to craft fair or not to craft fair!!!

[Majdjn]

To all of you ladies who did craft fairs recently...do you think it is worth it?
With the economy going south I was wodering if people still purchase on craft fairs. I though it would be a good idea to start going to some but I need to purchase some things like display racks, shopping bags..etc and wondered if it will be woth it especially where I am in NY where things are crazy expensive!
Please help
-Majd

[Majdjn]

One more thing, did any one ever use the credit card method in the shows. I know that there are some banks (paypal is one)offering this what is the best one?

[savannahsmom]

I enjoy doing them so I don't think it as a loss if I don't sell a million dollars. I would do it just to people watch if I could. I also take cash only but there are people on here that do take credit cards.

[Lauren]

This is a good question- I have never done a craft show, so I might not be much help. I am suppose to do my first in Nov. and I have wondered the same thing. I think with the economy the way it is you have to keep it simple so that more of what you make is profit. I mean now might not be the time to buy fancy signs and t-shirts with you business name on it, or invest in taking credit cards. KWIM. I think if you keep it basic and try to sell only things you know are good sellers you'll do good.

[kaneohegirl]

I think with the economy the way it is ppl are going to start looking for more ways that are not as costly to buy things that have quality to them...

I have only been taking cash & checks... I may get Propay before I do the 2 day show that coming up.

[mrsshokrok1]

the last craft show I did, most of my sales were from credit cards, I use propay.
donna g

[creativesidebows]

The shows I do are still fantastic but I live in an area where a lot of people aren't affected by the "recession". It all depends on where you live and I guess the current job market (or lack there of) in your area.

Oh, I use propay for cc. I've noticed a considerable increase in the amount of single transactions. I have a lot of people pick out 3-4 bows and then say "do you take cc?" I say yes and then they pick out 4-5 more items. I think most people tend to not have a ton of cash on them.

[shemorg]

I think it is well worth it. I did really well at my past 2 shows. I am finishied for the year though. I will start making for next year now.
HTH
Sherry

[MyM0dernBabe]

I did a show this weekend and afterwards when all the vendors were tearing down, there were MANY conversations about how slow it was this year. I was expecting for us to double our revenue from last year, but did not. However, it is always worth it when you walk away w/ some extra money! We do accept credit cards & do it thru propay. HTH!

[ldelzer]

I accept cc through traditional means. I have a very nice wireless cc machine (Nurit whatchamacallit)

If I were you and considering just starting out...I'd sit low and do more research. Go to your area craft shows and visit with vendors. You'll find out a lot by looking at shows as a business visitor, rather than a shopper.

My recommendation: lay low and wait a year. That's just me though. There's no real reason to do it this year versus next year.

I am not sure I will keep going after December. Or, I may just do only Fall Shows. People are sure hanging onto their money more closely. (a sidebar- my consignment sale is growing despite the economy. My Fall sales were up 35% over the Spring)