Don’t give up from the one bad experience. Every market is different. I just started doing a farmers market and so far have done great. Who would have thought I would? I didn’t! But just gotta try different places until you feel comfortable somewhere.
Thank you for sharing your story! I know it’s not easy to make ourselves vulnerable. I see a lot of successes… your booth looked SO adorable. It was so cozy and inviting. You did talk a good bit with the vendor next to you, so that’s a good win, too! You learned lessons, which will help you in the future with whatever you decide to do with markets going forward. All that said, I totally relate to what you’re saying about social anxiety. I have such a hard time approaching people, making small talk, etc, and I am constantly feeling like an adult imposter. lol Everyone else has their crap together, and I just try to pretend like I have 20% of my crap together. We are definitely our own worst critics a lot of the time. I’m proud of you for putting yourself out there (with the market and even your RUclips)! From where I sit, you are a natural. 💕
You’re so sweet 🥹 Imposter syndrome is real! I feel like everyone else knows what they are doing way more than me. But I feel like most of us feel that way. I feel like I come across way more friendly on camera because it’s just me alone in a room with a camera haha. Irl I’m so awkward.
I just stumbled across your page, and this is the first video I watched. I love how vulnerable you are in sharing, as well as being real. It's hard to find people these days who are willing to share things other than "perfection." Can't wait to watch more videos! While I watched, I was working on hand sewing a liner for a cross body bag I just crocheted 😊
I’m so glad my content resonated with you. I feel like when I first started I felt like I had to be perfect and polished but it’s so much better to just be myself flaws and all! I have been itching to crochet a bag lately!
What a bummer! I’m so sorry you were disappointed, you’re such a talented artist, it’s really a shame more people weren’t there to get to see and appreciate your work. I know you listed off the things you wish you did, like talk to other vendors but please don’t beat yourself up! It’s so brave to put yourself out there and I think this story is helpful for other people interested in doing markets. I hope you do more markets in the future. I guess my biggest piece of advice is to have a go bin of your supplies, like not inventory, but things you need - water bottle, price tags, signage, business cards, a project to work on, and to pack everything the night before so the morning of you can do one last check to make sure you’re not missing anything lol I’ve forgotten something at literally every show I’ve done, so I need to take my own advice, And to remember to get change from the bank! Which I have also forgotten to do before 😅
It's too bad your market didn't turn out the way you had hoped. But it sounds like it was a good learning experience for you. As for the guy with the phone, definitely report him. He shouldn't be doing that sort of thing in public at all. There could have been kids there who would have seen things they shouldn't. Anyhow, I hope you at least try another, better show later on. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you for sharing! I appreciate you sharing the reality that some events just aren't a good fit. I've definitely had a few events that were disappointing. It happens. 💕Also, I love a good stitch and chat session! Glad I stumbled across your channel. 🙌
@@gardengirlstudio I’m glad you’re here too! You live and learn I guess. I am dipping my toes into looking into other markets but it’s hard after such a bad experience
We live in a small town, so mlm's are always there. It's a pre-Christmas event and is always packed. I haven't done a booth yet because I don't have enough inventory. I do mainly custom orders. I think the hot summer months aren't great times for vendor events. Thanks for the great info!!
Def dont let one bad show get you down. Ive had great shows that i had been at previously, that i didnt have great shows at later times. I understand the MLMs bring small businesses down and i stay away from shows with them in it. Every show is different even shows youve been to before. Often times it doesnt have anything to do with you if you dont sell, sometimes is placements, the audience group, size, etc. You can do this i recommend signing up for all you can and just keep going and staying positive. It stinks to have a bad show but its not always on you.
So sorry to hear about your first craft fair. Look at it as a learning experience. The one thing you might consider is tailoring your items to the fair. What about adding a few scented items that could be heated in the microwave and used for soothing purposes or even rice filled items that could also be microwaved. Best wishes for future success!
It is funny you say that because I actually had started on some items that were lavender scented. But I just didn’t have time to settle on a design. I was hoping to use craft shows to just sell extra items I have laying around from testing my own patterns or making videos but I do love the idea of tailoring stuff to a show
Im sorry that your experience wasn't a good one. I've done many a craft fair. Lol. My best advice to you is to make tons of items that are $3-$5. I make barefoot sandals, flower headbands for festival wear, and towel toppers. I also bring some of my more expensive items just in case someone might like those. But i overwhelmingly sell smaller items. I make around $400 usually.
That’s awesome that you’re able to make that much on smaller items. I guess I am just slow at crocheting because there is no way I could ever make something that would be worth my time at $3. The only things in my $5 bin were things that were off season or had some sort of imperfection.
You could bring a fan hand held or (if theres outlets near by )electric fans with you. Bring a project to crochet. I would have set up outside away from the neighbor vender as soon as you noticed and it probably would have helped with the heat issue and foot traffic. ❤ loved you video. Hope to see another market vlog and good luck to the next one you go to.
There was really no way to move anywhere else. We had assigned placement. But we probably should have said something at the time but it was just so weird
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I truly appreciate how honest and real you are. Your booth was so cute and inviting and I'm sure under better circumstances you would have sold much more. ❤ Love your videos and all the creations you share with us! Keep at it!! 👏
@@LorisLittleDesigns thank you so much for the sweet comment. It was a little scary putting this out there but people like you make it worth it for me to continue on this journey ❤️
Thank you for sharing your experience. It does help you have nothing to be ashamed of I would definitely try fall or winter craft fairs, especially before, like the holidays like for Halloween. You could have that for Halloween and Thanksgiving. And then for Christmas and have your stuff priced, have signs. Give people ideas. Do you need a gift? Yes, people like the cheaper stuff. But then there are those people that will pay money for your items. Because they know how well that they're made. And there will be people that won't pay it. And that's okay, because there will be somebody that will
Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so sorry the event, especially cause it's your first one in a while, went far less than ideal. And it double sucks because it's all stuff outside your control/things the event coordinator should have though through. This video is encouraging to me because my last market I made very few sales and it makes me not want to crochet. Watching this helped to inspire me. Good luck for your next ventures and I look for to watching more videos! P.S my current favorite video was the Mainstays Velvet Yarn one, I bought it from your video and make scrunchies!
I’m so glad this video could help!! That was the goal. I am glad you liked the mainstays yarn! I bet that made some super cute scrunchies. Can you believe I’ve never made a scrunchie before?
I’m sorry that your market was not to you expectations! It’s always so hard when you believe it will go one way and it doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to go out there again - maybe look for more arts and crafts markets or markets that call themselves family friendly?
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I'm sorry that it was such a disappointment. I have my very first markets (2) coming up at the end of July and I worked on a crocodile while watching. I will be scouring these comments for helpful tips. Note to self: bring a fan!
Thats such a bummer! You are so talented and I have only done 1 because they intimate me. I have one in the Fall and hoping it won't disappoint. That Goblin..... perfect for the Fall Markets.
Oof yes I did a summer market once and hardly anyone came through. Luckily I hadn’t poured too much into prepping so it was ok but it was a looooooong day! That same market in the early spring had been super busy and fun so I agree summer might be harder, if it’s not a popular outdoor touristy spot or event
Its been my experience if an event is open to MLM's they are having trouble getting vendors. I know some places will only open spots to MLMs if there are spots open a week before the event. I went to an event a couple of years ago on advice I'd gotten from another person holding an event. I joined the facebook group and this next sale in November will be my 4th sale, their 5th sale (I missed the first spring sale).
@@amandabottoms1 that does seem to be the case. Although they really could have just left some empty space so we could spread out more tbh. I’m glad you found a good one to do!
I rlly hope this didnt completely turn u away from markets! I scoped out a market on fathers day (they have a market for a few sundays in the summer so i visited the first one to see if i want to spend the money to sell there) and it was VERY empty too. But i definitely think it was bc of fathers day
Just watching you for the first time so you may have covered this in others but does the boppy pillow help with shoulder/arm pain/strain? Seems like an ingenious idea.
Wow! Except for the accent, you sound so much like me. I print t-shirts and do embroidery, as well as crocheting. I was lucky enough to have a brick-and-mortar store for several years but now work from home. When I had the storefront, I did try a couple of markets. I also tried making shirts themed to local schools and setting up "spirit" racks in the store. Aside from the base business of custom printing and embroidery, the side efforts were all just distractions and kind of a waste of money. I hear all of the stories of people showing up to markets with one or two designs and selling out in a flash. That just never happened for me. Also, I'm an introvert so the whole setting up and doing a market was just exhausting. When I get a big enough break, I plan to setup an independent website and see if that works any better. In the meantime, I stay busy enough with custom orders from the clientele I built up when I had the storefront. In my spare time, I crochet whatever I decide from one project to the next. I am, however, toying with the idea of sending beanies and scarves to a fall/winter market with a friend who goes to farmers markets. I still like the idea of markets. I just want to outsource that activity! 😄
I’m an introvert too so the whole thing is so kind of a nightmare especially with my social anxiety disorder. I’m glad you’re staying busy and wish you all the best. I’m curious what you mean about an accent. Do I have an accent? Or do you? Haha
@@Tfwcrochet I'm not the best at guessing accents. Midwest somewhere, maybe? LOL! It would be easier for me to list some accents you don't have. So maybe you don't actually have one. 🤣
@@moonmiststudio lol I’m from Oklahoma. I don’t feel like I have much of an accent but I was raised by a southern mom (Arkansas) so I can pull out the southern accent when I want lol
I also had a “bad” experience. It wasn’t too bad but I made a bunch of stuff over the course of 6 months and calculated how much I’d make if I sold out and expected to sell everything (my mistake!) I only sold a few things then during a short break I had walked around to look at the other venues and spent all the money I just made 😅🤣 also I was the only one without a tent, I just had a small fold-out table so I looked so small and pathetic 😂 at least everything was colorful! My husband ran to Home Depot because he wanted to find a tent for me and thankfully they didn’t have any because we would’ve wasted money and it was too late to set up but he was determined
Not so much of it was your fault... Much fell on the organizer, cramming the vendors in like sardines, scheduling on a day when people are usually together as a family. I've had loads of shows where I didn't sell enough to pay my booth fee. If there is a Facebook group for craft shows in your area, maybe you can find some good fall shows. Some high schools have well-established craft-only shows.
A good learning experience, but still a bummer! Do you have business cards or a flyer that you can hand out and use as a talking point for where to find you?
I've never done a market so wouldn't know what to suggest :/ As I'm listening I'm working on my first pattern ^_^ I generally freehand work so I thought I'd give writing a pattern a try. So far I am not a fan, lol
I have been a freehand girl for most of my crochet journey. I do custom work so I know the shapes to make and just make them without really writing them down. I just started selling patterns this year and the technical side of it is way harder than anyone thinks about! Best of luck in your pattern writing though! I bet it’s great!
@@Tfwcrochet Do you have a background in art? Just curious because I've found I work up crochet the same was as art, i.e. breaking it down into simple shapes, akin to how I sketch things. Anyway thanks for the well wishes on the pattern!
@@pleasantdreamscrochet I do! I took lots of painting and drawing classes growing up and in college. I never really put that together before that that might be why my brain works this way but that makes sense!
I have done summer craft shows and never done very well. I use to sell mainly gnomes and other crafts. I normally do fall craft shows, up north in Minnesota they are still called craft shows or craft fairs. I like the word market Instead. Saturday shows are the best for me. I would report the guy on his phone looking good at Inappropriate content. I try to have Inexpensive items to higher priced items. I have had customers that have come to my craft shows and they know where they are going to be. There and some of them like the cheaper stuff for Christmas presents stocking stuffers. I make signs that's say. Need a gift and I list all the people and give my customers. The people that are walking by an idea. Oh I could give a gift for my hairdresser. I could give a gift for my mail carrier. My son's teacher. Etc. Unlock. And then, when people see those signs, then that gives them the idea and they buy. I wish the craft fairs that I did and all of the years that I've done craft fairs, which is over 20 years taking a few breaks and there would send us where you were going to be a map of where you were going to be at that craft show in all the years. I've done crackers. I've had probably 2. Craffairs that have sent out a map so that you know How you can set up your table ahead of time.
lol the gods thank you for your sacrifice. An MLM is multi level marketing. They are those companies where you recruit people to also sell the product. Like Herbalife, Young Living etc
if you want to know more about the dangers of MLMs i 10000% recommend watching Hannah Alonzo here on youtube! They are dangerous for peoples financial and mental health so I highly recommend getting familiar with the warning signs so that you can avoid getting hurt by them!
Thank you for sharing. Bless your heart, I’m sorry this was your experience. Your items look great. My last market I sold my stuffed animals to the other vendors children. No one else came to the market. I made 40 small amigurumi whales and octopus babies. So I donated them our church vbs the theme was under the sea.
Talking to other vendors at the craft fairs and ask them. What other craft shows that they do and how good they have done at those craft shows. Going to a craft show first before you decide to be in. It is a good idea because then you have Some idea of the people that are there, the vendors that are there where it is if the traffic is good that sort of thing I have talked to other vendors at a craft fair. I did last november 2023, And I found out there Another craft fair that he did even better. At then this one this was my first time and I do have to say I had not been there before, but I had talked to many people. That said you need to do this, craft fair. And when I got the information, it is the biggest market or craft fair in northern Minnesota. There was a hundred and sixty vendors, and it was in a school in a small town of foston, minnesota. I made $1100, which for me was awesome. That is probably over double. What I usually make so talking to your other vendors? And for your friends, if they know about craft fairs is one of the best things you can do is to get to know the vendors and the people that are doing the craft fair also.
Hi there.. your video was interesting. Going out on your own is aBIG step. I think back to when i wanted to sell my wreaths. Everyone who saw them said they were beautiful.But not interested in buying any. But I did sell a few to friends and family. We love the creative side of doing them and get attached emotionaly to our work. But i decided not to go the market route... because there was not enough customers interested in buying them. This decision was made after i did a business plan. I fell back on my marketing course i took when in school.. The number ONE point that was drilled into us was... Find a niche and fill it. Find something the customer needs or wants. WHO is you customer. Are thet repeat customers.What are they willing to spend. If anything. Price point. Your costs. Is it seasonal Ect..some people just like to go out and window shop. I ended up making more seasonal wreaths. And sell a few here and there... just enough to stay in being creative. GOOD LUCK. ❤
I know I felt bad and said I’d go myself once I realized but he wanted to support me. Thankfully we still got to see his dad and our kids that night but our daughter was sick. Such a disappointment all around.
@@Tfwcrochet At least you made the best of a bad situation. I once made the mistake of agreeing to babysit my brother’s dog over Father’s Day weekend only to find out that the dog had severe separation anxiety. I felt so bad for my husband. Never again.
I forgot to say that I actually crocheted some plushies while I was there and so I ended up coming home with more things than I came with 🙈
Don’t give up from the one bad experience. Every market is different. I just started doing a farmers market and so far have done great. Who would have thought I would? I didn’t! But just gotta try different places until you feel comfortable somewhere.
Thank you for sharing your story! I know it’s not easy to make ourselves vulnerable. I see a lot of successes… your booth looked SO adorable. It was so cozy and inviting. You did talk a good bit with the vendor next to you, so that’s a good win, too! You learned lessons, which will help you in the future with whatever you decide to do with markets going forward. All that said, I totally relate to what you’re saying about social anxiety. I have such a hard time approaching people, making small talk, etc, and I am constantly feeling like an adult imposter. lol Everyone else has their crap together, and I just try to pretend like I have 20% of my crap together. We are definitely our own worst critics a lot of the time. I’m proud of you for putting yourself out there (with the market and even your RUclips)! From where I sit, you are a natural. 💕
You’re so sweet 🥹 Imposter syndrome is real! I feel like everyone else knows what they are doing way more than me. But I feel like most of us feel that way. I feel like I come across way more friendly on camera because it’s just me alone in a room with a camera haha. Irl I’m so awkward.
I just stumbled across your page, and this is the first video I watched. I love how vulnerable you are in sharing, as well as being real. It's hard to find people these days who are willing to share things other than "perfection." Can't wait to watch more videos!
While I watched, I was working on hand sewing a liner for a cross body bag I just crocheted 😊
I’m so glad my content resonated with you. I feel like when I first started I felt like I had to be perfect and polished but it’s so much better to just be myself flaws and all!
I have been itching to crochet a bag lately!
What a bummer! I’m so sorry you were disappointed, you’re such a talented artist, it’s really a shame more people weren’t there to get to see and appreciate your work. I know you listed off the things you wish you did, like talk to other vendors but please don’t beat yourself up! It’s so brave to put yourself out there and I think this story is helpful for other people interested in doing markets. I hope you do more markets in the future.
I guess my biggest piece of advice is to have a go bin of your supplies, like not inventory, but things you need - water bottle, price tags, signage, business cards, a project to work on, and to pack everything the night before so the morning of you can do one last check to make sure you’re not missing anything lol I’ve forgotten something at literally every show I’ve done, so I need to take my own advice,
And to remember to get change from the bank! Which I have also forgotten to do before 😅
Thank you so much for the advice. A go bag is a great idea! I will be adding a fan to my list of supplies from now on😂
It's too bad your market didn't turn out the way you had hoped. But it sounds like it was a good learning experience for you. As for the guy with the phone, definitely report him. He shouldn't be doing that sort of thing in public at all. There could have been kids there who would have seen things they shouldn't. Anyhow, I hope you at least try another, better show later on. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I think I might report him but it all just feels so awkward!
Thank you for sharing! I appreciate you sharing the reality that some events just aren't a good fit. I've definitely had a few events that were disappointing. It happens. 💕Also, I love a good stitch and chat session! Glad I stumbled across your channel. 🙌
@@gardengirlstudio I’m glad you’re here too! You live and learn I guess. I am dipping my toes into looking into other markets but it’s hard after such a bad experience
We live in a small town, so mlm's are always there. It's a pre-Christmas event and is always packed. I haven't done a booth yet because I don't have enough inventory. I do mainly custom orders.
I think the hot summer months aren't great times for vendor events.
Thanks for the great info!!
Def dont let one bad show get you down. Ive had great shows that i had been at previously, that i didnt have great shows at later times. I understand the MLMs bring small businesses down and i stay away from shows with them in it. Every show is different even shows youve been to before. Often times it doesnt have anything to do with you if you dont sell, sometimes is placements, the audience group, size, etc. You can do this i recommend signing up for all you can and just keep going and staying positive. It stinks to have a bad show but its not always on you.
So sorry to hear about your first craft fair. Look at it as a learning experience. The one thing you might consider is tailoring your items to the fair. What about adding a few scented items that could be heated in the microwave and used for soothing purposes or even rice filled items that could also be microwaved. Best wishes for future success!
It is funny you say that because I actually had started on some items that were lavender scented. But I just didn’t have time to settle on a design. I was hoping to use craft shows to just sell extra items I have laying around from testing my own patterns or making videos but I do love the idea of tailoring stuff to a show
Im sorry that your experience wasn't a good one. I've done many a craft fair. Lol. My best advice to you is to make tons of items that are $3-$5. I make barefoot sandals, flower headbands for festival wear, and towel toppers. I also bring some of my more expensive items just in case someone might like those. But i overwhelmingly sell smaller items. I make around $400 usually.
That’s awesome that you’re able to make that much on smaller items. I guess I am just slow at crocheting because there is no way I could ever make something that would be worth my time at $3. The only things in my $5 bin were things that were off season or had some sort of imperfection.
I hope it gets better the next time. I am making a baseball cap organizer while watching you!
You could bring a fan hand held or (if theres outlets near by )electric fans with you. Bring a project to crochet. I would have set up outside away from the neighbor vender as soon as you noticed and it probably would have helped with the heat issue and foot traffic. ❤ loved you video. Hope to see another market vlog and good luck to the next one you go to.
There was really no way to move anywhere else. We had assigned placement. But we probably should have said something at the time but it was just so weird
@@Tfwcrochet oh hmm and I also think you shouldn't have to pay the full vender fee because of the ac. Such a rip off. I'm sorry you went through that.
I did my first market ever a while ago and it didn't go well at all. Thanks for sharing your story, it's super relatable!!!
@@Bean990Jilly I’m sorry yours didn’t go well either but I hope my story made you feel less alone ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I truly appreciate how honest and real you are. Your booth was so cute and inviting and I'm sure under better circumstances you would have sold much more. ❤ Love your videos and all the creations you share with us! Keep at it!! 👏
@@LorisLittleDesigns thank you so much for the sweet comment. It was a little scary putting this out there but people like you make it worth it for me to continue on this journey ❤️
I finished my first ever fingerless glove while watching this and I'm over the moon
Congrats!! That’s amazing ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing your experience. It does help you have nothing to be ashamed of I would definitely try fall or winter craft fairs, especially before, like the holidays like for Halloween. You could have that for Halloween and Thanksgiving. And then for Christmas and have your stuff priced, have signs. Give people ideas. Do you need a gift? Yes, people like the cheaper stuff. But then there are those people that will pay money for your items. Because they know how well that they're made. And there will be people that won't pay it. And that's okay, because there will be somebody that will
Thank you so much for your kind comment and all the amazing advice!!!
Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so sorry the event, especially cause it's your first one in a while, went far less than ideal. And it double sucks because it's all stuff outside your control/things the event coordinator should have though through. This video is encouraging to me because my last market I made very few sales and it makes me not want to crochet. Watching this helped to inspire me. Good luck for your next ventures and I look for to watching more videos! P.S my current favorite video was the Mainstays Velvet Yarn one, I bought it from your video and make scrunchies!
I’m so glad this video could help!! That was the goal. I am glad you liked the mainstays yarn! I bet that made some super cute scrunchies. Can you believe I’ve never made a scrunchie before?
I’m sorry that your market was not to you expectations! It’s always so hard when you believe it will go one way and it doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to go out there again - maybe look for more arts and crafts markets or markets that call themselves family friendly?
Yeah I need to do WAY more research next time. The family friendly vibe is a good tip.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I'm sorry that it was such a disappointment. I have my very first markets (2) coming up at the end of July and I worked on a crocodile while watching. I will be scouring these comments for helpful tips. Note to self: bring a fan!
I wish you the best of luck ❤️ And yes a fan is a great idea!
Thats such a bummer! You are so talented and I have only done 1 because they intimate me. I have one in the Fall and hoping it won't disappoint. That Goblin..... perfect for the Fall Markets.
People were definitely looking at the goblins I had! They aren’t exactly a quick make but they are cute!
Oof yes I did a summer market once and hardly anyone came through. Luckily I hadn’t poured too much into prepping so it was ok but it was a looooooong day! That same market in the early spring had been super busy and fun so I agree summer might be harder, if it’s not a popular outdoor touristy spot or event
Its been my experience if an event is open to MLM's they are having trouble getting vendors. I know some places will only open spots to MLMs if there are spots open a week before the event. I went to an event a couple of years ago on advice I'd gotten from another person holding an event. I joined the facebook group and this next sale in November will be my 4th sale, their 5th sale (I missed the first spring sale).
@@amandabottoms1 that does seem to be the case. Although they really could have just left some empty space so we could spread out more tbh. I’m glad you found a good one to do!
I’m so sorry that was your experience!!! I appreciate you sharing this info, tho. I think it’s super helpful
I hope so! Hey it looks like I’ll make more $$$ off this video than I did at the market so thats nice 😂😂😂
Sweaty.., Lume definitely works! I have stinky feet and am more confident with the use of Lume. Put on after shower and I don’t reapply for 2-3 days.
I rlly hope this didnt completely turn u away from markets! I scoped out a market on fathers day (they have a market for a few sundays in the summer so i visited the first one to see if i want to spend the money to sell there) and it was VERY empty too. But i definitely think it was bc of fathers day
It seems to be the consensus that it was mostly Father’s Day that was the culprit of low traffic. I should have know better!
Lots of good tips! ❤ Thank you❤
Just watching you for the first time so you may have covered this in others but does the boppy pillow help with shoulder/arm pain/strain? Seems like an ingenious idea.
@@jennerationcreations5982 immensely!! Highly recommend.
Wow! Except for the accent, you sound so much like me. I print t-shirts and do embroidery, as well as crocheting. I was lucky enough to have a brick-and-mortar store for several years but now work from home. When I had the storefront, I did try a couple of markets. I also tried making shirts themed to local schools and setting up "spirit" racks in the store. Aside from the base business of custom printing and embroidery, the side efforts were all just distractions and kind of a waste of money. I hear all of the stories of people showing up to markets with one or two designs and selling out in a flash. That just never happened for me. Also, I'm an introvert so the whole setting up and doing a market was just exhausting. When I get a big enough break, I plan to setup an independent website and see if that works any better. In the meantime, I stay busy enough with custom orders from the clientele I built up when I had the storefront. In my spare time, I crochet whatever I decide from one project to the next. I am, however, toying with the idea of sending beanies and scarves to a fall/winter market with a friend who goes to farmers markets. I still like the idea of markets. I just want to outsource that activity! 😄
I’m an introvert too so the whole thing is so kind of a nightmare especially with my social anxiety disorder. I’m glad you’re staying busy and wish you all the best.
I’m curious what you mean about an accent. Do I have an accent? Or do you? Haha
@@Tfwcrochet We both do...but I'm from the mountains of western North Carolina. LOL!!!
@@moonmiststudio haha so you’re southern southern! Where do you think I’m from based on my accent?
@@Tfwcrochet I'm not the best at guessing accents. Midwest somewhere, maybe? LOL! It would be easier for me to list some accents you don't have. So maybe you don't actually have one. 🤣
@@moonmiststudio lol I’m from Oklahoma. I don’t feel like I have much of an accent but I was raised by a southern mom (Arkansas) so I can pull out the southern accent when I want lol
I also had a “bad” experience. It wasn’t too bad but I made a bunch of stuff over the course of 6 months and calculated how much I’d make if I sold out and expected to sell everything (my mistake!) I only sold a few things then during a short break I had walked around to look at the other venues and spent all the money I just made 😅🤣 also I was the only one without a tent, I just had a small fold-out table so I looked so small and pathetic 😂 at least everything was colorful! My husband ran to Home Depot because he wanted to find a tent for me and thankfully they didn’t have any because we would’ve wasted money and it was too late to set up but he was determined
Forgot that I posted this comment from my regular account lol!
Hi can I ask about the cushion bolster that you appear to have around your waist? Is it something you made yourself it seems like a good idea. Thanks
@@marionb6154 it’s called a boppy pillow. Original intention is breastfeeding but it works great for crocheting!
Not so much of it was your fault... Much fell on the organizer, cramming the vendors in like sardines, scheduling on a day when people are usually together as a family. I've had loads of shows where I didn't sell enough to pay my booth fee. If there is a Facebook group for craft shows in your area, maybe you can find some good fall shows. Some high schools have well-established craft-only shows.
I might look into it but it’s tricky since fall and winter are my busy times for custom orders. I may just have to admit defeat at this point.
A good learning experience, but still a bummer!
Do you have business cards or a flyer that you can hand out and use as a talking point for where to find you?
Yes I did have a few people take those
I've never done a market so wouldn't know what to suggest :/ As I'm listening I'm working on my first pattern ^_^ I generally freehand work so I thought I'd give writing a pattern a try. So far I am not a fan, lol
I have been a freehand girl for most of my crochet journey. I do custom work so I know the shapes to make and just make them without really writing them down. I just started selling patterns this year and the technical side of it is way harder than anyone thinks about! Best of luck in your pattern writing though! I bet it’s great!
@@Tfwcrochet Do you have a background in art? Just curious because I've found I work up crochet the same was as art, i.e. breaking it down into simple shapes, akin to how I sketch things. Anyway thanks for the well wishes on the pattern!
@@pleasantdreamscrochet I do! I took lots of painting and drawing classes growing up and in college. I never really put that together before that that might be why my brain works this way but that makes sense!
I have done summer craft shows and never done very well. I use to sell mainly gnomes and other crafts. I normally do fall craft shows, up north in Minnesota they are still called craft shows or craft fairs. I like the word market Instead. Saturday shows are the best for me. I would report the guy on his phone looking good at Inappropriate content.
I try to have Inexpensive items to higher priced items. I have had customers that have come to my craft shows and they know where they are going to be. There and some of them like the cheaper stuff for Christmas presents stocking stuffers. I make signs that's say. Need a gift and I list all the people and give my customers. The people that are walking by an idea. Oh I could give a gift for my hairdresser. I could give a gift for my mail carrier. My son's teacher. Etc. Unlock. And then, when people see those signs, then that gives them the idea and they buy. I wish the craft fairs that I did and all of the years that I've done craft fairs, which is over 20 years taking a few breaks and there would send us where you were going to be a map of where you were going to be at that craft show in all the years. I've done crackers. I've had probably 2. Craffairs that have sent out a map so that you know How you can set up your table ahead of time.
At least everyone had fun. :D
I mean I guess the guy next to us was having fun in his own way
What is a mlms?
@@twise54 it stands for multilevel marketing. They are companies that survive off of recruiting other people. Tends to be unethical
What are you making in this video?
A lovely for my shop 😁
What is a mlm?
@@bekayezme it stands for multi level marketing. It is those companies that recruit you to sell their stuff. Like beach body or Mary Kay
I’ll probably feel stupid for asking, but what is MLM? Well, at least here’s a comment for the you tubes gods…
lol the gods thank you for your sacrifice.
An MLM is multi level marketing. They are those companies where you recruit people to also sell the product. Like Herbalife, Young Living etc
if you want to know more about the dangers of MLMs i 10000% recommend watching Hannah Alonzo here on youtube! They are dangerous for peoples financial and mental health so I highly recommend getting familiar with the warning signs so that you can avoid getting hurt by them!
Thank you for sharing. Bless your heart, I’m sorry this was your experience. Your items look great. My last market I sold my stuffed animals to the other vendors children. No one else came to the market. I made 40 small amigurumi whales and octopus babies. So I donated them our church vbs the theme was under the sea.
I sold one of the items to a vendors kiddo haha! I’m glad your plushies found a good home at least!
what is MLM?
@@aliciav.t multi level marketing. Generally a pretty unethical business practice.
@@Tfwcrochet thank u so much for explaining! 💖
Talking to other vendors at the craft fairs and ask them. What other craft shows that they do and how good they have done at those craft shows. Going to a craft show first before you decide to be in. It is a good idea because then you have Some idea of the people that are there, the vendors that are there where it is if the traffic is good that sort of thing I have talked to other vendors at a craft fair. I did last november 2023, And I found out there Another craft fair that he did even better. At then this one this was my first time and I do have to say I had not been there before, but I had talked to many people. That said you need to do this, craft fair. And when I got the information, it is the biggest market or craft fair in northern Minnesota. There was a hundred and sixty vendors, and it was in a school in a small town of foston, minnesota. I made $1100, which for me was awesome. That is probably over double. What I usually make so talking to your other vendors? And for your friends, if they know about craft fairs is one of the best things you can do is to get to know the vendors and the people that are doing the craft fair also.
What does lmn’s mean ? X
@@debsgoldspink9451 I’m not sure what you’re referring to
@@Tfwcrochet Sorry I am in the UK and don’t know what LMN’s are ? You mention there was LMN’s at the craft fair ?? Xx
@@debsgoldspink9451 ooooh sorry I said MLMs. That stands for multi level marketing
@@Tfwcrochet Thank you for reply , I had got the letters wrong lol xx
Hi there.. your video was interesting. Going out on your own is aBIG step. I think back to when i wanted to sell my wreaths. Everyone who saw them said they were beautiful.But not interested in buying any. But I did sell a few to friends and family. We love the creative side of doing them and get attached emotionaly to our work. But i decided not to go the market route... because there was not enough customers interested in buying them. This decision was made after i did a business plan. I fell back on my marketing course i took when in school.. The number ONE point that was drilled into us was... Find a niche and fill it. Find something the customer needs or wants.
WHO is you customer. Are thet repeat customers.What are they willing to spend. If anything. Price point. Your costs. Is it seasonal Ect..some people just like to go out and window shop.
I ended up making more seasonal wreaths. And sell a few here and there... just enough to stay in being creative. GOOD LUCK. ❤
Was he watching how 🌽 is grown? 😅
@@radhikam2401 lol!!! So awkward. I still can’t even believe it. It feels like a fever dream when I think about it.
@@Tfwcrochet def should be reported I feel. That is pretty reprehensible behavior.
Oof! Your poor husband had to spend his Father’s Day at a craft fair. 😢
I know I felt bad and said I’d go myself once I realized but he wanted to support me. Thankfully we still got to see his dad and our kids that night but our daughter was sick. Such a disappointment all around.
@@Tfwcrochet At least you made the best of a bad situation. I once made the mistake of agreeing to babysit my brother’s dog over Father’s Day weekend only to find out that the dog had severe separation anxiety. I felt so bad for my husband. Never again.