With holiday season prep underway, and shows upon shows all just around the corner, we thought it would be a great time to share some tips on how to make the best at any event.

And who better to hear tips from than artisans who have been in your shoes?  Our Jackalope community has a wide array of knowledge and show experience to be shared.  Here are some of the top tips for show day:

1) "Great advice given to me: "Sitters don't sell" I keep a high stool in my booth so I can get off my feet if there's a slow moment, but makes it easy to get up and talk to people." - Wendy Osmundson: Granola Mama's Handmade

The Vintage Grooming Company @ The Jackalope Denver Summer 2016 Fair

2) "Really think about your display! Customers will be drawn into your booth when they can visualize how your product will look in their home. People will notice all of the hard work you put into your product!" - Laura Rodriguez, Beyond and Back Vintage

The Happy Pantry @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

3) "Make sure to bring proper weights - there are great DIY videos on YouTube to make your own. Just the right gust or monsoon can be devastating but with weights... Sooo much less so. 😃 " - Heather DeSimone, Leetie Lovendale

Tumeric and Old Lace Healing Essentials @ Jackalope Denver Summer 2016

4) "Smile big and welcome everyone the same way. Don't prequalify your customers. You never know which ones will buy and how much they will spend." - Jennifer Enck, Drinks and Crafts

5) "Bring your craft or something to work on during the show. Customers love to see the work that goes into the products they're shopping for. And you'd be surprised at how many people ask if you make the product!" - Ashley Rutstein, Apparently Ashley

6) "Do a practice set up of your booth ahead of the show. Makes the best use of your space, and saves so much time at setup." 
- Amy Godinez, SnickyB Handmade

7) "1. Do not eat at your booth, it looks unprofessional and people don't want to interrupt your meal so they keep walking. 2. No cell phones, again it's unprofessional and people feel you are too busy to engage with them. You aren't present when on your phone. 3. Don't sit, if you can, stay standing and available during the event. Be ready to engage with a vibe of positivity. 4. If applicable, have dog treats in your booth. We met so many cute furry friends and dog treats were very appreciated by owners and a great way to start a conversation. 5. Price your goods. People really liked our little price tags and table signs. Easy to read information is key" - Jamie Lynn, PrinEle Designs

8) "If you have the option, create a walk-up display vs a walk-in display. For example, vendors who use a table to showcase their products, like a single 6 or 8 foot table, move that table to the front of the booth and stand behind it. People are more likely to stop and browse the items on the table at the front of a booth than they are to walk in to a tent. There's a level of commitment in entering a canopy that not everyone is prepared to make, but taking a look at a table as one walks past or approaches, that's low pressure on the customer."  - Mark Brunner, HumanTreeRobot

Lutume @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

9) "It can really be worth it to leave your stuff out, and not start packing up until the show is officially over. Some of my biggest sales have happened at the last minute." - Jennifer Wedgle, WillowSwitch Designs

Laura Ann's Jams @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015

10) "Keep energy high! Remember good healthy snacks & water. It will keep your mind clear and a smile on your face. A beautiful booth wont help if you are crabby or sluggish.

Also, CARDS. I can't tell you how many booths I go to that dont have biz cards. You might not close a sale that day but with your card and a good memory of you, they may order online or pass it onto a friend later!" - Laura Ann Masura, Laura Ann's Jams

11) "I have a checklist of essentials that I keep and print it off before each show. It has saved my butt many times. I also keep an "emergency" backpack full of supplies - from paper clips to pens to a hammer and screwdriver." - Cari Ann: Wuve

12) "Utilize vertical space.  Using varying heights is more interesting to the eye and makes it easier to scan your products.  Also try raising your tables up by placing them on bed risers.  This makes it so customers don't have to lean over uncomfortably to shop." - Carmen McNiel Voelpel: Jewelry by McV

13)  "I found it really helpful to have pieces at a lot of different price points.  Sometimes there will be a customer who really likes your work but doesn't have a huge budget.  Likewise, if you have all lower priced items, you're going to have to sell so much more to profit." - Laura Jones Martinez: Line & Dot by Laura Jones Martinez

14) "Be thoughtful of your shoppers and offer small or medium paper bags with handles for their purchases from your booth. Put your name and logo on the bag and it's free advertising as well!" - Rondo Mieczkowski: Coldwater Canyon Provisions

15) "Be kind and courteous to your fellow artists attending the show with you and the organizers, everyone is there at the same place for the same reason, to share our passion with the world!  When you remember that, everything runs smoothly and you will have a good show!" - Jenilyn Bailard: The Painted Ladies

Craft Fairs are a blast, a great way to reach a wider demographic and network network network. However, the not so much fun side is making sure everything is legal. Dotting all the I's and crossing those T's when it comes to your licensing, taxes, permits, and insurance needed and required for selling to the public.

1. Licensing: You must register your business as a sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation etc. in order to sell your products to the public legally. This process will provide you with your Employer Identification Number, or EIN, which you will need to file tax returns. The U.S Small Business Administration website is a great resource for more specific information.

2. Taxes: In addition to federal taxes, in most states you will have to file your state taxes as well, which can be done by getting a state sales tax license using your EIN. Some cities have county or municipal sales taxes or require a temporary sales license or permit (next step!) so make sure you know what is required! 

Before going into a show, make sure you know the proper sales tax to charge. To make it easier to sell, a lot of vendors round up to the nearest whole number and tack it onto their product price! Make sure you keep proper records of everything, any expenses, sales info etc. so that you can efficiently report and pay your taxes (typically you can do this monthly, quarterly or annually). 

3. Permits: In addition to the proper licensing, some areas may require a permit in order to sell in that local area or municipality. For instance in Pasadena, they require a Special Event permit. A lot of times the show promotor will provide you with this information. Especially if you are selling food you will most likely have additional permitting and health regulations to abide by. 

4. Insurance:  Although insurance is sometimes not required it is definitely recommended. Just as you would get car insurance or home insurance, it helps protect you and your products if something were to happen. At one of our Jackalope Phoenix events, we had terrible wind, right out of the movie Twister! Unfortunately even though all the tents were weighted, some did not hold and flipped over- either breaking themselves or breaking someone else's tent or products. In this instance, insurance can help you out! We recommend ACT Insurance who has a lot of experience insuring artisans and crafters and you can even do a short term policy.  Some fairs require that you list themselves under "additionally insured" so look out for that! 

As discussed each city and state is different when it comes to their licensing, permits and taxes required. When participating in Jackalope Art & Craft Fair we make sure that you are in the loop with what is required per show. Please visit our Vendor FAQ page for more specific information! 

It is very important that you conduct your business legally. Not only can you get in trouble, but the event can be shut down-which is not good for yourself, the promoter, and your fellow vendors.

Thank you to the following sources for putting this legal jargon into proper words: http://www.fairsandfestivals.net/articles/view/licensing-permits-and-taxes-for-festival-craft-show-and-art-fair-vendors/14504 AND https://www.sba.gov/

One of the most popular questions we get asked is "how much product should I bring to the fair?" Unfortunately there is no calculation that will spit out an exact number, but there are certain tips that will help gauge how much you should bring along for the ride. 

1. Bring more than what you think will sell. Even though selling out sounds like a good idea, just make sure it is at the end of the fair and not in the middle! 

2. Take a look at what your online sales are or sales from past events, is there an item that seems to be your best seller? Make sure you have plenty in stock! 

3. Think about your booth display and how you are setting up. Knowing how you want to market yourself and the feeling you want to exude to your customers will also help in determining how much of each product you need on display. For example, do you have a minimalist approach? The below are great booth examples of a minimalist display for both People's Choice Beef Jerky and Votive Jewelry from our Jackalope Pasadena Spring Show. Notice how they have only one of each item physically out on display.

4. If you offer products in various colors and styles, do not feel the need to have one of each out. Just let the customer know that that is available. You can even have a sign up that says you take custom orders, or to ask you about other color options!

5. Offer products in varying price points, this will help attract a wider customer base! 

6. We have mentioned this before, but make sure to do a mock set up before the show itself.  This will help you figure out numbers and remember to take a picture!

Booth Display of Robert Kramer Woodworking

If you end up being "stuck" with extra inventory, it is okay, just take a look at what product you have most of and keep notes for next time! 

We love this To Do List on Etsy by BoyGirlParty! 

Preparation:
Make sure you know your booth number and pertinent load-in instructions.  Arriving on-site with an idea of where and when you need to be somewhere will help your stress levels during the event.

Permits: 
Make sure you're all set to sell with the city and state you're selling in.  

Production: 
We think Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids said it best, "Get your S*** together Carol!" Although your name may not be Carol, we feel this still applies. You want to make sure you have enough inventory ready (more the merrier), signage and business cards, and a sound display (tables, table cloths etc). Your display is your first impression so you want to make it solid.  You can read more tips and ideas on our Looking vs. Buying Blog. 

Promote Promote Promote: 
Just think about it, having 200 people talk about an event is more powerful than just a handful. Follow Jackalope Arts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest that way you can remain in the loop and share any exciting news!

if you have a website where you post upcoming events, make sure to include your next event so your followers can know where to find you.  You can even launch a new product at the fair or offer an exclusive discount to help drum up support!

Payment Methods:
Make sure you get change if you are accepting cash and store it someplace safe. Also look into setting up a credit payment system, Paypal or Square card readers are great. 

Fair Time:
Load up the night before and do a mock set up, that way you can pack smart and get straight to business upon arrival. We will include load in/out information as we get closer, but think about including a rolling cart or dolly to help. Also include scissors, string, pens, tape, anything "random" that may come in handy for display. Its important to remain hydrated so make sure to bring water, and don't skip lunch! You want to remain friendly and approachable so don't let a hungry stomach hold you down.

It is becoming increasingly frequent for art fairs to be juried. Especially with the handmade community on an uprise and more and more artisans and DIY enthusiasts entering into the fair realm. With Jackalope, we believe in our Jury to help guarantee a high quality shopping experience. 

What does it mean to be Juried?

Jackalope has a selection committee review each and every application. The appointed Jury will be seeking artisans who display a high skill set in their respective fields to help keep the content of the fair vibrant and interesting for attendees. Our Jackalope Jury is comprised of local community leaders and not just the fair organizers.  This makes it important to thoroughly fill out your application and include the best possible product and display photos.  Your application is your first and only impression on the Jury, unless they have seen your work in person. 

What exactly does the Jackalope Jury look for in applicants?

The Jury will be using three key factors in reviewing each application.

1. Quality and Aesthetic:
Jurors look at the quality and appearance of the work presented. This is where having good product photography comes into play.  Did you select your BEST work to include with your application? Did you show enough variety?

2. Uniqueness and Originality:
Is the work presented innovative and original? What sets you apart from the rest? Your artist statement can also help relay why you do what you do. Do not be afraid to really sell yourself!

Make sure to detail your handmade process.  Giving our jurors a view into your process can make the difference between them selecting you or a similar artisan in your place.

3. Branding and Sellability:
How well is the work represented? Do you have a logo or innovative packaging?

If you have done a fair before, make sure to include booth images or possibly do a mock setup.

Make sure your website and social media are up to date, as that is also a good example of how you represent your work.  

It is always important to put your best foot forward and we hope this inside scoop helps shed some light on the Jury process!

Submit your best application!
For additional tips on submitting the best application to Jackalope, see our APPLICATIONS blog!

Meet our Jurors:

Pasadena Jurors

Denver Jurors

 

Crafting a vision statement is great way to kick off the new year for your handmade business. 

A vision statement is a photograph in words of your company's future, it provides the inspiration for both your daily operations and your strategic decisions.

The first step in creating this is to examine your mission statement which answers "Why do we exist?" Then for the vision statement, expand on that base and answer the question "What will we have accomplished in the future; what will we be recognized for?"

Dare to dream when writing this statement!  It should be one sentence that inspires and that you can commit to.  Once you've crafted the perfect vision statement, share it with your partners, your customers, your community and keep it alive!

We hope you will join Jackalope Arts as we embark on our vision to...

Support local artisans who devote their lives to their creations and to bring a community together to celebrate local artistry and promote high quality, handmade creations of all kinds in our weekend events! 

 

Our mission with the Jackalope Art & Craft fair is to create an event where the attendees can interact with you and your work and touch, try on, taste, smell etc.   However, outside of the fair setting, when you are being represented online by only a picture, quality product photographs are key to your success.  

Whether selling online through sites like Etsy, Shop Envy or your own website or applying to sell at a craft fair or boutique, the product photos are often all that is seen and can make or break that sale or acceptance.  Most of us aren't professional photographers but with a little help, you can become your own awesome product photographer!

The most important part of product photography is to TELL A STORY of not only the item being photographed but the story of your shop as a whole.  Develop a photo styling back pallet with similar background and styling in each photo so the brand feels cohesive.

KEEP PERSPECTIVE when you have products of various sizes by either emphasizing the size via a close up shot or showing multiple perspectives of each item.

Each image in a product listing should show a different facet of the product.  Your can photograph VARIATIONS of the product in color and style & in USE!

There is a wealth of information on the web about how to take great product photos, even with just a smartphone!  Check out these posts from Etsy and Handmadeology:

• Etsy: https://blog.etsy.com/en/tags/etsy-success-photography/
  
  
• Handmadeology: http://www.handmadeology.com/category/product-photography-tips/

Make sure you take a lot of photos and then edit & curate them down to tell the best story.  Always put the best one first as the thumbnail!   We are excited to see your product photos when you apply for Jackalope Art & Craft Fair!  

Now that a new year has officially begun that means so has another show season! Here at Jackalope we have both our Spring Fairs right around the corner. Fairs are a great way to expose your work to a wider demographic and increase shop traffic, but how do you better guarantee someone buying your product vs. just looking? 

First things first, they need to know about you.  In large part it is the responsibility of the fair organizer to advertise and ensure people come out to shop. However do not solely rely on the fair. It is also your responsibility to share your upcoming events with your current fan base. Not only will that help retain your current shoppers, but having 100+ people promote an event is better then a handful.   

Now that you got them through the door (or tent!) the trick is to intrigue the customer. Making sure you put your best foot forward in terms of booth display is important to first bring the shoppers in, especially when placed in a sea of booths. You can read more about our booth display tips and tricks on our blog post The Perfect Booth Display. 

Silver Spoon at Jackalope Pasadena, great use of space in creating her own brick & mortar store. 

So how do you intrigue the customer? People are more willing to branch out if they can try your product first. There are several ways to go about this. 

1. The first is by providing samples or allowing the customer to try on your product. Let them test your lotion, taste your chocolate, smell your candle etc. Having testers and products that are already open and accessible is helpful.  If you are a clothing designer, fitting rooms are a great option, even makeshift ones. For accessories include a mirror so the shopper can see themselves wearing your product! 

2. The next is by creating a price point that is comfortable with your newfound followers. That doesn’t mean lowering all of your inventory prices, but perhaps creating a product that will fall in a less risky price range. This could be a travel size lotion, a snack pack etc. Chances are they will run out and crave more! Varying price points will attract a magnitude of shoppers.

3. If you can’t create a smaller sampler, maybe offer a new customer discount or a special rate for Jackalope shoppers? Make sure to advertise this as well because your current followers may be more enticed to come and stock up.  As a thank you, you could include a code or coupon for returning customers. It doesn’t have to be huge, but make them feel special and want to hear more. 

Now that you have them hooked, make sure you stay in touch and keep them well informed of your whereabouts! Keeping a newsletter is a great way to remain active with your followers. To help obtain newsletter signups, we love an incentive! Get a piece of candy for signing up, be entered to win a free piece, this is a great way to introduce them to you. 

And most importantly, make sure to have a continuous smile on your face. You want to be approachable and available to help with each person that may come into your booth. Be attentive but not obsessive and anticipate questions. If you are having a bad day, it will show (even if you think you are hiding it) and the customer will feel that energy. At the end of the day we can get people to come out, but it is up to you to sell your product, no one knows you better then you! 

We want take a moment and go more in depth to what exactly we are looking for at Jackalope Arts and how you can increase your chances on jury acceptance.  

Your application is your resume for us to view, so it's best to really put some thought into it. Please note our jury often changes so go into this with the expectation that they have not seen your work before. 

While the specific types of art and craft work that we are accepting is quite broad, there are definite quality features that our jury will keep in mind during review.  

Some of the key factors to keep in mind:

•  We're looking for trendsetting, indie goods - not just your run of the mill craft fair feature.  We want to see new and innovative ideas brought to the table that will captivate our patrons and provide a dynamic experience at the fair.  Use the space provided in your application and really describe what makes your work unique.

• Photos that show off your booth display (if you have participated in fairs before).   If our jurors can see an idea of your booth set up - it really helps give a concept of the professionalism that you put into your display.

• If you haven't participated in a fair before, it can be a good idea to create a mock set up.  This can not only help us, but help give you an idea of how you might be able to display your work in an attractive way to fair-goers.

• Photos detailing your strongest work.  Professional photos of your work and photos that are obviously well-crafted, show the jury that you put thought and time into your branding -- and will in turn be a great vendor for our fair.  We want to see close-up images of your best signatures item(s).  Our applications allow for 6 total images included - it's best to include as many as possible to really show the jury what you're all about.

• Web presence.  In addition to your application and images submitted, we will likely be poking around on your provided weblinks.  Make sure that the links you provide work, and that your website is current.  We love to see if you have work for sale online - and how you have that set up.  If you have a blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter - make sure they are updated so we can see current information and work when reviewing your application.  We love to see artisans who are active on their social media channels. 
   

• Really emphasize your brand.  Some artisans create items that aren't necessarily unique by trade - but everyone has a certain something that makes their work unique.  Highlight that for the jury.  We want to know what little sparkle you've added to really make your jewelry line -- your bath and body products -- stand out from the rest.  Some categories are very competitive - so it's really important that you show the jury why to choose YOU.  Think about your packaging, logo, product ingredients, presentation etc. these all reflect your brand. 

• We can't stress this enough: double check your application before you send it in.  
  • Make sure your email address is correct! 
  • Double check your website links.  
  • A link to generic sites like Etsy.com won't help us find YOU.  We need your unique URLs

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What we are NOT looking for:  

• Vintage resale items… or any resale items for that matter.  We are a handmade only fair and want the maker behind the one of a kind goods there.
   
• This event is all about the community getting a chance to meet local creators, so it's important that you're not selling someone else's work in your booth. 
   
• Artisans with no images of their work to be found.  Our jury can't make a decision on your work if they can't see it.  Please take the time to curate images that you want our jury to pay special attention to.  While they will likely spend time viewing your website, they can't go hunting for your best work - you need to make it obvious.  
   
• Commercial resellers and product consultants.  

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We are really looking forward to reviewing your application and giving our local community of artisans an opportunity to sell their wares at Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair.

We look forward to seeing your application soon!

Haven't gotten to it yet?  

Have specific questions about your application?  Email us: vendors@jackalopeartfair.com 

Not quite ready to apply yet but want to stay in the loop?!  Sign up for our Newsletter!

In the maze of craft fairs and vendors, having an alluring booth that makes a “wow” first impression and draws shoppers in is key to standing out!

The first rule that craft show exhibitors want to remember is that the eye likes to roam and take in the entire display first. A person gets a feel for the booth and the products available through the presentation, often swaying their decision to shop. 

 Fuel your creativity with these tips for creating the most awesome booth ever!

1.  Branding:  Today, more than ever, branding is important, as competition is intense. Well thought out craft show booth display themes can give you an edge on your competition. You always want the effect of the presentation to further your goal—selling your product and establishing a following. You can do this even with a simple table setup, there is no excuse to slack on branding and signage!

 2.  Give it a personal touch!  Think of your booth as a blank canvas and let your creativity loose!  Imagine that your space is an actual brick and mortar shop and decorate it with the same care.  Create a nice, cohesive shop using furniture, displays, accessories, props, backdrops, decorations and more. 

3.  Product Info & Interaction: Everything in your booth should be tagged, labeled and identified for the customer. Information is important to help make the customer feel comfortable, they may be too shy to ask. Also, show your work in action! Think about props and put your product on display, testers are also a great option. 

4.  Avoid Clutter: Abundance versus clutter provides the customer with a good feeling—the feeling that the exhibitor is a professional. Clutter does not develop a sense of quality or tastefulness.

5.  Think outside the 10x10 box. While your booth space is typically a square 10’x10′ spot, you don’t necessarily have to make a perfect square footprint. You can create an environment where you have your own free-standing structure, or non-traditional piece of equipment as to really wow the crowds.

6.  Maximized space:  Utilize walls to give yourself even more space to display work and the ability to hang work in a gallery style.  You can use plywood, painted cardboard, trellis, chipboard, foam core, grid panels and other materials for building walls.  Think about using both the inside AND outside of your walls and incorporate shelving to provide a variety of display options and areas.

7.  Make it Work:  It is always important to take photos of your booth and practice putting it together and taking it apart. You do not want to leave the final outcome for the day of the show. You want to understand what you need and how long it will take to pack your materials, transport the materials, set up and break down the booth. This translates into understanding if you need additional manpower and that includes managing the booth during the show.

8.  Prepare for the weather!   Most fairs go on wind, rain or shine so have a plan for any condition and always use a tent.  Tents and tent walls should be heavily weighted to avoid being knocked over in heavy wind or allowing debris to blow in.  Utilize additional tarps to seal your tent from potential rain. And even consider the heat!  On a hot day, you’ll need sunscreen, water to avoid dehydration, and maybe even a few battery powered fans to keep your tent shoppable! 

Keep track of some of our favorite booth display ideas on our Jackalope Pinterest board, "Artisan Display & Branding Inspirations!" 

Now that you have the greatest booth in the fair, follow that up with an outgoing, approachable, and fun attitude and the shoppers will be mesmerized into your shop!  ENJOY!