Throw Your Own Craft Show – Follow These Easy Steps

What’s Inside: Learn How to Host Your Own Craft Show

Craft shows are a great way to sell your handmade crochet items. It allows many to find new customers and network with like minded businesses.

My experience wasn’t so great. As I look back on it I think fear was the greatest stumbling block for me. If you like people and can share your passion easily with others this is a great option.

Chrissy Herron of IndieBizChick.com suggests in How to Market Your Craft Biz (Without Going Broke) that you should throw your own craft show or party like Avon and Tupperware. All you need is a place, a time, and guests.

I tried this concept a number of years ago for teaching crochet. I gathered a couple of students, met a friends’ home and taught them all how to make a crochet owl. It was a fun ladies night out. 

How to Throw Your Own Craft Show

• Host a ‘party’
• Logistics or What you need
• Choose a time and place
• Invitations
• Demonstrations and Displays
• Take Orders
• Deliver

1. Host a ‘Party’ or Throw Your Own Craft Show

My work at home beginnings started with direct sales companies. I used to hold online parties as well as do parties in others’ homes. You simply need a Hostess (can be you), a place, guests, inventory to demonstrate product, take orders, and deliver products.

What will this look like for your crochet business? 

First find a couple of friends or family members to be your ‘test guests’.

Second, send an invitation with a time, a place,and a catalog or flyer with information on your products.

You can make your own catalog or go to a copy/print shop and have them do it. On the back you can put your information (name, number, email, website, social) this way if someone isn’t able to make it to the party (show) they can order online or over the phone.

 Learn How to Make Your Own Crochet Patterns 

[orb_cyber_store id=”1″]

2. What You Need

• Date and Time
• Place to have the show (can be your home)
• Guests (family, friends, co workers, club members, church members, etc.)
• Inventory and Samples
• Treats and Drinks
• Entertainment
• Invitations (check Etsy.com for party invitations or make your own)
• Display Cases
• Full length mirror
• Yarn stash and Designs (for custom orders)
• Bags
• Decorations
• Prizes
• Business cards (QR code)
• System for taking orders (paper or online)
• Delivery system
• Candles
• Music

I’m sure you can think of more but this should get you started. You can have a party once per quarter or make this a regular part of your business.

You Might Like: Display Options for Your Craft Booth 

3. Display and/or Demonstrate Your Product

Now that you have your guests you can showcase your new line of hats, dolls, sweaters, blankets, or whatever you make. Bring out all your projects as they make perfect testimonials of your skills.

One idea is to have a fashion show. If for example you make ski hats invite some models (family/friends/”volunteers”) and have them walk the runway (middle of living room or even outside if the weather is nice).

Display your products as gifts.

For instance, crochet a mug cozy, put it on a mug, add some gourmet coffee and chocolate, wrap it cellophane (or not), add a crochet ribbon with flower of applique and you have a ready made gift for under $20.

Demonstrate how to wear your product or use your product. 

• Show your guests 25 Ways to Wear Your Scarf
• How to properly clean and care for wool
• Washing with cotton dishcloths
• How to use eco friendly makeup removers
• Put on a puppet show or share how to use the finger puppets to entertain toddlers
• Tips on how to get memorable newborn photos using photo props
• Show your yarn stash and have your guests choose the color and design from your portfolio for their one-of-a-kind piece
• Custom Hat Night – mix and max yarns and embellishments for a truly original piece
• Slideshow or Video showcase of past customers wearing your product
• Make and Take Night – have yarn and hooks ready and a simple pattern, show everyone how to make it

4. Take Orders 

Now that your guests have had time to see all that is available sit at a table with your order forms or computer. Record their order, any custom additions, as well as their payment and contact information.

Taking Payments is easy with Paypal or Square. Just swipe the debit or credit card and the sale is complete. Cash is great too. Unless you know the guests checks should be avoided. (Payment should be made before you start on orders just in case you need more supplies)

Don’t forget to let your guests know expected date of delivery. Depending on how many orders you receive 3 or 4 weeks should give you plenty of time.

When you take orders make sure you get contact information and let them know about your newsletter and social media sites. This way you can stay in contact for future shows and/or online sales.

Read More About the Square and Taking Payments with Your Smart Phone

5. Deliver Your Orders

Hosting your own craft show may help you save on shipping. Deliver as you go on other errands around town to save on gas. Be sure to package the items carefully in a way that says you take pride in your work. Freebies are always nice so add an extra dishcloth or face cloth to the bag.

What do you think of hosting your own craft show? Good or Bad idea? Leave your opinion below or share your thoughts on Facebook. 

Get new posts in the mail – Crochet Business Ezine? 

Read the Complete Craft Show Preparation Series