christmas ornaments made from tin cans were a popular choice among holiday shoppers.
5. Watch Parts Pendants and Bracelets: By repurposing watch parts, we created unique pendants and bracelets that appealed to customers looking for distinctive jewelry pieces.
6. Bed Spring Wreaths: These upcycled wreaths made from repurposed bed springs added a touch of rustic decor to customers’ homes.
7. T-shirt Embellishments: Offering seven different techniques, these t-shirt embellishments allowed customers to add a personal touch to their clothing.
8. Bottle Cap Beads: By transforming bottle caps into beads, we provided customers with a novel and eco-friendly option for jewelry making.
9. Big Hoop Earrings: Using unique materials such as draft top can openers, we crafted bold and trendy hoop earrings that caught the attention of customers.
10. Tin Can Mirrors: These framed mirrors, made from upcycled tin cans, served both functional and decorative purposes.
11. Propagation Wall Hangers: Designed specifically for plant enthusiasts, these upcycled wall hangers provided a stylish way to display plant cuttings.
12. Tin Can Purses: While there is no tutorial available yet, these one-of-a-kind tin can purses showcased our creativity and craftsmanship.
13. Bobblehead Snowmen: These upcycled bobblehead snowmen added a touch of whimsy and holiday cheer to customers’ homes.
14. Tin Can Christmas Trees: Miniature Christmas trees made from recycled tin cans offered a unique and eco-friendly alternative to traditional decorations.
15. Tin Can Coasters: Made from recycled tin cans, these DIY coasters were not only functional but also environmentally friendly.

Each of these upcycled items had its own selling points, whether it was the use of sustainable materials, trendy designs, or functional appeal. Additionally, pricing and profit margins played a significant role in ensuring the viability of these products.

Types of Vendors

When attending a craft show, you will encounter various types of vendors. Understanding these different categories can help you navigate the craft show atmosphere and find your place in the market. Here are the three primary types of vendors you are likely to encounter:

1. Business People: These vendors focus on profitability and treat their craft business as a source of income. They employ marketing strategies and value branding to attract customers and make sales. Business people often prioritize volume of sales and profit margins.
2. Artists: Artists prioritize creativity and unique one-of-a-kind pieces. Their work is often associated with their name or specific art form, allowing them to charge higher prices. Balancing artistic vision with market demand is crucial for artists at craft shows.
3. Craftspeople: Craftspeople, like myself, enjoy making a variety of different things. They may not have a specific niche or following but offer a range of handmade items. Craftspeople often focus on affordability and providing customers with a variety of price points.

Understanding the differences between these vendor types can help alleviate feelings of intimidation. Remember that there is space for all types of vendors at craft shows. Embrace your craftsperson identity and find your unique selling points to stand out in the market.

Reflecting on the Experience

Having completed my first craft show as a seller, I can reflect on the overall experience and draw valuable lessons from it. Here are some of my reflections:

1. Overall Satisfaction: Despite initial intimidation and uncertainties, I am overall satisfied with my craft show experience. The positive feedback from customers and the sales I made surpassed my expectations.
2. Lessons Learned: Participating in a craft show provided me with valuable insights into what customers are looking for and what sells well. It allowed me to refine my product offerings and understand the importance of market research.
3. Adjusting Expectations: Initially, I had unrealistic expectations regarding profitability. However, the craft show experience taught me to prioritize gaining experience and covering costs over immediate profit. It is crucial to set realistic expectations and view craft shows as opportunities for growth and exposure.
4. Considerations for Future Craft Shows: While I would consider participating in another craft show in the future, I would approach it with different expectations. Rather than focusing solely on sales numbers, I would prioritize networking, learning, and connecting with fellow vendors. Additionally, I would continue to explore ways to improve presentation and adjust pricing strategies based on customer feedback.

In conclusion, being a craft show vendor can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It allows you to showcase your creativity, connect with customers, and learn valuable lessons along the way. Remember to find your place in the market, overcome vendor intimidation, and focus on the overall experience rather than just monetary success. Craft shows provide a platform for growth and open doors to opportunities you may not have otherwise encountered.