Craft show vending A-Z

Last night, my friend Susan and I met on Capital Hill for the Grassroots Business Association presentation on craft show vending. The presentation was done by Kristen Rask and Moxie, two seasoned craft show-ers.

Kristen and Moxie covered everything (literally, A-Z) starting with applying to shows, preparing for your show through to surviving the show.

In summary:

• When applying, follow the instructions. Seems "duh", but apparently people are constantly not following instructions. I guess this is good for those of us who do follow directions.
• Take good photos.
• If you are not accepted, don't wallow.
• Practice your display.
• Don't forget the essentials. There is an exhaustive list here, 160 "must haves". When you see the list, you'll know what you really do need and what you don't need/should ask the venue about.
• Enjoy yourself while at the show, even if the sales aren't happening.
• Take time to recover after the show.

There are also tips here, from Etsy.

Kristen and Moxie were great presenters. A lot of fun, funny, and appropriately sarcastic. :)
I'd gladly listen to any advice/presentation they do in the future.
They'll be at Maker Faire in the Bay Area, May 30-31. Check 'em out if you're there. Fun, felty and cute stuff. Also, Lisa from Feto Soap will be there.

Buy handmade!!

Photos from the EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show

Posting a few photos from the weekend's craft show, then off to bed.

The table:


Basket o' soap:


The table from the other end:


Thanks to Shawn for helping me set up.

Tomorrow I leave for the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild annual conference. I'm not sure what to expect, though I'm quite sure it will be nothing like the last conference I went to.

First post! EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show

Welcome to my first blog post. I'll be writing about the business of making and selling soap and other natural body care items. I have a small business called Pepo Park and have been making soap for 10 years.

Yesterday, I participated in the EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show. It was a show hosted by the Seattle Etsy Street Team. 32 local crafters & artisans participated and lots of people showed up to buy our awesome handmade wares.

I sold a good quantity of stuff and had fun.

Shop homemade, shop local, shop often! :)