What Sells Best at a Craft Show? (2024)

When it comes to craft shows, there aren’t a lot of sales stats to work with. Each craft show also attracts different vendors and shoppers, which can have a big impact on what sells best.

I have a lot of experience selling at craft shows.

I also love to watch people and analyze their shopping and buying behaviors. So I’ve gathered a lot of knowledge about craft show shoppers over the years.

I’ve combined that knowledge with general consumer trends to create this list.

 

What Sells at Craft Shows?

What sells best at a craft show is any item that improves a shopper’s life or how they’re perceived.

The item also must be easy to carry out of the event and a price point that encourages shoppers to take a chance on an unknown business.

There’s a reason behind every purchase a consumer makes, and each purchase is either a “need” or a “want”.

Unless you’re selling food products at a farmers’ market, your craft show purchases are due to a “want”.

A “want” can be a powerful motivator behind purchasing.

When you need to buy a new fridge, you’re probably not that excited about it, but you must do it because your old one stopped working.

But when you want a new pair of earrings, there’s excitement and a story behind where you want to wear them, what you’ll wear them with, who you’ll see when you’re wearing them, etc.

So let’s take a look at the type of items people might “want” more than others when shopping at craft fairs.

*You may also be interested in THIS YEAR’S CRAFT TRENDS & THE MOST PROFITABLE CRAFTS TO SELL

 

1. Self-Improvement Products

Everyone cares about themselves and everyone wants to feel good. We’re on a constant quest to improve ourselves to feel better and better. There’s a wide range of products related to self-improvement, some of those crafts may be:

• Health-improving products
  • toxin-free products (e.g. skincare, cleaning, candles, etc.)
  • healthy food items (e.g. soup mixes, drink mixes, granola mixes, etc.) Here are several food-related items.

• Workout products
  • workout clothes (e.g. tanks with workout phrases printed on them)
  • headbands/sweatbands
  • reusable water bottles/jugs
  • gym bags
  • yoga mat bag
  • yoga mat
  • yoga blocks
  • workout planners/journals
  • shower gels/shampoo/condition (in smaller sizes or branded for gym goers, yogis, etc.)
• Meditation / stress-relieving products
  • candles
  • meditation pillows/benches/blankets
  • singing bowls
  • healing crystals/jewelry made with healing crystals
  • journals
  • calming bath & body products (e.g. lavender-scented bath salts)
  • aromatherapy products (e.g. essential oil blends for a diffuser)
  • Meditation / stress-relieving products

• Beauty products
  • skincare products
  • haircare products
  • perfumes
  • pedicure/manicure products
  • makeup

• Style-related products (for those who want to improve their style)
  • jewelry
  • clothing
  • accessories
• Organizational products
  • calendars and day planners
  • planners (e.g. meal planner, workout planner, wedding planner)
  • notepads (e.g. blank checklist pad for groceries)
  • home organization products (e.g. office supply organizer, jewelry organizer, etc.)

• Skill-improving products
  • crafting kits
  • cookbooks
  • children’s products (e.g. educational toys)

 

2. Improved Perception Products

We all care a little too much about what others think of us. This desire to have others think highly of us drives our purchasing.

We may buy a new top because we love it, but we also think others will think we look: trendy/pretty/polished and successful/etc. If that didn’t matter, we would just wear what’s already in our closet.

When you think about the ways we try to influence how people perceive us, it’s often with products that help us look/act/be the way we want to be perceived.

For example:

• Attire – the way we dress influences the way people perceive us. One may want to be perceived as wealthy so they may wear expensive jewelry, while someone may want people to know they’re a gamer and wear clothing and accessories that hint at that interest/lifestyle.
  • clothing
  • accessories

• Gift-giving – we may give trendy gifts so we’re perceived as the “cool” one, or gifts that make us come off as very thoughtful, kind, and caring.
  • products packaged for gift-giving
    • bath and body products packaged in a spa set
    • journal, checklist notepad, and pen packaged as a set
    • knitted hat, mittens, and scarf packaged in a gift set
  • occasion-themed products
    • Valentine’s day themed jewelry (e.g. heart shaped pendants, pink or red jewelry)
    • stocking stuffers for Christmas
    • golf or fishing-themed products for Father’s Day

• Wedding – a wedding is a big event and people spend thousands of dollars on it because they want people to think they had “the best” wedding. These types of products are best for a wedding-themed craft show or trade show.
  • bridal accessories (e.g. jewelry, veil, hair accessories, everlasting flower bouquet, etc.)
  • stationery (e.g. invitations, wedding planning book, guest book, thank you notes, etc.)
  • decor (e.g. signs, centerpieces, cake toppers, etc.)
  • gifts (e.g. bridesmaid gifts, maid of honor gift, wedding favors, etc.)

• Entertaining – when we invite people into our homes for a meal or a party, we want them to enjoy themselves and get the right perception about: our home, our cooking, our decorating, etc.
  • party decor (e.g. decorations for a kids’ birthday party; birthday hats, streamers, banners)
  • table decor (e.g. centerpieces, tablecloth, and napkins)
  • serve ware
    • salad bowl and tongs
    • charcuterie boards
    • serving bowl sets (pottery)

Always keep your target market in mind when designing products (this will help you find a profitable one).

 

3. Purposeful Products

Consumers are becoming more and more conscious of what they buy. They consider the impact an item will have on their budgets, the environment, and their physical and mental health.

They don’t need more stuff filling up their lives.

Consider items that serve a bigger purpose in your customers’ lives.

For example:

• Environmentally friendly products
  • reusable wax food wraps and grocery bags
  • reusable paper towels / facial wipes
  • wool dryer balls

• Family-focused products 
  • mother-daughter jewelry
  • book of date night ideas
  • customized family portrait paintings
  • pet portraits

*Personalized or customized items CAN be sold at a craft show. Here’s an entire article explaining how: HOW TO DISPLAY & SELL CUSTOMIZED ITEMS AT A CRAFT SHOW

• Bring craft show shoppers comfort
  • Candles / diffusers
  • meditation pillows
  • Bath products
  • Slippers

• Fill craft show shoppers’ tummies
  • Chocolates
  • Soup mixes
  • Dips / sauces / marinades
  • Drink mixes

• Keep craft show shoppers entertained
  • Gardening tools and accessories
  • Toys to watch their kids play
  • Crafting kits (e.g. teach them how to make their own pair of earrings with a kit that includes instructions and the materials required)
  • Musical instruments

• Help craft show shoppers entertain
  • Table decor
  • Table linens
  • Pottery / dishware
  • Bar accessories

 

I gave you a LOT of product ideas that could sell well at craft shows. But I do want to stress that it’s more about how you sell, rather than what you sell.

Please keep reading for lots of tips on how to make any type of product a moneymaker at a craft show. 

 

Types of products that are EASIER to sell at craft shows

Craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and festivals are unique shopping environments. When someone goes to the mall, they generally know which stores they’ll see and have a general idea of what they’re looking for. At craft shows, shoppers typically have no idea what type of products they’ll discover, which can make it more challenging to sell.

When deciding what to sell at craft fairs, you also want to consider the following:

 

1. Easy To Carry Products

People shopping at craft fairs and markets don’t know what they’re going to find. So they’re not typically prepared to haul something around for the rest of the day.

If you’re selling handmade goods at a farmers’ market, where people are out on a nice day to buy a few groceries and maybe wander around, be sure to offer items that aren’t too heavy or large.

If all of your items are heavy and/or large, consider offering options for them to pay now and pick up the item later, or offer a delivery service (for an extra fee).

 

2. Easy To Purchase Products

Products that sell best at craft shows are also ones that are easy on the budget.

That doesn’t mean high-priced items don’t sell well, but it’s an easier leap for a shopper to take when going from not planning to buy anything to spending that $20 bill that’s in their wallet, versus not planning to spend anything to dropping $100 plus.

Consider products you can sell that allow you to have a range of price points. The following articles will be helpful:

• • HOW TO USE ADD-ONS TO SELL MORE HANDMADE PRODUCTS
  • HOW & WHY A CRAFT BUSINESS SHOULD DOWN-SELL
  • HOW TO USE UP-SELLING TO SELL MORE HANDMADE

 

3. Trendy Products

Products that are trending will always catch shoppers’ attention and help you make sales. The important thing to remember when selling trendy products is that you’ll constantly have to be changing your products.

If you’re interested in selling trends, check out:

• • THIS YEAR’S CRAFT TRENDS

You may also be interested in:

• The Most Profitable Crafts to Sell

 

How Can You Sell More At A Craft Show?

Anyone can have the best-selling product of the day, regardless of the category they’re selling in.

The most popular booths at a craft show have one thing in common: A STRONG IDENTITY

>> They’re not displaying 50 different products in 20 variations, just in case someone isn’t a fan of their first version. They’re proudly showing off their style, even if it’s different, quirky, or edgy and aren’t worried about it not being a fit for everyone.

>> They’re not confused when it comes to their brand. They’ve built a craft show display based on what works for them, their business and their customers. Their brand’s personality and style are splashed across every element of their space. From their signage and photos to their tablecloth and display fixtures. (You may be interested in: HOW TO BRAND A CRAFT SHOW BOOTH)

>> They’re not hiding behind their craft show table, using pushy tactics to move product or looking desperate for a sale. They’re authentic and talk about their handmade products in a way that garners interest and makes shoppers feel comfortable enough to stick around and ask questions. They know the identity of their business and they’re confident in their direction.

If that’s not you already, it easily can be.

Check out the 3 FACTORS that make a bestseller at a craft show.

BESTSELLER FACTOR #1 – THE PRODUCTS

Your handmade products are obviously the start of your craft show booth or table. They’re what your signage, fixtures, props, etc. revolve around. If you don’t have your products right, the rest of your display won’t matter.

Keep the following in factors in mind when creating products to sell at a craft fair:

A) Don’t Offer Too Many Options

One of the most common mistakes I see craft show vendors make is trying to offer too much.

I totally get it. I started doing craft shows years ago and have sold everything from pajamas and aprons to a wide selection of purses. We’re creative people and we want to show off and nurture that creativity by trying to make a hundred different things.

But I know from experience, as fun as it may be to go crazy with product selection, your sales can majorly benefit when you reel it in.

The CONS of selling too many products are:

• You become a bit of a Jack of all trades, master of none. Focusing on 1 – 5 types of products allows you to master them. People begin to see you as an expert in your field because you spend all your time researching, designing, making, and selling one particular type of product. This leads to you being able to increase your prices and attracting loyal customers that buy from you again and again.
• Your products become less profitable. Each time you need to switch tools, patterns, materials, etc. you lose time and become less productive. When you’re focusing on one product you can pump them out much quicker and more efficiently, which means more profit for you!
• It’s harder to create an effective craft show display. You don’t have a lot of room at craft shows. When you have too many products that are all different, you have to find a way to fit them all on your craft show table. Narrowing down your selection allows you to have more fun with your display and communicate a message as opposed to worrying about how you’re going to fit everything in.
• You’re competing with more vendors. When you make an item like soap, you’re competing with every soap vendor for sales. If you get specific and narrow your products down to soap for dry skin, or soap for bridal party gifts, or soap for dogs, you’re competing with fewer businesses…especially in the handmade world. When people need soap for dry skin, they’re coming to you, not the guy who makes not-sure-what-type-of-skin-it’s-for soap.
• You don’t have time to focus on other areas of business. There’s a lot more to a successful business than making products. Your branding, marketing, sales channels, connections, customers, etc. need your attention too (a well-rounded guide to all the areas of business you must address can be found in HOW TO SELL HANDMADE BEYOND FRIENDS & FAMILY. For help organizing the tasks that fall under each area, check out THE SUCCESS PLANNER). Instead of spending your time learning a new technique, drafting a new pattern or perfecting another new product, you can spend it nurturing other areas or your business.

Instead of creating a wide range of products for people to shop (e.g. jewelry and paintings and wreaths and pillows), have your products serve a specific purpose and create collections within that purpose.

Check out:

• How To Know If You’re Offering Too Many Products
• How to increase sales by 27% by reducing options

 

B) Give Shoppers A Reason To Buy Your Products

If you’re simply offering products consumers can find down the aisle at a craft show, on Etsy, or at the mall, there’s really no reason for them to buy from you.

Your business needs a USP (unique selling position) and all of your products must follow a signature style.

This ensures people have a valid reason to buy from you and that all of your pieces communicate what that reason is.

For example, let’s say I’m a soap maker:

>> If I didn’t have a USP, I may offer a wide variety of soaps that are suitable for a wide range of people.

>> If I did have a USP, I may offer wine-themed soap for women who love to drink wine.

Can you find wine-themed soap at the grocery store or drug store? Will there be 10 other vendors at the craft show selling wine-themed soap? Not likely.

When it comes to a signature style:

>> If I didn’t have a signature style, all of my soaps would be different colors, shapes, scents, etc.

>> If I did have a signature style, all of my soaps would be red, white, or rose color (for wine colors), they would have the same shape, and they may all be wine-scented.

Do you see how a USP and Signature Style help set your business apart and can help you sell more at a craft show? If someone didn’t buy my wine-themed soap at that event, they’d have a hard time finding them after, which is what encourages someone to buy now. 

You may find the following articles helpful:

• 3 Mistakes Handmade Businesses Make With Their USP
• How To Define A Signature Style For Your Handmade Business.

 

 

C) Have Price Points That Encourage More Sales

We touched on this earlier in the article. Lower the risk and the level of contemplation needed to purchase from you.

How long do you take to think about a purchase when the item is $5 versus $100?

The more an item costs, the more contemplation it requires.

Most of the shoppers you encounter at the event will be hearing about your business for the first time. You can’t expect them to jump right into a full-blown, trusting relationship with you…you have to ease into that.

Don’t aim to unload your most expensive items on the majority of shoppers that visit your space. Instead, use craft shows as a way to introduce your brand and products to new people.

Your most expensive products may sell well IF you’re vending at a craft show that targets your exact market, competition is low in your category, you’ve invited your existing customers, and your higher-end product is your most popular product.

But most situations will require you to stock up on lower-priced goods, offer a good selection of mid-priced goods, and have a smaller selection of higher-priced goods.

These articles may be helpful to you:

• HOW TO CREATE AN ENTRY-LEVEL PRODUCT FOR A HANDMADE BUSINESS
• HOW TO USE ADD-ONS TO SELL MORE HANDMADE PRODUCTS
• HOW & WHY A CRAFT BUSINESS SHOULD DOWN-SELL
• HOW TO USE UP-SELLING TO SELL MORE HANDMADE

 

BEST SELLER FACTOR #2 – THE CRAFT SHOW DISPLAY

A strong craft show display is essential. If it doesn’t attract shoppers, it doesn’t matter what you have on that table; you can’t bring in your top sales.

People see your display from a distance and it’s their first impression of your business. If they can’t see anything because your products are sitting flat or they see you but your display gives off the wrong vibe, they may not bother stopping at your craft show table.

It’s not about being over the top or flashy. It’s about creating a cohesive look your ideal customer will be drawn to as soon as they walk in the venue.

 

A) Your Display Must Be Branded

The difference between being just another jewelry, scarf or soap vendor at a craft show and being THE jewelry, scarf or soap vendor, is branding.

>> Non-existent branding makes your business less memorable.

>> Bad branding can make shoppers remember your business for the wrong reasons.

>> And good or great branding will help shoppers remember your business and encourage more sales.

Branding tells shoppers who you are, if you’re a fit for them, and why they should buy from you.

If your branding doesn’t appeal to your ideal customer, you may be missing out on sales at the event and many more sales that could be coming in after.

You need a clear definition of your brand before you start designing your craft show display. It’s an extension of your message, so start there.

Check out:

• HOW TO BRAND A CRAFT SHOW BOOTH

 

B) Know Your Message

Your business’s message is basically telling consumers WHY you exist. Why you decided to start an art, jewelry, soap, or handbag business when there are already countless options to choose from.

If you don’t know why consumers should buy your products over another business’, other than them being “your designs” or “made with love by you”, they won’t know either and they won’t spend their money with you.

Determine why you started your business, the hole in the marketplace it’s filling, and what you do differently and better than other businesses selling a similar product.

You’ll find help with defining your MESSAGE in the free email course: 5 DAYS TO A STANDOUT DISPLAY. Learn more about the FREE course here.

 

C) Know Your Style

“Your style” is actually less about you and more about your potential customers. What’s THEIR style? 

When you think about the style you bring to the table with your products, you may end up defining a style that no one else identifies with. E.g. “eclectic and quirky, for people who like to have fun and make a statement.”  

But not many consumers would use a description like that if they were asked to describe their style. We tend to use the categories or boxes that are already defined by society. E.g. modern or vintage, feminine or masculine, classic or trendy, sophisticated or casual, etc.

As a consumer, I’d define the style I’m attracted to as:

Clean, simple, and feminine.

That may translate into:

• Clean and simple – an uncluttered craft show display, only using one or two colors, modern fonts used in signage, etc.
• Feminine – delicate details, touches of soft colors, florals, or bows, or ruffles, etc.

Your craft show display should tell shoppers whose style you’re appealing to.

I’ll help you define the STYLE aspect of your display in the free 5 DAYS TO A STANDOUT DISPLAY email course.

 

D) Know Your Story

Your craft show display should also tell a story and help shoppers imagine who will use your products, where they’ll use them, when they’ll use them, and how they’ll use them.

A skincare line may be for “a little piece of luxury at the end of the day” when customers can lock themselves in the bathroom and take 15 minutes to complete their skincare regime. Or it may be on-the-go skincare; for customers who want to look put together but don’t have 15 minutes in the morning to get ready.

One craft show display may tell the story of luxury at home by creating a vignette with the skincare line displayed on a beautify gold tray, with a small bouquet of flowers in, a soft towel folded next to the tray, a spa-like candle creating atmosphere, and a free-standing vanity mirror.

The other craft show display may say “on-the-go” with a purse sitting on the table with a matching cosmetic bag in front, with the on-the-go beauty products spilling out. Signage may point out how getting ready is as easy as 1-2-3 and the 3-step process shown on the table with groups of products for each step.

Think about the story you want to tell, the picture you want to paint with your display, and how you want shoppers to imagine using / wearing / displaying / applying / consuming / gifting / etc. your products.

You’ll find help with uncovering your STORY in the free email course: 5 DAYS TO A STANDOUT DISPLAY.

 

E) Create a Wow Factor

Something in your display must grab attention. Your display will be a busy room, with lots to see. Many craft shows are so big, there isn’t enough time for shoppers to stop at each booth. So yours must grab attention from across the room and make shoppers feel it’s a booth they have to stop at before they leave.

There are several ways to do that.

You don’t need a big, flashing, neon sign to catch the eye. It can be done in a more subtle way that’s in-line with your brand.

You’ll find 10 ideas and examples in 5 DAYS TO A STANDOUT DISPLAY

 

BESTSELLER FACTOR #3 – THE PERSON

Last but not least, the person standing behind the table has a huge impact on sales at a craft show and whether your products sell better than any other at the event.

Getting to meet the vendors is one of the big reasons people shop at a craft show. Let them see the interesting person behind the handmade products.

Remember that Seinfeld episode where Jerry finds out the guy who runs the tennis shop, Milos, can’t even hit a tennis ball? Jerry was once willing to spend $200 on a tennis racket because Milos recommended it, and he’s a pro. But once he finds out Milos can’t even play tennis, Jerry feels duped and is unwilling to shop at his store anymore.

If your products say trendsetter but you, the vendor, don’t dress or speak in a way that also says trendsetter, shoppers will begin to question the authenticity of your business and products.

Consider the following aspects when it comes to you selling your products:

 

A) Your Look

You are a part of the brand and you want to ensure you dress the part on craft show day.

Birds of a feather flock together

If you can put together a look that would be similar to one your ideal customer would select, you’ll have an even easier time attracting them. You’ll also strengthen your message.

Check out:

• WHAT TO WEAR TO A CRAFT SHOW TO BOOST SALES

 

B) Your Selling Style

Have you ever been around a salesperson who makes you feel uncomfortable? What does it make you feel like doing? Sticking around and chatting or getting out of there as quickly as possible?

So many craft show vendors are worried about coming off as a pushy salesperson that they figure it’s better to leave the shopper alone than start a conversation.

Wrong approach. Very few people actually enjoy selling. But if you simply allow people to shop your booth and don’t speak up, you truly are leaving money on the craft show table.

People shop at craft shows because they want to find unique items made by unique people. They want to be able to boast about the cool handmade products they bought and the interesting stories behind them.

You’re actually TAKING AWAY from their shopping experience if you quietly sit behind the table and don’t explain your handmade products.

No matter what you sell, you can find an interesting angle that makes talking about your handmade products a breeze and also helps you sell more.

You need to uncover your unique selling position (USP) and find a way to communicate it to shoppers in a natural and interesting way.

For example, a vendor saying “Did you know that your existing skincare products could be causing dryness? Yep, that’s right! Let me show you how mine are different” comes across a little infomercial-y.

On the other hand “I get such dry skin this time of year…these winters are so cold and dry hey? I would slather on thick creams and my skin would end up looking greasy and breaking out, so I started experimenting with different natural ingredients and creating my own moisturizers.” Shares a similar message (i.e. big-brand skincare products not working as you think they should and having a better solution) but in a more authentic way.

 

C) The Way You Speak

If your brand has a professional style, make sure you’re not using lots of “umms”, “likes” or slang.

“That would totes look good on you!” might evoke an eye-roll from the sophisticated clientele you’re trying to attract.

If your brand is a little more relaxed, you may want to talk to customers as though they’re your friends and you’re sharing advice on ____________ (jewelry, fashion, skincare, etc).

 

D) What You Speak About

Step out of the maker’s shoes and into the customer’s shoes when crafting sales pitches. What do they care most about?

As a sewer, I may understand serging edges and the benefits it provides, but if I told my average handbag customer that I “serge” all my edges, their ears wouldn’t perk up and they may not even know what that means. Instead, I may say “I serge all my edges so the seams are extra strong and your laptop or books aren’t going to poke through”.   “serging” is not likely to make my customers’ ears perk up when talking about handbags.

Know the information your ideal customer cares about and don’t waste their time talking about things that make their eyes glaze over.

If you need help with selling techniques, I’ll show you how to craft the perfect sales pitch and deliver it in: MAKE MORE MONEY AT CRAFT SHOWS.

And if you’re introverted like me, selling may not just be uncomfortable, it may feel unbearable. You may enjoy the tips inside THE SUCCESSFUL INTROVERT, or the 50 WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT SAYING A WORD.

 

Once you know what you’re going to sell, make sure you bring enough inventory to the craft show:

• How Much Inventory To Bring to a Craft Show (Simple Formulas)