Earn Money Knitting

THE FOUR BIGGEST CRAFT SHOW MISTAKES

1. Not researching the shows. Hand-knit goods will sell in a craft show, even the 'high end' items - but only at the RIGHT craft show. Do your homework and research the types of craft show that are held in your area before you sign up, commit or pay money for a table. As part of this process, see if you can contact some of the former craft show vendors to interview them, and see how they did.

2. Under-pricing your work. Although it's true that, as an 'artist,' you may never get what you're worth when you sell goods at a craft show, but you can't afford to under-price it, either. Make sure you make enough to cover your basic expenses!

3. Not planning ahead. You may not need a lengthy or fancy business plan, but even selling your knitting by the craft show route requires planning ahead. You need to know in advance as much detail about each craft show as you can find -- what costs are involved, contractual papers you'll need to sign, etc. When you are selling your wares at a craft show, you'll need to make sure you have enough product (and not too much!) -- as well as supplies and materials to MAKE your product -- and this requires planning ahead.

4. Going too big too fast. Start small when you are starting the craft show circuit. You don't need the biggest, fanciest, shiniest display; you don't need the brand new van to carry your goods in; and you don't need the headaches of any of the other ways you can grow too big, too fast. "Keep it simple" is a good craft show motto to follow ... and grow slowly over time.

If you stop yourself from making these major craft show mistakes, you will probably have a long and successful career knitting and selling your goods at the local craft show!