No Hibernating This Winter!
Imagine, if you will, a perfect winter morning; cold, crisp air, clear blue skies, a slight hoar frost giving a satisfying crunch to each step and the delicate silhouettes of leafless trees. A morning like this beckons us outdoors, inviting us to adventure and inspiring us to take on new challenges. However, now let your mind wander back to many winter mornings which greet us here in the UK. Depending on where we live, we may walk out to a grey world, often with a slight drizzle and accompanying wet slushy puddles. Opening the curtains to a day like this makes curling up with a good book, a mug of tea and a sweet treat very appealing. However, here in our green-pastured nation, we have faced the variables of the British climate for centuries, often with resilience and good humour making the most of each day as it comes.
As crafters, the winter months offer good opportunities for selling at craft fairs and markets, so whatever the weather, we encourage you to head out and make the most of these days. If you are new to selling at fairs, your first task is to find a few which are local to you and book yourself a place. Do some research beforehand; what customer group will this event attract? It could be families with children, in which case you might like to consider taking some pocket money items, or it could be an evening event with more time to browse, and thus budgets might be higher. Organisers will ask if you have public liability insurance UK for craft fairs which covers you for those completely unforeseen events when an accident happens and a member of the public makes a claim against you. Even if it is not your fault, this insurance will cover you. Insurance, especially if you are new to selling your crafts, can seem a bit daunting. However, as a family-run business who have been working in this area for several decades, we can guide you through the process and ensure you get the best cover for your unique business needs. So, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will talk you through Public Liability Insurance UK for craft fairs.
For those of you who are craft fair veterans, you will probably have a well-rehearsed pre-fair routine of what you need to pack, what you need to arrange and the best order in which to do all this. You may not need many extra suggestions, but we would like to offer one additional tip which you may not have included on your “to-do” list; take care of yourself. These days can be tiring in themselves and usually come after a hectic period of stock production. Unless you are very organised they may also necessitate a late night the day before. So, think about what you will eat and drink while there; try to ensure you have a good breakfast and take a nutritious packed lunch with you, as well as a refillable water bottle. Maybe treat yourself to a warm drink and a tasty snack during the day. If it is likely to be cold, remember to take some extra warm layers, possibly a woollen shawl which is both comfortable and looks stylish. You may not be a make-up wearer, but some lipstick can add to your confidence levels while a small pot of lip balm and some hand cream will moisturise your skin. All these are little things in themselves, but together they speak quiet words that you matter, that you are worth looking after. This added confidence will then spill over into your conversations with customers!
If you are new to the wonderful world of craft fairs, here are a few suggestions of practical items you can consider adding to your “Craft Fair Inventory”. Firstly you will need to get your stock from your vehicle to your display table. Check out parking restrictions at the venue; many crafters find a set of wheels helpful in transferring stock even if parking is readily available.
Next, think through your display. Find out the size of your table and look for a cloth which will not only cover it but will also reach down the front and hide boxes and other items you might want to store. This will give your stall an uncluttered look, drawing customers’ eyes to your beautiful products rather than to a pile of cardboard boxes! Investing in a table covering is an important foundation for your display, so think through colour and texture. It may also be advisable to bring a few “crocodile clips” to discretely secure the cloth to the table; you don’t want a curious child pulling at it and inadvertently causing your whole display to come crashing to the ground! Lastly, consider how you will display your items, how to add height and light and whether you will have any display boards to compliment the products themselves.
As you come to sales, you will need a cash box and float, and a means of card or other payment. Remember to take your sales and order books and a couple of spare pens. Once you have made a sale, how will you wrap your product? Many crafters use paper bags, but you may also consider tissue paper, especially if it ties in with the colour of your brand. It can also be a good idea to pop a business card into each package, so remember to bring a good supply with you.
The days are long and busy, but in between customers, you may be able to work on your craft, thus adding further interest to your stall.
Craft fairs involve some hard work and planning, but are generally very worthwhile, not only in terms of sales but also in the connections you make, the conversations you have and inspiration you imbibe. Remember to get your public liability insurance UK for craft fairs and get out and about in the craft fair circuit!