Expert: Shasta McLaughlin - 3/18/2011

Question
Hi. I make dolls, bunnys, etc. all by hand. No sewing machine. I am planning to set up a booth next month ($15.00)> I have hardly any investment in the materials, most of it was given to me. I have been told that I can sell the things I make so far, to the few people I've shown my things to. What would be a cute way to set up my table(s)? And what do most customers spend? I was told to make some cheaper things because lots of people want something in the $1.00 - $3-00 range. Nothing I make is going to be over $10.00. I know that probably sounds cheap but I'm not trying to make a fortune since I really don't have anything invested except my time and creativity. I just enjoy it.

Answer
Dear Lisa,

A cute way to set up your craft show booth might be to use pastel colored table cloths and then to put baskets of different animals or different colors of animals on the tables.  Another way might be to use lattice for walls and pin different animals to the walls.

It is true that kids will have less money to spend and the $1.00 range is good for them.  However don't underestimate the value of your crafts.  You need to be able to replace materials to make more plus you need to pay for your time to make them (what $ per hour do you want to make).  People are weird if you under price your items they will assume they are very low quality and be less likely to buy them.  It is always easier to reduce your price than to raise it.  

I suggest you do some market research to find out what people are willing to pay both the highest and lowest so that you have a price range.  Then choose a price within that range that allows you to make the most sales at the most profit.  In other words you start at the highest price of the price range and then slowly reduce the price until you find you are making the most sales possible at the highest profit.

Then if you aren't concerned with the money and profits you can donate both the profits and products to hospitals and other organizations for children.

For more information on marketing your crafts please see my blog at http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com.