Tips for getting your home business into a boutique or craft fair
So you've finally done what you've always dreamed, you've started your own home business. Now what? Well, the first thing you will need to do is promote whatever it is you are selling. A great way of promoting is getting your home business into a boutique, or craft fair. Steps to doing this are fairly simple, and extremely great for business. Not only does this show off your "product" (in terms of seeing), but it gives you the opportunity to give people a hands on look at what you do best.
Believe it or not, there are craft fairs, or boutiques out there for almost every kind of home based business. Here are some quick tips on getting started:
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Go down to a local craft store and ask for a publication that lists the boutiques or craft fairs that will be taking place during the year in your state. They usually come out at the beginning of the year (January or February) and are readily available to anyone who asks.
If you do not have a local craft store, you can find listings of different boutiques and craft fairs in several different magazines. These shows are often larger and the fees may be somewhat higher in price compared to local boutiques.
Attend a local craft show in the area. As you attend these shows, you can often times find out where the next craft show will be held next, or who you need to talk to about finding the information you need.
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce's in your surrounding cities. They will generally have listings of some upcoming boutiques. They may even have a hand in sponsoring some.
These are just a few ideas of how to get your home business into a boutique or craft show. There are other things you may also want to consider in placing your product into a craft show such as which show will best show off your product, and how much you will have to pay to enter the show. Let's take a look at some different considerations.
Deciding what craft show is best for you
There are a few things to consider:
1. Location of the show- If you have a lot of things to bring to the show with you, something local, or at least within 60 miles would work better. If traveling is not an issue for you, then go ahead and look into shows that will be held in different surrounding areas.
2. Attendance- knowing approximately how many people usually attend the shows can play a big role in where and which shows you decide to involve yourself in. At least ½ the people that attend the craft show will look, and even stop by your booth, so you'll want to have some idea of how much traffic your show will have.
3. Vendors- If the show has a lot of vendor, and more importantly returning vendors then the likelihood of selling or at least getting the word out on your product is higher. Larger boutiques have about 500-600 vendors. Smaller ones have between 20-30. If you are looking into a craft show and know that there are several vendors not returning, then don't do the show.
4. Fees- How much money you will be paying is definitely something you need to consider. Usually with larger craft shows and boutiques you will be paying more money, but will also most likely be getting more people to them. And vice versa; the less money you pay, the smaller the show.
Hopefully these tips on getting your home business into a boutique or craft fair are helpful in your hunt to increase business. Use your local resources in finding a craft fair or boutique that will meet your needs. Good luck!
