2023 craft fair best sellers + how much I made

[@cathynewsome8650]

Put $ 35.00 on your journals and don't budge on your price ! Things are expensive and you can tell you put great quality items and time into them. Don't sell yourself cheap . You had cheaper stuff if they couldn't afford them, they could buy cheaper stuff. Everyone has something that costs more because they're worth more ! Your time is important ❤ Good luck at the next one !

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

You don’t determine the value the market does …you can charge $35 all you want but that doesn’t t mean other people value it at $35 and will purchase it for such

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484 No. Maker decides the minimum price. You can't sell the things at a loss.

[@susieast450]

​@@RunninUpThatHillhIt's going to be a bigger loss if you don't sell them at all.

[@martyb9807]

It all depends on your audience. What doesn’t sell this time could sell next time. Keep going. Your items are beautiful.

[@TashMarieMakes]

So true!! Thank so much for the kind words and encouragement ❤️🥰❤️

[@janemack8852]

I like everything except the fringe/puffs. You might try making some without the fringe for different tastes.

[@TashMarieMakes]

@@janemack8852 great idea! Thank you for the feedback ❤️🙏

[@craft_crazy]

All your products looks so beautiful. I really feel why am I not in US I would have been to most of the handmade items craft fairs. I really appreciate people who put in so much time and energy to create such wonderful items. I love supporting small businesses. Sending lot's of love and respect to you.❤❤ Blessings😊

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you so much!! So kind of you!! Where are you from? Do they host craft shows as well?

[@craft_crazy]

@@TashMarieMakes I am from INDIA 🇮🇳. In my country we do hold fairs but in my state mostly food items I have seen as handmade. Other than that no other items I have seen maybe in the upcoming years it will happen. I wish it to happen 😀

[@SewHappy061]

Your products are super cute. I love your journals. 🥰Personally, I think you underpriced them. I make journals too and understand how much time and effort that are put into them. It's a fine niche of ppl that buy journals. If I were to try selling them at a craft fair, I would display positive uses for them and how to use them such as journaling prompts, etc.

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you so much! I totally agree with showing them in use. I did plan on it but I forgot my journal twice. I did have some signage and a letter from the journal maker for people to read. A lot of people did grab them and some who showed interest I explained how it was used and gave them the letters as well to take. Each time I learn more and things I can do differently. Thanks so much for your feedback 🥰🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏

[@rhondaeaton4708]

Your items are very pretty and worth the price. As a fellow-crafter who does craft shows, I've learned through trial and error what to sell and what not to sell. Anything that is time intensive, I skip the craft show and sell on Etsy. I've never been able to get Etsy prices at craft shows. I make things that are easy and quick but packaged pretty. I can keep my prices down that way. My average prices are $8.00 to $12.00 and I live in Southern California. Wishing you much success.

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you so much!! It has been a learning process. Each event is always so different. I totally agree prices are much different than Etsy. I’m not the best with listing and marketing myself. That’s something I can definitely work on. Thanks so much for your feedback it’s much appreciated. Many blessings to you and your business as well ❤️🙏❤️

[@ecolon9222]

Thank you for sharing. Price the pen and journal together so it looks like a deal when purchased together. 30 for both or separately as 25 journal, 8 pen. I totally would go for the deal.

[@kharawhitead657]

Absolutely delightful

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thanks so much!! ❤️ I hope you’re doing well 🥰

[@dorainjacobs888]

I love the retro Christmas!

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you!! 🙏 ❤️

[@catherinebrokenberry9356]

i can tell you put a lot of time and love into your work.just so nice.

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you very much! 🥰🥰❤️❤️

[@elizabethveroniquebubikaho2815]

I really liked the pens you created ❤ those were awesome 👍

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thanks so much!! 🥰 happy holidays ❤️

[@elizabethveroniquebubikaho2815]

Same to you and your family 🎄❤

[@catherinebrokenberry9356]

your craft items are AMAZINGLY beautiful😊

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you so much 😊 means a lot ❤️🙏

[@alyssasoto5489]

I added a charm and had my beaded pens at $10. They sold.

[@TashMarieMakes]

That's awesome! i actually ended up lowering the price and they sold well at my craftshow this past weekend. i was planning on jazzing them up with charms and new packaging but i had no time, maybe next fair. so glad yours sold well. it really depends on the customers in the area.

[@louisejohnston4876]

It's a real learning curve to navigate what will sell well as each show, each year will differ by so many factors. Your products are well made, attractive. So my 2 cents... stick to your guns on pricing. You're worth it and your handmade ,small business is worth it. Cheers!

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thanks so much for the positive uplifting words of encouragement 🥰❤️

[@jhordinandell7298]

Love! Super cute and unique. Definitely using this is inspo for an Easter craft fair. (:

[@TashMarieMakes]

So glad you enjoyed and was able to get some inspo from it! Please let me know how the craft fair goes. Wishing you much success!!

[@meghanforsythe5003]

What is the paper collection you used for the journals with the pencils?! That vintage style is so pretty!!!

[@TashMarieMakes]

its not a paper collection. i will send you how i made them. The person I found the tutorial from is lyric love crafts. thanks so much for the question

[@Emmy._.-._Journals]

Can you send me the info also please. Getting ready for my first craft fairs and struggling on pricing as in the UK x

[@shannonwoodard5351]

Maybe a sign saying the pens compliment the journals???

[@TashMarieMakes]

Great idea!! Thanks. ❤️

[@libbyzg6611]

Hi first of all your craft goodness is all so adorable I think 30.00 with the pen included is worth it and I would go any lower , you did a amazing job on all your crafts love the journals 😊

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thanks so much 🥰 definitely will be putting them together as a deal! I hope they sell! 🥰

[@jonnellburgess3437]

I think so too! Coming from a buyer perspective. I love craft fairs!

[@SusanLynn-pm1vq]

oh the mini golden books are adorable! can you send me the link please?

[@laurieallen8040]

Where did you get the journal cards? They are so adorable!

[@TashMarieMakes]

im so sorry i thought i added the links... i will add them now and i will also reply here so you can quickly find them. Thanks for the question

[@TashMarieMakes]

here you go! amzn.to/480AqBD happy crafting!

[@judypierce7028]

You know you are charging too much when people pick up one of your items and walk away. I made some of the cutest kits for women and tried to sell them, for $15.00. It cost me $7.50 to put them together. I borrowed another crafter's idea, but changed it to fit my needs. She sold them for $20.00, but I had to lower the price to $10.00. It all depends on the population and location of your craft fair. I live in KY and people in my area just couldn't afford $15.00. Thank you for sharing your beautiful craft items.

[@jukes243]

Yes, add the pen to the journal. Sell them as a set.

[@danasandberg6619]

where did you get all the journal cards?

[@SusanLynn-pm1vq]

love this idea! do you have a printable for the labels?and letter?

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you! Yes it’s in my Etsy at TashMarieMakes

[@guadalupegriffin8568]

Happy New Year!!

[@TashMarieMakes]

Happy new year! I hope this year brings you good health and lots of joy 🙏❤️

[@bethtetzlaff3941]

How much did you sell the Dear Santa packets for. Such a wonderful idea!

[@TashMarieMakes]

Hello!! Thank you so much! I sold them for $5 each! They were a hit!! ❤️ best of luck at your next fair!

[@alonebymimi4239]

Where did you buy the journals to sell? Love your ideas!

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you so much!! I believe I found them at Walmart

[@doodahgurlie]

Where did you get those plastic envelopes used inside the journal covers? Maybe set the prices of the journals to $30 and then mark them down if they don't sell? Also, I think the pens would stand out more if they were more dedazzled or blinged up. I've seen some pretty blinged up pens that really stand out.

[@TashMarieMakes]

Hello! I believe the envelopes I got on Amazon. Should be in my links in the description and yes it’s been a year of learning at the markets. Thanks so much for your feedback ❤️ Many blessings and success in the year ahead 🎉❤️🙏

[@myfrienddeannahay5682]

What is your Etsy shop name? I want to buy one of those traveler journals and those precious notebooks!

[@TashMarieMakes]

Hello!! Thank you so much for your interest in my handmade items 🥰🥰🥰 I have a craft fair this weekend. After the show I will definitely be listing what I have available. My Etsy is Tash Marie Makes same as the KZbin. Thanks again so much!! ❤️

[@kimberleymaloy1728]

I'm so behind in my video watching so just now seeing this. I'm so glad you enjoyed your first fair, and made a profit! I knew those chapsticks were gonna sell. Everything seemed like really good prices for this type of thing, but, I think you're way underpricing your travelers journals! I think they should be priced higher and stick to your prices, don't let people talk you down. You're an artist, you put your heart and soul in everything you make not to mention buying the supplies. I just think the journals are worth more. I have no idea about the pens(even though I did LOVE that snowman one and think it might sell if added to the journal but then you really need to up your price. Alot of people are like me and a very tactile person. I have to literally pick up a pen and hold it and pretend to write with it before I could buy one. Good luck in your upcoming fair, everything looks great and should sell!

[@TashMarieMakes]

You’re so sweet thanks for the kind words and advice 🥰🙌🙏

[@sharonb.7867]

The mini Golden Books are adorable! Please please do not take this as a criticism ~have you checked into any copyright concerns on them? Very great video!!

[@TashMarieMakes]

I’ve looked several places and can’t find anything about copyright. Please let me know if you find something. I have also sold altered little golden books as well. I think as long as it’s altered and not sold in large quantities it’s ok. Like mass production. I know I’ve also read that if it was made before a certain date you should be fine as well and that it’s copyleft I’m not sure all the details but this is a great question. I’ve seen many altered books sold with no issue so I’m hoping it’s all good. Let me know if you find anything as well. Thanks so much for the feedback and questions ❤️

[@tottie24100]

You had mentioned in your video you have a tutorial on how you make the chapstick purses. I can’t find the link to that.

[@TashMarieMakes]

Yes Here’s the video… kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYCahJ6Jr9R3g5Ysi=rr0yPr-d2v0tu8QQ

[@sadiejewels6775]

I didn't see the link for where you got the journal idea. Can you link it. Also, may I ask where you bought them? Cute products.

[@TashMarieMakes]

Hey so sorry I was trying to find the video but it’s been so long I couldn’t find it… I’ll keep looking and update as soon as I find it so sorry.

[@TashMarieMakes]

They’re just blank journals and I decorated the covers I thought I added the links but for some reason it’s not letting me update it. Once I get home and I’m able to update from my computer I’ll add the links to the products. So sorry about that… thanks so much for your kindness and understanding

[@sadiejewels6775]

No problem! Thank you!

[@TashMarieMakes]

I finally remembered the name it was from lyric lover crafts ❤ she has a ton of great videos!! ❤

[@sadiejewels6775]

Thank you!!!@

[@robinmagargle8116]

I don't see link for the journals u made alot of

[@TashMarieMakes]

im so sorry i didn't realize i didn't add them. i will add them now and also resend here in the comments so you can easily find it. thank you for the question

[@robinmagargle8116]

@@TashMarieMakes ty so much

[@TashMarieMakes]

@@robinmagargle8116 here you go! amzn.to/480AqBD happy crafting!

[@justacraftyyam1506]

I don't do craft fairs but I have spent way too much time thinking of how to package stuff I doubt I'm going to ever sell. Here's a long ramble about it. I think your journals were way undervalued. They should be at least $28+. Sewing tends to elevate perceived value for the extra work/supplies needed and yours look great. Not too surprising they were popular. However, you know your area and the general income levels best. It might be worth a certain amount but if no one would actually buy it at the asking price then it's not worth making for sale there. It might seem like a hassle but time yourself on how long it takes to make an item. If it takes multiple sessions for 1, write the times down and add it up. Then think about how much you want to be paid per hour and remember you need to report for taxes too. Do you want to do deals to try to move more product or keep things simple with a set price per product? If it's struggling, consider what you want an item's target price to be, then raise it and offer a deal that has each one at the actual price you want or at a price you're willing to compromise on. If you wanted $30 each, try a deal like 1 for $35-$40 or 2 for $60. If you'd settle for $25 each, then do 1 for $30-$35 or 2 for $50. If you want to really move them, small/very cheap items can have higher amounts like buy 6 get 1 free or 10 get 2 free deals. (bookmarks, pins/buttons, basic single layer greeting cards, etc) There's definitely a psychological aspect to consider when you're selling anything. Some people can't seem to pass up deals even if it would be cheaper to just get 1 item. People want to feel like they saved money even if they don't actually. Groups (families/friends) might be willing to split costs to reach that deal if you have something they all really want. (based on my experience buying merch at conventions years ago) If you don't offer some basic deals and don't price appropriately, someone more savvy might try haggling for less than you'd like overall and you'd be under pressure to either take it and lose that bit of extra money or try to hold out for a customer willing to pay more. Near event closing times is when better deals can be made as sellers are trying to get rid of stock even at a reduced price just so they have less to pack away. Might as well price high enough that you can at least make a little profit at that severely reduced price if you decide to sell. A clipboard with a printed spread sheet of your products and a multi color pen (the ones with at least 3 colors) for marking sold (main color like black) vs freebie (red/whatever other color) would be great. Phones are great and all for notes but sometimes the action of writing something down helps you remember better. Also can jot a note for a sale you agreed to lower in price. (say it's the end of the show and a kid only has $8 but wants that $10 activity kit and you sell it for $8) The pens do seem kind of pricey despite the work you put into it, (I love that snowman pen) especially since you mentioned being at a fair with a lot of kids/families. They definitely need to be bundled with a journal to seem like a better value. The people who would pay that much or more for a single pen tend to look for other things like ink quality/writing smoothness/holding comfort/available refills etc. (basically the kind of products on a specialty stationary site like jetpens) Most people just go for cheap bulk packs like bic or dollar tree pens. Maybe papermate/rsvp if they feel like they want something a little nicer. They expect to lose or go through them quickly and losing a beaded pen is a much bigger concern with how much they paid for it. If a kid is getting money from their parents, they're unlikely to have a big budget so they'd go for the kit with a lot more stuff at a little more cost instead no matter how cute they think the pens are. Also the pens look a bit top heavy for small hands. Not sure if this would help but you could redesign some pens. Add a ribbon/string loop and market it as an ornament that is also happens to be a pen. Get some extra mileage out of it even after the pen is used up. Maybe make sets of ornament pens that can hang from a display hook/tabletop tree. Or just buy some ink refills in bulk and pack a few with each pen. They're fairly cheap and come in black, blue and red so one of each or just in 1 color would be great. One option is to get boxes (either completely clear or solid base with a clear top) and add a belly band/ribbon/stretch loop on the outside. Definitely pricier but if a customer is buying more expensive items as a gift it looks a lot nicer and you can charge more to reflect that increased value although the customer has to gamble on the insides being something they like. Alternative is to keep the journals in the bin but offer a clear box + stretch loop/ribbon for an additional fee. If people think it's too expensive to pay for that box then add it to the overall journal price and just offer to pack it in a box after they pick the one they want. Basically gift wrapping services but you'd need a helper if there's a lot of customers. If boxes seem a bit too expensive, there's also bags. Clear (maybe gusseted?) bags with a metallic or patterned twist tie and maybe some shred or tissue paper on the bottom. Just have the top tied like a gift basket. Packaging styles should fit the type of clientele that's most likely to show up at a particular event. A fair in a more upscale area with people willing to spend more should have the nicer stuff. The activity packs for kids you had are fine the way it is since it's cheaper, an obvious stocking stuffer gift and a kid is going to take everything out and toss the bag pretty quickly. Last thing is what is the packaging for whatever the customer bought and is going to walk away with? Is it paper? Plastic? Do you have your logo/store name on it or a business card in the bag? Is it plain or does it have a design? Are they putting your products in a bigger/better bag from a different seller? You just lost out on some free advertising if they did. Plain plastic bags are the cheapest. Generic but waterproof and functional if they aren't so thin that the stuff inside pokes holes through it. Paper looks a little nicer and seems more eco friendly (or at least it can be recycled and it's more likely to be reused) and you can stamp something on it to match the season/holiday. Pre printed bags are expensive but they can make your shop more memorable. It's like almost like paying for ads within a small craft fair since the whole goal is to catch someone's eye and make them aware of your shop even if it happens by asking your customer where they got the bag. If it's nice enough someone might want to just buy it to use as a gift bag for someone else. Dollar Tree certainly sells plenty of those. A few options: www.uline.com/Cls_22/Retail-Packaging?dup=products www.papermart.com/c/bags www.storesupply.com/c-497-bags.aspx Officesupply.com has a nice selection of papers/craft products and they sometimes have coupons/run sales although if they sell out they may or may not restock. Best to favorite it and just check your list every now and then. At least Stamper's Anonymous stamps seem to come back within a couple months. Their filters are terrible so you're better off just browsing through everything in a category or searching for certain brands/collections.

[@TashMarieMakes]

So many great ideas!! Thank you so much for taking the time to break it down and give some amazing feedback and advice. I appreciate you so much! I am definitely taking notes ! Do you sell online? You have so many great ideas thanks again!! I think I’m going to definitely rise the price of the journal and add the pen with it plus some really cute packaging! 🥰❤️

[@justacraftyyam1506]

@@TashMarieMakes You're welcome. I just make stuff for myself or friends. I don't sell anything but I did consider doing craft fairs several years ago so I went into a deep dive on everything involved, especially the marketing and pricing aspects. I still like to check out other people's craft fair videos and when I'm in a store I like to study how regular vs gift vs premium items are packaged too. It's like the difference between a bag of Hershey's nuggets vs a bag of Lindt Lindor chocolate vs a box of Ferrero Rocher. This isn't necessary for your products, especially at your scale but a tool to look into is an impulse or heat sealer and polypropylene tubing (or just poly tubing) rolls. It's a long roll (usually 1000 ft) of plastic sleeve that you cut and seal to the size of bag you need.

[@SparksofJoyStudio]

Love chapstick purses but the golden book ornaments are INCREDIBLE ❤❤❤. New subscriber

[@TashMarieMakes]

Aw thanks so much for the positive feedback I appreciate it so much!! ❤️ So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for joining 🥰

[@sharoncoleby5965]

Put a pen with journel xx

[@TashMarieMakes]

Will do thanks for watching and the suggestion🥰❤️

[@katcapa2367]

Add your beautiful Pens to Travelers Journals and charge $35 Well done Thank You

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thank you so much!😊

[@CraftyComeLately]

Definitely sell your TN's at least for $30 and next time but sale paper pack to Dave on cost and you can sell them online if craft fair ppl don't buy them.

[@lucyhare5799]

I am so sorry your products weren't as prosperous for you as you had hoped. I have listened to a few of you describe your fairs for last year and it seems like there was a bit of disappointment. I love watching you all and seeing how crafty you are. And many people have given thoughts, and so many are true. Money has been tight the last couple of years, do the people like what you make, do they like how it was packaged or displayed? It's all their choices, not your products. You do have a good quality. Maybe look at some other online shows and get some good ideas. But just that the places charge you all so much to be there makes me so mad. You had to buy everything you used, so you need to charge for it. But when you have to start adding in sooo much for the ability to be there is so wrong. $5 is plenty. And they should not be allowed to go higher. Good luck. Your products are really cute.

[@TashMarieMakes]

Aw you are so sweet! Thank you so much for the kind words. It has been a year of learning for me at the markets. Thankfully I’m not warn out yet lol . I’m glad I’m still enjoying creating and participating in the markets. I believe once the fun is out of it I may not continue with it anymore but until then I’ll enjoy this season. Thanks again. Wishing you all the best ❤️🙏❤️

[@AGee2217]

Girl! You have those journals priced WAY too cheap. I am a handmade soap maker and I do markets and fairs. So I know how it can be sometimes. There’s times that you’re going to go to one of these markets and it’s just not going to be your target audience. Don’t sell yourself short just to make a sale. And I can say this because I’ve done that before and it never pans out. Because then when you try to sell your stuff for what you think it should be sold for people don’t wanna pay it because your prices were so low the time before. This is just my humble opinion. I think your target audience would see that journal and know how much time and work went into it. That being said, you could cut costs on some of the sewing you did and little things like this. I think sewing around the whole boarder is something people wouldn’t miss if it hadn’t been done. I think pairing it with a pen would be great. Maybe raise the price to $35 with a pen? I’ve also noticed people love not you make it seem like they’re getting a deal. Maybe do $30 each journal and get the pen and journal for $35 even though the pen is marked at $8 individually. Hopefully that made sense.

[@TashMarieMakes]

So many valid points and great ideas!! Thank you so much 🥰 wishing you much success with your business as well ❤️ I will definitely be taking your advice for future events. Thanks again ❤️

[@dorothyobrien5936]

I don’t like the price

[@TashMarieMakes]

Thanks for sharing ❤️