Tips for Selling Crochet at Craft Fairs

You've just learned to crochet, and now you're curious about selling your crochet creations at craft fairs. I felt the same way when I dove into this new hobby. Lucky for you, I've got some selling tips to share!

What Can I Crochet That People Would Buy?

I immediately thought, "What can I crochet that people would buy?" I love making blankets, but would anyone actually buy them? My excitement sometimes clouds my judgment.

Before you dive in and start whipping up crochet projects, take a moment to look around. Let’s chat about what you can observe, and let’s set aside the cost of the products for now.

Go to a craft show and observe not only the vendors but also the customers.

Selling items at a craft show.

Tips For Selling Crochet Items

Understanding your community—or wherever you plan to sell—is crucial. Head to the location where you think you’ll sell your items. You’re looking for several things before jumping in:

• Is the place easy to get to?

• Is there parking and/or admission to get into the craft fair?

  
  

A person’s day is often judged by how much money they have on hand. If they’re spending it at the door, it’s part of their day’s budget.

Observe the Customers

• Look at the types of customers shopping.

- Check out their clothing to gauge the demographic. Are they in basic clothes, artistic outfits, or something in between? Where do they fall on your judgment scale?

- Watch their mannerisms, language, and body language.

- What types of payment are they using? Cash, credit, or debit?

- Look at their hands—do they already have items they’ve purchased?

If you have experience and want to share your thoughts, comment below.

Customers shopping at a craft show.

• Listen to the customers.

- Are they sharing stories about family members or friends who crochet?

- Are they complaining about prices?

- What are they saying about the show itself?

- Can you tell if they’re genuinely there to shop or just browsing?

From my experience selling at craft shows, anything priced over $30 CDN or $20 USD often requires more thought and rules out spontaneity. Take note of what’s in their hands and assign a dollar value to it.

Observe the Vendors

• What are the vendors doing at the show?

- Are they engaging with customers and greeting them?

- Are some vendors busy making more of what they’re selling?

- Are they on their phones or distracted by friends?

Observe the vendors critically. If they seem distracted, customers will feel ignored too. This can leave a negative impression on the entire show.

A customer who feels appreciated and acknowledged may take your table more seriously. I often walk past vendors who are too busy to engage; I prefer not to disturb them.

The vendor is not engaged with the customer at a craft show.

If you can, arrive at the craft fair early when it opens. Observe the craft tables that would be similar to yours if you were selling.

• Look at what’s on the tables at the start of a craft fair.

- What kind of yarn are they using?

- Notice their price points. Would you pay what they’re asking?

- If you can return later in the day, check what’s sold out.

- Are vendors restocking, or are their tables getting cleared out?

- What’s sold, and what hasn’t? Guess why that might be.

Of the items sold, are they things you’d make? What price points drove their sales?

Crochet What You Like Versus What the Public Wants

Understanding Customer Preferences

I have a friend who sells a ridiculous number of crochet projects. She makes them in her sleep! It’s easy sales for her, but she has to produce a lot. I’m honestly surprised she’s not sick of them. She’s taken the time to understand what customers want. Although she’d love to crochet something else, the items that sell best are the ones she can whip up in under 15 minutes.

Making Projects for Others

You have to crochet what others like, not just what you prefer. It can really dampen your spirit if you set up a table and end up with no sales at the end of the day. It could be due to the types of customers, price points, weather conditions, or just people who aren’t interested in what you make. If someone else at the show did better than you, what did they do differently?

Use your keen observation skills to determine if you should sell your items. Many have had luck selling online, while others have horror stories. I’ve heard some wild tales about craft fairs with people being kleptomaniacs. There will always be drama.

Recognizing what the demographic is purchasing doesn’t mean you’re copying someone. It’s smart to have items that others don’t. Test things occasionally, but don’t overload your table with one type of item without enough research to see if it will sell.

I once tried to sell crochet bracelets for $30 CDN, $20 USD. I couldn’t sell a single one because the vendor next to me was selling imported jewelry for $3. People often prefer volume over quality. I struggled at a farmer’s market for weeks, but at an art show, I took home $1000 from just one event. Demographics change based on the show.

If you have constructive feedback for others, share below. I wanna know!

It’s a tough business to consider, but for some, it’s just a hobby. It’s a fun way to get out and make a little extra cash from all that yarn you already have in your collection.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, remember that selling crochet items is a journey. It’s about learning, adapting, and, most importantly, enjoying the process. Keep your eyes open, listen to your customers, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Who knows? You might just find your niche and become the next big thing at craft fairs! Happy crocheting!