Things I Learned in 2024 About Applying to Craft Markets

Last year I was a vendor at 15 craft shows ranging from smaller indoor ones to larger outdoor ones.  
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Overtime I have learned a few things to improve my applications to craft shows. Today I wanted to share a few of them with you.

Clay Tulips by C Holiday Market

5 Tips to Improve Success at Craft Markets and Your Applications

1. Visit The Venue/Show Before You Apply

Why is this important? You want to see if your customers are there. For example, a show with lots of children is my not my target audience because of what I sell.  In the end, you will save yourself time and money by choosing to go to another show.

2. Pick your show Dates Wisely

Last year I told myself I wasn't going to do any shows until May. I had one fellow maker tell me she doesn't even start until June.

But I broke my rule and did one in April. Why? I was itching to get back out but it turned out it wasn't a worthwhile choice. 

At the end of the year market applications already start coming out. Make sure to decide when you want to start and stick to your decision.

3. have someone proofread your application

This is important! Some applications are very detailed and competitive. Write it all out in another document and have someone proofread for you. Trust me it's worth the extra time.

4. Read Carefully the expectations for Photos

Take your time and style your photos for success. Adding a prop or two to compliment what you sell goes along way.

Make sure your product is centred with your props peeking in from the sides.

Using Pinterest for ideas is really helpful.

Some applications ask you to submit photos within a certain size range. You are going to have to reduce the number of pixels. On my MacBook, I use Preview and then select Tools.  In the drop down menu I choose adjust size and then fill in the new width.

5. Take photos of your setup at each market

Most times when you are attending an event the space size changes and so does your set up. Last year I started printing pictures of my set ups. I take photos on my phone and print them on regular paper. I have a file folder now of different set ups from a 6 foot table to a full 10 foot by 10 foot space.  I take this folder with me and it makes setting up so much faster.

If you have any other suggestions, please let me know in the comments.

Keep an eye on my Markets page to see where to find in 2025! 

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Thanks so much for taking the time to ready my first Blog for this year!

As always, enjoy the Beauty of Nature!
​Cheryl🌷