Note: This is an article in three parts I originally did for the t-shirt community. I’ve gleaned many of the bits of advice I’ve learned on my own, as well the incredibly helpful tips that others in the indie biz and crafts community so generously provided that helped me tremendously when I started out.
Part One: Your First Holiday Boutique
School may just be starting, but in the retail world the holiday season is almost upon us. If you have ever thought about vending at a street fair, farmers’ market or school boutique, the time is now!
If you have never done an event and feel a bit nervous about it, holiday events are an especially good way to get your feet wet without spending the big bucks (or suffering the big anxiety) that high-end gift fairs, fashion-type shows and juried artisan events entail. Holiday events – the kind sponsored by places of worship and schools, usually have very reasonable fees and are community oriented, with a friendly clientele.
What is the difference between vending at a farmers market and at a holiday boutique?
My first boutique in 2005. I had so much to learn but the temple atmosphere was friendly and I did well enough to be encouraged to try more.
My very first vending attempt was at a synagogue Chanukah boutique several years ago and while I was pretty nervous, I found it was great way to see if selling like this was something I wanted to do. Holiday fairs usually provide a 6-foot table and for the most part are indoors, having no tent or weather issues to worry about. Customers, mostly members of the congregation or from the neighborhood, were friendly and enthusiastic, and the positive interaction helped me start the learning process of how to talk with potential customers.
Where I live, there are farmers markets that allow artisans every week, some not at all, and others only on a schedule. It is best to check listings for local farmers markets and see what they charge, which may include an insurance fee. Being outdoors, you will need a tent and consider weather from morning till evening.
Both types of events do not charge an admission fee to customers (like “celebrity shopping events” and many craft shows), but will have a lower attendance. I have found to my surprise, though, that there are no rules – I have done great at a tiny event with a perfect target audience, and not so well at a big event that just did not attract visitors. Community holiday boutiques also benefit the school or church that is sponsoring it so the customers know their purchase helps their organization.
Other types of events
When you research, you might come across other types events. Know the difference between invitation-only shopping events, sample sales, flea markets and crafts fairs. Ask yourself: which do I fit? What am I ready for?
Flea Markets: Usually weekly, usually reasonable, may include all sorts of merch. Some flea markets are more upscale; some are more diverse (that’s my code for “piles o’ crap.”) Is it the kind of venue you want to be associated with? Chat up vendors with artisan-type goods.
Another early show, this time a fashion shopping event. When a space is small you have to build up. By this time I learned to include publicity (a magazine spread) and a mannequin.
Shopping Events: More upscale or fashion-oriented and charge admission to customers. Vendor tables are usually several hundred dollars. Sometimes celebrities are expected to attend; there may be cocktails, spa treatments, fashion shows, etc. My take is that people are more likely to be there for the freebies and celeb sightings than shopping. That said, some events around the holidays can still be worth it if organizers provide good PR.
Crafts Fairs: Contemporary crafts fairs that are not non-profit usually mean jewelry and unique artisan handicrafts. If one piques your interest, check if they accept your type of products. These often run a bit higher than non-profit events but there can be overlap.
Street Fairs: Unless they are strictly juried art fairs, they probably accept a range of merchandise. Check your local Chambers of Commerce to find out about these.
Research
Finding holiday boutiques can be a challenge since they are usually run by volunteers who are way too busy and are *ahem* tech-challenged.
1. Check local Chambers of Commerce of towns nearby to you.
2. Google using words like “holiday boutique,” “winter festival,” “winter street fair,” “Christmas boutique,” “Hanukkah boutique,” “holiday craft fair,” and every combination you can think of, and try including your city name.
3. Call up local churches and temples; in my experience most places of worship welcome vendors of all backgrounds with a variety of merchandise.
4. When possible, visit first (obviously this is not possible for a holiday fair but it is for a farmers’ market.) See what’s there, talk to vendors (most are happy to share their opinions of a fair), look at the customers and consider if your designs do fit the venue.
Things to Check
1. Does your fee include a table and chairs? Tablecloth?
2. Is your show outdoors or indoors? If outdoors, do you need to rent or buy a tent? Hint: Look for an EZ-Up or Caravan tent. Party supply stores, the kind that rent tables, usually rent pop-up tents.
3. If there is a way to find out if there will be many vendors selling products similar to yours, do so. You don’t want tons of competition.
4. Inquire as to what attendance they expect, and what sort of PR they will be doing.
Next time: OK, so you’re in! Now what? Part 2 is now up over here!
Thank You Comment Graphics