Don’t Forget Your Single-day Public Liability Insurance!

For veterans of the craft fair circuit, the whole process of setting up and setting down for a craft fair becomes a hardwired habit that starts long before the day of the fair itself! However, for anyone starting on the craft fair circuit this autumn, we have put together a few basic craft fair dos and don’ts to help you to maximise the opportunities available as you learn what works for you and what doesn’t.

Getting ready

• DO make sure you get a confirmation email saying you are on the list for the fair!
  Getting forgotten is unlikely to happen, but if it does, space for your stall will not be provided.
• DON’T forget to make a list of everything that you need to take with you!
  It’s easy to make a list and then pack it in a box or bury it under a pile of things that need to be taken with you. Why not make a list on your phone so you don’t lose it?
• DO focus on your “brand” when choosing which products to take with you.
  Avoid overwhelming customers with too many options. Have your best sellers and new product lines, but not too many different types of crafts – your identity will get lost!
• DON’T skimp on signage!
  Make your stall display simple and tasteful, and if you can, include a banner with your business name showing your web address, contact info and an image of your products. People can then take a picture of it to remember you. Secondary signage throughout your stall can back you up with information about deals and payment methods.
• DO make your pricing clear:
  Always display prices so customers know the cost of your items. Provide a range of prices to attract different budgets and introduce more people to what you do.
• DON’T forget to wear comfortable shoes!
  You are probably going to be standing for the duration of the show.
• DO bring your business cards!
  Have them readily available so interested customers can find you online and continue to support you later. 
• DON’T forget to book a babysitter!
  Bringing young children is something that you should try to avoid. You may be putting the organisers in a difficult situation and causing problems for other vendors
• DO think about the weather!!
  This is the UK, so unless we are in the middle of a heatwave or the fair is going to be indoors, you need to plan for unpredictable weather. And even for indoor fairs, transporting goods inside will require plastic boxes and bags to keep items dry in transit.
• DON’T forget to organise your craft insurance!
  Our Craft Insurance policy will cover you when attending any events where you are selling, demonstrating or teaching your craft, indoors or outdoors. You can even get single-day public liability insurance. Take a look at our website for more details and then pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk you through the protection you need, from single-day public liability insurance to business items insurance – whatever suits your unique business requirements.

At the fair

• DO be mindful of other sellers by not blocking any aisles or ramps during setup and breakdown. 
  As you travel the crafting circuit, you’ll be making some wonderful friends for life. A little respect goes a long way!
• DON’T be late to the event!
  Get there ahead of time – you don’t want to be setting up whilst customers are arriving. Be set up well ahead of time so that you can hit the ground running when the customers arrive. Arriving late could lead to you being assigned a less desirable spot and it might affect your neighbours’ ability to sell as buyers could think that it isn’t time to start yet!
• DO be friendly:
  Engage with customers to tell them more about your products! If someone rejects your handicrafts, don’t hide behind your stall or be put off, there is someone else coming who is going to love what you do!
• DON’T be a hard seller:
  Let customers browse peacefully instead of pressuring them to buy. Engaging in conversation is the way rather than trying to force sales. 
• DO stay by your stall at all times.
  Any time spent away from your post could mean missed opportunities! In order to minimise the need to leave your stall, make sure to plan ahead with water and snacks and bring a helper if you can.
• DON’T let potential customers catch you on your phone!
  It’s better to keep it in your pocket on silent!
• DO use an ironed, steamed tablecloth that reaches all the way to the floor. 
  This will allow you to discreetly store extra stock and crates under the table, keeping your table top clutter-free. Solid-colour tablecloths are preferable, keeping the attention on your handmade items.
  • DON’T forget the bin bags! These are useful throughout the event, and, at the end, an ample supply of them is invaluable.
• DO take a change of clothes.
  Carrying a change of clothes means that you will be prepared to face your customers, whatever happens.
• DON’T put all your stock out on the table top in one go!
  If you can keep stock under your tablecloth, it will help your display to look less cluttered, and if inclement weather should strike, it will be easier to clear away your products.

Finally, there is one thing that you don’t want to forget! Please do have a wonderful time! We wish you all the best from Craft Insurance as you join the wonderful crafting community and travel our beautiful country, keeping our traditions alive.