Art fairs are an excellent opportunity for artists and vendors to showcase their work and reach a wider audience. However, preparing for an art fair can be overwhelming, especially if you're a first-time participant. In this article, I'll provide you with some tips on how to prepare for an art fair so that you can make the most of your experience. I strongly believe that breaking tasks into lists and smaller tasks helps make the whole ordeal less taunting.
Research the Event
Researching the event is an important step in preparing for an art fair. When researching the event, you should also take the time to learn about the organizers of the event and their track record in organizing successful fairs. Are they reputable and have they organized successful fairs in the past?
Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the fair's rules and regulations, such as the size and dimensions of the booth spaces. This will help you to ensure that you are in compliance with the event's guidelines and that you are not caught off guard by any unexpected requirements.
Another important factor to consider is the location of the fair. Is it accessible to potential buyers, or is it in a remote area that is difficult to reach? You may also want to consider the time of year and days of the week when the fair is being held, as this can impact the number of attendees and potential buyers.
Usually, the beginning of December is peak time for Art Fairs (Christmas shopping!), but I've also found that summer outdoor markets are doing quite well too, especially if they're at a high-traffic spot. As for days of the week, weekends are best of course, since most people have some time off of work.
Extra things to look into:
For events that are more than 1 day: Are they providing overnight security for the booths or at least storage at the venue?
Are they providing toilets? I am not kidding you, there are outdoorsy Art Fair that do not do that, and don't care. It's up to you to beg a nearby coffee place to use their toilet. Red flag!
Are the organizers of the Fair doing any promotion themselves?
By taking the time to thoroughly research the event, you can better understand the market and tailor your approach to maximize your success at the art fair.
Create an Inventory
Make a list, or an Excel tab, or whatever floats your boat, where you would write down all your products, amounts and prices. Creating an inventory is an essential part of preparing for an art fair.
By making a list of all the products you plan to sell, along with their prices and the quantity you have in stock, you can keep track of your inventory and make sure you don't run out of any items during the event. This not only helps you plan your stock levels but also gives you a clear idea of which products are selling well and which ones are not, so you can adjust your inventory accordingly. Additionally, having a detailed inventory can be beneficial when it comes to accounting and tracking your sales, as it allows you to see the amount of revenue generated from each item and calculate your profits.
Overall, taking the time to create an inventory can help you stay organized, manage your stock levels, and make informed decisions about your business during and after the art fair.
Prepare Your Booth Display
Your booth display is one of the most important elements of your participation in an art fair. It's the first thing potential buyers will see, so it's important to make it eye-catching and engaging. Consider using props, lighting, and other visual elements to make your booth stand out from the crowd.
I would advise planning your stand in advance, especially if you have a bunch of fixtures to assemble on the spot. It all takes time and would be much more overwhelming if you don't have a plan on what to do.
I have a separate blog post about Making Your Table Stand Out that you could read in addition!
Bring Additional Supplies
There are little things that could turn extra helpful and you might not think of bringing. For me, these are stuff like tape, business cards, a bottle of water, a separate wallet for the Art Fair cash transactions and a calculator. Make a checklist of all the supplies you'll need and double-check it before leaving for the event.
Also- change. Bring a lot of change. You would need those coins.
Promote Your Participation
Promoting your participation in an art fair is key to attracting potential buyers. Use social media, email marketing, and other advertising channels to spread the word about your booth. You may also want to consider offering discounts or promotions to your social media followers who visit your booth!
This step is extra important, because how else would your people know you would be there? Also, many customers would rather buy from you at a Fair instead of online, for several reasons, one of which is saving shipping money!
Plan your outfit
The way you present yourself at an art fair can have a significant impact on the way potential buyers perceive you and your artwork. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you may be standing for long periods of time. Another thing I suggest doing is, in case you are selling clothes or merch, to wear it yourself! That way the customers would not only see it better but also understand that you believe and like what you do.
Plan Your Pricing
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is important to plan your pricing, so you don't have to do it on the spot. You would have enough on your plate, and might not do it accurately if you leave this task for the day of.
That being said, and it might seem a bit contradictory, but if there are people selling similar items, have a look at their pricing. If there is a huge gap between your pricing and their pricing, take a moment to reflect on it.
An extra tip is to offer some form of discount or small gift to customers who would buy a lot of products and end up spending a large amount of cash on your work! They would really appreciate the gesture and be happy about it, which in the long run is a great plus for you too!
In conclusion, participating in an art fair can be a rewarding experience for artists and vendors. Remember, it's not just about selling your work, it's also about networking, meeting other artists, and gaining exposure for your brand. With a well-prepared booth display, appropriate attire, and a friendly demeanour, you can make a great impression on potential customers and create a positive and memorable experience for all. Good luck at your next art fair!