Choosing events
Event Selection Guide
5 min read
Choosing the right craft fair is one of the biggest factors in your success. A great booth at the wrong event can still lead to poor sales. The goal is to choose events that match your products, your pricing, and your ideal customers.
Know your target customer
Before applying for any event, ask:
- Who typically buys my products?
- What age group is my customer?
- Are they shopping for gifts, decor, accessories, food, or impulse buys?
- What price range feels comfortable for them?
Not every event attracts the same audience. A high-end handmade jewelry booth may perform very differently at a school fundraiser, a holiday market, an upscale juried art fair, or a community street fair.
Look at the event type
Different events bring different buyers.
Community markets
Usually family-friendly with moderate traffic and more casual spending.
Good for
GiftsLow-to-mid-priced itemsImpulse purchases
Holiday markets
Often strong for gift-focused products.
Good for
CandlesOrnamentsGift setsHome decor
Juried art shows
Higher expectations for display quality and pricing.
Good for
Fine artPremium handmade goodsHigher-ticket products
School / church / local fundraisers
Can be excellent for affordable, approachable products.
Good for
Affordable itemsApproachable price points
Evaluate the booth fee
Always compare the fee to realistic sales expectations. Ask:
- How much do I need to sell just to break even?
- Is this event known for strong traffic?
- Does the fee match the expected audience size?
Research the event reputation
Before committing, try to learn:
- How many vendors attend?
- Is the event well advertised?
- What was attendance like last year?
- Do vendors return annually?
- Is the organizer responsive?
Past vendor feedback is incredibly valuable.
Consider timing & season
Some products are seasonal:
- Fall decor performs better in autumn
- Gift items do well before the holidays
- Outdoor goods may perform better in spring and summer
Timing can significantly affect sales.
Location matters
Ask:
- Is parking easy?
- Is the event easy to find?
- Is there strong foot traffic?
- Is it indoors or outdoors?
Convenience affects shopper turnout.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious if:
- Organizer communication is poor
- Event details are unclear
- Traffic numbers are vague
- Booth assignments seem disorganized
- Reviews from past vendors are negative
A poorly run event can hurt sales.
Ask these questions before booking
- Who is the target audience?
- What is the expected attendance?
- Is electricity available?
- What size is the booth?
- Are tables and chairs included?
- Is the event rain or shine?
- What time is load-in?
Final tip
Not every event is the right fit. A slow event does not automatically mean your products are the problem — choosing the right audience is often more important than changing your products.