Home » Holidays & Celebrations » Christmas » Christmas Crafts

Make Money at Christmas Craft Fairs

Ranked #622 in Holidays & Celebrations, #10,953 overall

How to Sell Your Crafts at Holiday Bazaars and Fairs

Do you enjoy browsing and shopping at holiday craft fairs during the Christmas season? Have you ever thought about selling your crafts and merchandise at such a holiday bazaar? If so, then hopefully this page will help you get started on deciding if such an endeavor could be right for you. There's a lot more to being successful at holiday craft shows than simply having attractive and unique items to sell. You need to know your market, how to find shows, how to find the right shows, and many other aspects of crafting as a business.

As a crafter who has been vending at many different shows and fairs for over ten years, I'll share some of the basic information you'll need to keep in mind, especially for the holiday craft market. There are certain things to know about what make these shows different from your typical craft fairs and markets, which can make them both easier for a "newbie" just starting out but also harder for making a good profit if you don't plan and market successfully. I'll also provide information on what kind of Christmas crafts to sell at craft fairs and what kind of merchandise seems to sell best at these events.

Image credit: gleangenie at morguefile

Your Experience Selling at Holiday Craft Fairs

A Quick Survey for Readers

Hand crafted jewelry on display at a craft show.

Image: Hand crafted jewelry on display at a craft fair. Photo by the author, sockii.

Before I begin this article, I'd like to know a little bit about your experience crafting and selling crafts at holiday fairs and bazaars.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Basic Information on Becoming a Crafter for Profit

My Tutorials on Building a Crafting Business

Before getting into specific information on holiday craft bazaars, I'd like to recommend the following tutorials I've written on the craft market. I don't want to repeat myself or bog this one page down with too many details, so if you are entirely new to the business of crafting for profit, I'd recommend you read these articles first. If you're an experienced crafter, feel free to skip or only look at the subjects in which you might need a little "refresher course."
Becoming a Craft Show Vendor, Part 1: Is Vending Right for You?
Before diving in to the world of crafting for (possible) profit, take a moment to examine your motivations, goals and available time. This article addresses some of the basic realities of being a crafter that you should think about before jumping too quickly in to the business.
Becoming a Craft Show Vendor, Part 2: What You Need to Get Started, Besides Your Crafts
Having great craft items is one thing, but do you have the right items you need to display and sell your crafts? This article looks at some of the nuts and bolts of setting up a craft show display, as well as where to find and how to create displays and table dressings.
Becoming a Craft Show Vendor, Part 3: Finding Craft Events in Your Area
This article explains how to find different types of craft fairs in your area. You can look for listings on-line at several different sites and directories, in print classifieds, or by going directly to different venues to see if they have any events scheduled in the future.
Becoming a Craft Show Vendor, Part 4: How to Set Your Prices
No matter what kind of craft fair you are selling at, it's important to come up with a system for setting your prices. Learn several different methods for valuing your work based on materials costs and labor, as well as how to price for the market and not be too high or too low for your customers.
Becoming a Craft Show Vendor, Part 5: Do's and Don'ts when Dealing with Customers
Things to be prepared for when dealing with customers. How to cope with hagglers and rudeness, but also how to successfully market and interact with customers ready to buy who could become repeat customers in the future.
An eye-catching display at a craft fair

Make a statement with an attractive craft display!  

Jewelry and Fashion Displays for Sale on eBay

Good for Other Crafts as Well

eBay is a great place to hunt for bargain displays and fixtures to use for craft shows. You can often find display trays, heads, racks, even gridwall supplies at bargain prices. Just be sure to read the description to find out if the item is previously used, what condition it is in, and pay for insurance on any fragile display items such as acrylic cases and racks.
Loading

Gridwall Fixtures - Great for Craft Fairs and Bazaar Displays

Create attractive displays with transportable gridwall fixtures

Gridwall is great for displaying everything from clothing to ornaments, wreaths, signs and even jewelry at craft fairs.
Loading

Best Bazaar Crafts to Make and Sell During the Holidays

What to Make for Vending at a Christmas Craft Fair

Do certain types of crafts sell better at holiday bazaars than others? In my experience, absolutely! Knowing if your work will fit in the holiday craft market is an important thing to keep in mind before investing too much time or expense into trying to sell at these shows.

Of course, Christmas and holiday-themed items are always a good choice. Handmade Christmas cards, beaded or fabric ornaments, knitted items such as scarves, hats and baby booties, holiday table centerpieces, Christmas wreaths...these are all safe bets. Shoppers will go to a holiday bazaar specifically looking for these items or with them on their minds.

Attractive yet inexpensive gift sets work well also at Holiday Bazaars: if you make jewelry, have sets already boxed and ready to make a quick gift item, such as a matching necklace, earrings and bracelet set. Do you make handmade soap? Put together assortments in attractive baskets or bags so people won't even have to think about how to wrap up their gift for someone when they get home.

Items for children are also generally a good idea. Not only do parents often browse holiday bazaars with their children but they will be on the lookout for unique gifts to buy for their own kids, relatives' and friends' children, and otherwise. Handmade childrens clothing and blankets always seem to sell well, as does jewelry for children - but be sure to follow guidelines for child jewelry safety. Avoid materials and designs which could be choking hazards or contain poisonous materials if swallowed or chewed on.

Inexpensive items really are your safest bet for most holiday craft shows, unless you are selling at a very elite, high-end marketplace.Try to keep crafts in the $5-20 range as much as possible.

Image credit: earl53 on morguefile.
Jewelry set created by the author, sockii

Be unique! Create crafts that make a statement and catch the customer's eye. 

Survey for Holiday Craft Fair Shoppers

What Do You Look For When Browsing a Christmas Bazaar?

Here's a question for those who regularly shop at seasonal craft fairs. When you attend, what are you most looking for when browsing the merchandise and crafts on display?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Bazaar Crafts to Make and Sell

Need Some Inspiration? Check Out These Books on Amazon

Need some fresh ideas for holiday crafts to create and try to sell? Check out some of these titles from Amazon, which could bring you new inspiration.
Loading

Christmas Crafts to Make

Best Christmas Craft Pages on Squidoo

Still need ideas? Check out these Squidoo pages all about Christmas crafts you can make at home. You'll surely find lots of cool inspiration here before your next Christmas craft show.

Christmas Crafts - Decorations, Gifts, Giftwrap and More
This Christmas crafts lens is filled with free holiday crafts projects, decorating tips and crafty freebies. You'll enjoy the Christmas crafts resources...

Recycled Christmas Crafts
Whether you're looking for ways to stretch your holiday dollars, or just want to bring a more handmade feeling to a very commercial season. these crafty idea...

Christmas Paper Crafts
Christmas Paper Crafts are traditional and inexpensive decorations, cards and gift tags almost anyone can make. You can find ideas and patterns for Christmas...

Beading Tutorials: Christmas Projects
Whether you're a beginner or expert, you can enjoy creating your own custom holiday decorations, jewelry or accessories, with Christmas Beading. Using beads...

Crochet christmas patterns
List of free christmas crochet patterns . So many adorable crochet christmas decorations and gifts to make such as a stocking, fir tree, wreath, slippers, ta...

How to Recycle and Reuse Christmas Greeting Cards
Everyone loves to receive postcards, and greeting cards for special occasions. They're simple, thoughtful, and beautiful - especially Christmas and holiday c...

Make Your Own Christmas Gift Baskets
Everyone loves to get Christmas gift baskets. Christmas is the perfect time to tailor a basket especially for someone you love. You can make it much more cre...

Make Your Own Christmas Wreath
Christmas wreaths are commonly found in many homes as ornaments during the Christmas season.There are varieties of artificial Christmas wreaths sold in many ...

Angel Crafts for Christmas
Creating Christmas decorations and crafts is an American tradition. In our family, we love to make our own decorations and ornaments and many are passed down...

101 Craft Ideas for Adults ~ Arts, Crafts, Supplies
Here's some great Craft Ideas for Adults, including wine cork crafts, paper craft ideas, cute owl craft ideas, mason jar centerpieces, needle point crafts, a...

Be Prepared - Stock Up On Gift Wrap and Boxes

Bring Wrapping and Gift Supplies to Holiday Craft Bazaars

Craft fair customers during the holidays love it when you can box or otherwise gift-wrap your crafts for them. Amazon has lots of gift boxes and related supplies you can order in bulk.
Loading

Wholesale Gift Bags on eBay

Great Supplies at Cheap Prices!

Stock up now on gift bags - customers love it when they can walk away from a craft fair with their presents ready to present on Christmas morning!
Loading

Holiday Craft Bazaars: What To Look For When Selecting Shows

Finding Fairs Right for You and Your Merchandise


ladyheart on morguefile.


So maybe you've compiled a list or seen advertisements for dozens of holiday craft fairs in the coming months. Many may be scheduled against each other; how do you know which ones you should apply for? There's no guarantee of success, ever, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
  1. Be wary of first-time events. I don't want to suggest that you never do a craft fair that's being held for the first time, but my general experience is they can be quite risky. A new fair may be scheduled at the same time as one that's been running for 5 or even 10 years in an area, one that people already make annual plans to attend. A new show may not know how to successfully advertise to get people to attend. A new show may also need to work out issues with table space, facilities, load in and load out, and just generally not run smoothly nor draw enough customers to make it worth your time.
  2. Church and School Bazaars are generally not for high-end merchandise. If you're doing a holiday bazaar held in an elementary school gymnasium, where you paid no more than $10-25 for your vending space? Don't plan on bringing $100+ original paintings, gold or sterling silver jewelry. People go to these events looking for small, inexpensive gifts: think items that individually are priced no higher than what your vending space cost you - and maybe even less! When I've done small events such as these, it's mostly the $5-10 items that seem to sell. You might get one or two people who ooh and aah over pricier pieces and who ask for a business card, but they'll rarely follow through beyond that. If your crafts are mostly more expensive items, stick with more selective, higher profile events such as juried craft fairs that have long standing reputations in your city or area.
  3. Better shows may ban those selling crafts from kits and resale merchandise. A true "craft fair" will make it clear in their rules that only hand-made items will be accepted; no resale, no Tupperware, no Tastefully Simple, no Avon, etc. Not only will the rules specify this, but at a good craft fair those rules will be enforced. I've been disappointed in the past by showing up at a craft fair that promised only hand-made crafters would be accepted and then been surrounded by junk and generic merchandise. I've rarely done well at such shows and I won't go back to them, as the quality of the vendors and workmanship around you will reflect well - or poorly - on your own work.
A poorly attended craft fair in a school gym.

A craft fair with no customers can be a lonely place. Choose holiday bazaars wisely. 

Final Tips for Success at Holiday Craft Fairs

Some Last Suggestions and Recommendations

For the new or amateur crafter, or just someone who hasn't worked a holiday show before, here are my final specific tips and suggestions for better success.
  1. Bring gift boxes and wrapping supplies. People are often there to shop for gifts, and love it if you can make their gift-giving that much easier. So have plenty of gift bags, boxes, or wrapping supplies on hand and watch how excited potential customers may become when you mention you can wrap their purchase for free.
  2. Stay merry and upbeat. Don't lose your holiday spirit, even if sales are slow. You want to give off a positive vibe and presentation to every potential customer who comes your way.
  3. Dress your table for the season. Leave your standard plain black or white table cloths at home, and try some silver, gold, or Christmas-colored cloths (or disposable paper ones from a party supply store.) As another idea, scatter gift bows on your table or otherwise add in some holiday decorations to make your display look more lively and seasonal.
  4. Be unique. Stand out from the crowd. Try to come up with ideas for your holiday crafts that will catch people's eyes and make them stop, comment - and hopefully buy. If you're selling handmade ornaments, try to have a unique spin on them, such as using only recycled materials, original designs, or funny themes. How about Steampunk Christmas centerpieces? Wreaths made with dried herbs and flowers from your own garden? Think outside the box, be different.
  5. Browse a few holiday craft fairs first before signing up to vend at one. Be familiar with the market. Look at what other crafters are doing, who seems to be having success and who isn't. Don't simply copy what successful crafters are selling, but look to them for guidance and inspiration. Talk to a few of them. Evaluate if this is an endeavor you really want to pursue and feel you could enjoy as well as from which you could profit.

Craft Fair News

Is It Too Early to Start Thinking about Christmas Craft Fairs?

It's NEVER too early to start making plans for your Christmas craft fair season! Many top shows sell out months in advance of the holiday. Be sure to be up-to-date on all the craft fair news in your area, all year round.
Çalış Craft Fair Another Great Success
We went to the Craft Fair just after it had opened and were amazed at the crowds already strolling up and down the stalls. We thought we'd look up the crafts people we wrote about after the Christmas Fair, and see what new items they were offering.
Yard Sale, Craft Fair set on Sat.
Crafts, small furniture, appliances, kitchen items, books, tools, collectibles, toys, Christmas decor. Also, a newly caned antique rocking chair will be raffled off. Yard Sale and Craft Fair will be held tomorrow, on Saturday, May 26, from 10 am to 2 ...
Event: 'Medieval Vendors Needed For Herschell Carousel Museum Craft Fair'
... 12:00pm ? 4:00pm Sundays. September 5 ? December 30: Fall Hours 12:00pm ? 4:00pm, Wednesdays ? Sundays; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The museum is closed Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Craft and Book Fair at the Library
The Farmingdale Public Library was the scene of a busy craft fair and book sale Saturday. Everything from Christmas designs to beaded designs, boas, floral arrangements and chargers for electronic devices was on sale at the Friends of the Library event ...
Powered by Google

What Are Your Suggestions for Holiday Craft Fair Vending?

Your Final Thoughts and Comments are Appreciated

Do you have any other tips or recommendations for crafters looking to get into the holiday market? Feel free to leave your thoughts here. And thanks for visiting my page!

  • LindaJM May 21, 2012 @ 3:29 pm | delete
    So much to learn! Thanks for the tips.
  • The_Micro_Farm_Project May 20, 2012 @ 10:08 pm | delete
    Thanks for the tips!
  • fugeecat Apr 18, 2012 @ 7:12 pm | delete
    Great pointers!
  • sherioz Apr 17, 2012 @ 3:23 pm | delete
    Wonderful ideas and pointers.
  • skeffling Jan 30, 2012 @ 10:17 pm | delete
    What wonderful tips. Great for getting started at craft sales. I have been thinking about selling our lavender soaps and sachets. It's just finding the time! Blessed for your kind tips.
  • Load More
Show All

About the Author

Loading

by

sockii

Sockii has been a jewelry designer and artist working the craft show circuit for over ten years. I've sold my crafts everywhere from local holiday bazaars... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

More on Christmas and the Winter Holidays 

Loading

Upcoming Arts and Crafts Shows 

Loading

New Arts and Crafts Articles On-Line 

Loading

Related Tags