Craft Shows 101

It's about that time again! Time to start preparing for craft shows! If this is your first year doing shows, the best advice I can give you is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! It's so important to know what you are doing, so your first show isn't a total bust. We all make mistakes (even seasoned crafters do), but you can prevent most mishaps by reading up on how to prepare for a craft show, how to set up, etc.

What's that? You don't have all day to find craft show tips? Look no further... I have compiled a list of great links that helped me when I was starting out! I'm sure there are LOTS more, so if you find any feel free to add them to the comments. Or add your own tips!

I don't recommend following ALL of the tips you read (some will contradict others), but grab a notebook and start jotting down things you find helpful.

Prepare
30 Things to Bring
Checklist
How to Set Up/Checklist
LOTS of Tips!
GREAT Checklist! (PDF)

Display/Set Up
Set Up
How to Set Up
More Set Up Tips
Pictures of Set Ups
How to Set Up @ a Farmer's Market
Display Tips
Outdoor Set Up
Displays
How to Set Up
Set Up to Sell More
GREAT link - Set Up Pictures
Booth Layout
Creative Display Ideas
Booth Set Up

Etc
Lessons Learned
How to Market & Sell Art
So You Want to do Craft Shows?
Maximize Sales
Seller How-To @ Etsy
Info @ About.com
Locating, Pricing, Displays & More

If you are doing this as a hobby, then only taking cash is fine. However, if you want to make some serious dough, you need to invest in paypal pro, or a credit card machine. I would steer clear of Merchant Express... email me if you would like details on that mess. :)

I hope these links help you prepare for your first craft show, or give you ideas even if you've been doing them for a while! Please click the little button below to submit this to Stumble Upon so others can find it as well!

How to Succeed on ETSY

I just made my first Etsy sale today. I will admit that, after seeing all of the amazing tutus on the website, I almost didn't join Etsy. However, after countless hours of looking over all of their tutus, I realized mine weren't the same.. so why not jump in?? I jumped in half-heartedly and that was my mistake. However, I plan on improving my shop 100% before summer starts. My tutus are unique in many ways, but my favorite difference is the ribbon waistbands. I know I really need to talk that up and let everyone know how awesome they are. That will be my first goal, to make everyone realize why ribbon is better! :) When making tutus with an elastic waistband, only about half the amount of tulle is used. I learned that when I started making them. I hated how UNfluffy they were, so I figured out a different way. :) So, my super fluffy, sturdy tutus, are worthy of etsy. It took me a while to realize that (especially after seeing the AMAZING photos some of these tutu women take).

I have been reading articles a LOT lately, and wanted to pass them on. I know a lot of my blogger friends are fellow Etsians, so I'm hoping these will help. Many of you may have seen these already, but like I said I'm just getting into Etsy so please be patient. :D

Making the most of Etsy

WikiEtsy article

Very thorough helpful article

Newbie Tips

Selling FAQ

More newbie tips

Selling Tips from dyno

Writing Store Policies

Tips from an accountant

Small Businesses and Taxes

Etsy forum discussion, newbie tips

Selling checklist

Dos and Don'ts of self promotion

GREAT post

Reasons I'm not buying from you

Why haven't I sold anything?

Etsy Team Resources and How Tos

Also, I joined Link Referral today, and have already discovered a few great blogs. The few that come to mind that I'm now following are:

1 - SAHM of 3.. has a good coupon organizing post that hooked me!

2 - Thrifty is Nifty - has lots of coupons, freebies, etc. Not usually my cup of tea as far as blogs go, but I'm giving it a shot because I like the last few posts she's made. :)

and last but not least

3 - Six Flower Mom, a homeschooling, going green, babywearing, co-sleeping momma. I love reading blogs like this. Jealousy.

Plus,

Free Printable Child ID Kit here -- I'm sure there are more, but I found this one today and I think everyone should have one of these -- though I don't have any current ones. Maybe this weekend.

And if you don't feel like visiting allllllll of those links up there for Etsy tips, this ONE link will tell you everything you need to know. ETSY TIPS