How to make the most of craft markets and fairs
We gained expert insights to help get makers back out there and selling post pandemic
Gilly Langton at Craft Festival
Nothing beats selling and showcasing your work at craft fairs and markets for gaining direct contact with buyers, talking about your practice and for buyers to see your work in the flesh.
As the landscape for craft markets and fairs has shifted post pandemic, we chatted to Sinead Koehler, founder and Director of Crafty Fox market, Sarah James, Director of Craft Festival and Mark Saunders, Director of Scotlands Trade Fair to gain some insider insights and top tips on getting back out there and making the most of craft markets, fairs and trade fairs in 2022 and beyond.
“The main thing we have noticed since the pandemic is the sheer joy for makers in having the opportunity to connect again in person both directly with their customers but also with one another”
- Sinead Koehler, Crafty Fox markets
Download top tips from fair organisers
What is the difference between a retail and trade fair?
Retail fairs- this is largely a public audience which can include art lovers and collectors.
Trade fairs - the buyer is looking for what they can sell in their shop or gallery and where you sell your work at wholesale price.
However be prepared for anyone - trade, press, gallery, collector at any event you present at.
Makers top tips for taking part from Stuart Ackroyd, glass artist and Lynne Hutchinson, ceramicist:
When Applying
- Do your research:
- Find out about the reputation of the show from other exhibitors.
- Visit the show before you decide to take part.
- Look at the online presence of the show and look at how they promote the show and its makers.
- Be aware that most fairs require a small admin fee to apply and there is no guarantee of place.
- Have great images. an up to date CV and artist statement ready as most fairs will have a selection policy.
- Ensure you keep copies of your applications for following years.
Taking part
- Take advantage of all the pre-show opportunities and read through all the paperwork, if there is anything you don’t understand, make sure you ask.
- Learn from past successes and mistakes with your stall set up design, and constantly look to improve.
- Create your stand to actual size in your studio or at home. Photograph it so you have a record to use during set up.
- Research so that you can create a display that appeals to your target audience.
- Invest in lights and decent display furniture.
- Incorporate storage space on the stand (especially at retail fairs for re-stocking).
- Fair refreshments are not cheap, take flasks and packed lunches.
- Plan travel and accommodation well in advance and look into sharing if possible
Links to relevant articles:
About Craft Festival
Craft Festival is a Non-Profit making organisation and the first Craft Festival started in Bovey Tracey in 2003. Since then, Craft Festival has become a collection of highly selective craft fairs in Bovey Tracey and Cheltenham. You can also explore Find a Maker and listen to their podcast, The Capital of Craft. Craft Festivals' aim is to present the finest makers with events and activities, creating communitues that highlight the joy of making.
About Crafty Fox Markets
Over the past ten years, Crafty Fox Market have supported thousands of designers, makers and artists to sell their work.
Events are held in unique locations including nightclubs, artists’ studios, museums, community spaces, and major city landmarks. The markets welcome thousands of visitors through the doors, keen to snap up beautiful products as well as enjoy the relaxed atmosphere accompanied by DJs and drinks.
About Scotlands Trade Fair
Scotlands Trade Fairs take place in September and January each year at the SEC in Glasgow.
Over 200 companies exhibit thousands of products to retail buyers looking for a Christmas stock top up or an early look into the year ahead. Exhibitors are gift and food wholesale suppliers from Scotland and other areas of the UK showing a range of products from greetings cards to home interiors
