Start selling with success at events & fairs

Are you a budding artist with a passion for creating stunning handmade art? You're on a journey filled with opportunities to showcase your talents and sell your creations at events, craft fairs, and festivals. This blog helps you gain confidence and succeed by guiding you through the process. Let's dive into eight essential topics that will help you become a confident and successful art or craft vendor.

1. Finding Local Events and Fairs:

One of the first steps in selling your art at events is finding the right ones to participate in. When you're just starting, focusing on local events and craft fairs is an excellent strategy. You can easily discover these opportunities by searching "craft fairs to sell at near me" online.

Additionally, platforms like Eventeny are a treasure trove of local events and fairs that cater to artists like you. Eventeny offers a user-friendly interface that helps you find, apply to, and track your applications for various events. It's an invaluable resource to kickstart your art vending journey.

Local vs. Distant Events:

When you're just starting your art vending journey, focusing on local events and craft fairs can be a strategic choice. These nearby opportunities offer several advantages. They reduce travel expenses, provide a familiar environment, and allow you to tap into your local community for support. Moreover, local events often attract a customer base that appreciates and supports local artists.

2. Choosing the Right Artwork:

Not all artwork is created equal when it comes to selling at events. You'll want to focus on pieces that are not only visually appealing but also resonate with your target audience. Do some research and determine what sells best at art fairs in your area.

Experiment with different styles and subjects to see what garners the most attention. Remember, variety is key, so having a diverse range of artwork will appeal to a broader customer base. Researching artists already selling at these events is important also. You want to blend in at the fair or event, but not look exactly like other artists or crafters.

3. Leveraging Event Platforms:

In the vast landscape of art events and craft fairs, it can be overwhelming to navigate. This is where specialized event platforms like Eventeny come to the rescue. They serve as a centralized hub for artists, crafters, and more. They also host event organizers as well, and they are exactly who you need to be in front of.

Here are a few items you'll want to focus on as you find events and start selling

• Event Discovery: Do your research and find fairs that fit your budget and your style.

• Applications: Take a good look at applications as you start. The more clear the application is, the more likely it is that the event organizer will be good to work with. The applications should include booth spaces and accessory price points as a start.

• Community Engagement: Do your research on how strong the festival or event is getting the word out. Does the community understand what local crafts they have? Learn how long each craft fair or art show has been running and what their reputation is. Also, does the event specialize in selling handmade products?

4. Creating a Captivating Booth:

Your booth is your stage, and it should reflect your unique style and draw potential buyers in. Invest time in designing an eye-catching booth that showcases your art effectively. Use professional displays, proper lighting, and engaging signage to make your space stand out. An inviting booth will not only attract customers but also instill confidence in your art.

Consider these when designing your booth

• Use lighting in various ways to attract potential customers

• Utilize the space above your booth to draw attention from a distance

• Find ways that music or other audio can draw attention to your work

5. Pricing Your Artwork:

Pricing your art can be one of the trickiest aspects of selling at events. It's crucial to find the sweet spot where your art is both accessible to buyers and provides you with a fair return. Consider factors such as materials, labor, and market demand when setting your prices. Be open to adjusting your pricing strategy as you gain experience and feedback from customers.

It's important to remember, you aren't working in a store with pricing that can't change. You can change the prices of your work at any point, so use this as an opportunity to learn. Different events may assign different values to types of products, so it's important to find the right balance for your needs.

6. Building Your Brand and Story:

In art vending, your brand is more than a logo or your business cards; it represents your identity as an artist. To make an impact and connect with your audience, create a brand that represents your artistic journey and values.

Start by defining what makes your art special—your unique style, the themes that inspire you, or the techniques you've mastered. This distinctiveness will serve as the foundation of your brand identity. Once you've pinpointed your uniqueness, create a compelling artist statement that encapsulates your creative vision. Share this statement with your customers to offer them a glimpse into the passion and inspiration behind your work.

The Power of Storytelling

Art is not merely about the finished piece; it's about the journey that led to its creation. Harness the power of storytelling to captivate your audience and build a loyal customer base. Through storytelling, you invite your customers into your world, creating a sense of intimacy and connection.

Consider incorporating elements of your personal story into your brand narrative as well. Your cultural background, life experiences, and places you've been, are personal touches that add depth to your brand. Remember, in the world of art vending, your story is as much a part of your brand as your artwork itself.

7. Effective Marketing and Promotion:

Don't rely solely on event organizers to market your presence at fairs and festivals. Utilize social media, your website, and email marketing to let your followers and customers know where they can find you. Share sneak peeks of your artwork, behind-the-scenes content, and event details to generate excitement. Engage with local influencers or collaborate with other artists to expand your reach.

Use this outreach to show buyers how easy you are to shop with as well. You can inform them that they have the option to use credit or debit cards. This is applicable if you have a card reader or if you accept credit cards through another method. Promote the event that you'll be at to show your value too.

8. Customer Engagement and Feedback:

Your customers are your best source of feedback and word-of-mouth promotion. As you're starting out you will get the most, and most valuable feedback. Encourage interaction with your art and booth by welcoming this valuable information.

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback and reviews when you can. Positive reviews can bolster your reputation and attract more buyers to your future events. They can also make for excellent marketing material and build trust in your business.

Negative feedback will be the most important feedback you get. Notice what isn't working and strive to make adjustments as you learn. Like any other process, you can't expect to be great right away. The more you listen to the feedback you receive, the faster you'll make adjustments and find success at events and festivals.

Conclusion:

Selling your handmade art at events, fairs, and festivals is a journey filled with creativity and potential. With the right strategies, a captivating booth, and a dash of confidence, you can navigate this exciting world successfully.

Remember

• Find local events and fairs by using technology like Eventeny

• Build your brand and story to set you apart from the competition

• Continue to hone your skills and gain experience

• Try, adjust, and try again

Your future as an accomplished art vendor is bright, so have confidence and let your art shine at the next event!