Fall Craft Sales

Notices are starting to arrive about upcoming fall craft sales. Now is the time for artists and craft producers to review their inventory, plan production for the weeks ahead and book those spaces in the fall shows. In our part of Nova Scotia there are several "must attend" shows for the people in the area. Shows that are known to have very high quality and original work. Starting in late September there are shows every weekend up until mid December. This is also the time when the agricultural exhibitions are in full swing. There is at least one every week and they always have a showcase of local arts and crafts.

With the trend this summer for people to vacation close to home this provides an excellent opportunity for artists and crafters to showcase their works to the home town crowd, who travelled out of province in past years for vacations. A whole new customer base.

Many craft artists have a few reliable shows that they participate in every year and often ask for the same location. People look for them and plan on purchasing from them. However, it might also be a good idea to add one new show this fall, a location that you don't regularly attend. And of course, at all shows, monitor your sales. How many units did you sell, not only at the show but as followups after the event. After event sales may be by phone, email or they may find you at the next show.

The show organizers should be able to tell you the draw area and the number of attendees from the previous year. Also you can have a draw at your booth to get the names and numbers of all visitors. These will give you info for future emailings to customers. Maybe a newsletter or press releases.