Craft Country - Part One. (Image heavy!)

Early Friday morning, we hopped in the car. It was loaded with bedding, clothes, our youngest child - and the results of a few months of intensive crafting.

I had serious butterflies before we left, but they calmed a bit as we got on the road. Not much more I could do once we were on our way, aye?

We had quite a lovely time, cruising down the country. It's unusual for it to be just the three of us for such a long period of time, and even more unusual for Abraham and I to have such long stretches of time for conversations to happen. We listened to music, made fun of road signs, ate Burger Fuel (essential on any road trip!), disagreed with the TomTom (you want us to go WHERE? Into the middle of the forest? Uhh.. no?) and discussed which of the small towns we would most like to live in. 

(For your information, we decided that Cheltenham might be the one. FLASH houses, green pastures and a pub called 'The Chelty'!)

We arrived in Masterton just before tea time. We stayed with a good friend from school, and spent the evening eating pizza and chit chatting with her, before settling in to get some sleep before the big day.

I learned my first lesson of the day very early on: make sure you know how long it take to to set up your stall. Seriously, when you are sweating away, trying to get things hung and writing signs, 10 minutes before the doors open - then you didn't get yourself enough time.
Luckily, I juuuust made it in time to snap a few quick pictures and get behind my stall for the opening of the doors.

(My little helper/model)

?

Unfortunately, the opening of the doors did not mean a big rush of people. In fact, there wasn't really a big rush of people all day.. it was quite slow. Sales were made, but not an awful lot.

I'm not complaining though, not really. I got to meet a lot of lovely people, see some lovelies I'd met before, and buy/swap for some gorgeous things. (More about all of those things in part 2)
Abraham was so wonderful, entertaining Mollie, fetching me food - and manning the stall so I could wander round and natter with those lovelies, and purchase the goodies. I'm so thankful he agreed to come with me, it would have been no fun without him. That was lesson number two.
I also learned a lot about the workings of my stall, and display. And about which of my items seemed to gather the most interest (for this particular crowd, anyway. The demographic seemed to be a lot older than I was expecting..). I have some good ideas for next time, and that's always helpful.
(One thing that cracks me up about markets is the comments people makes, almost as if the seller isn't standing right in front of them. I got a lot of 'Ohh, I could just make that..' or 'Well, that's a bit pricey isn't it?'. But my favourite of all was an older lady, who uttered to her friend, in regards to my doily-adorned bags 'They'd be a lot nicer without the table cloth on them!' Haha!)

After a long day, we were quite knackered. One might think this would be a good time to relax, ready for the long trip the next day, right? Well, not us. We decided that, rather than draw out the tiredness, we would just hop straight in the car and head home that evening. We'd be exhausted, but we'd be home and have the whole Sunday to unpack etc. So that's what we did.

We made our way back up the country, chit chatting, making fun of road signs.. and stopping for Burger fuel, of course. We listened to music, and sung a few rounds of nursery rhymes to calm Mol, who had well and truly had enough of being strapped in. We got home just before midnight - 14 hours of travel in two days! BANANAS.

(I think, maybe, I might need to stick to markets a little closer to home. I just need to find a good one.)

Will write a post about the lovelies I saw, the things I came home with, and a very cool idea, tomorrow. In the meantime, I have photographing and listing to do - so much stock for the Felt shop! Holy!

To market, to market: Part three.

I have high hopes of having a few stalls at one of our local markets this Summer.

I have done a few markets in the past, both big and small. I have done a few Craft2.0 fairs, the Mapua fair in Nelson and, many moons ago, Craftwerk in Wellington. But I've always felt like I haven't quite mastered the art of market-ing. (Not to mention it has been some time..!)
I have asked a few of my crafty friends, who I consider to be very successful at market selling, to answer a wee questionnaire and offer me some advice. I though that you lovelies might also like to benefit from their knowledge.
Todays interviewee is the lovely Jannelle from Heartfelt:

1. Tell us a little about who you are, and what it is you make and sell.
I'm Jannelle and I live in a very small rural town in the
Wairarapa.  In the morning I work as a librarian at our local library
and my husband Ian is a chef at one of the local pubs.  We have three
children, Charlie (6) Sadie (nearly 5) and Oscar (2).
Heart Felt is mostly about recycling wool clothing for children
whether it be revamping hand knits or restyling adults wool jerseys
into children tunics and pixie hats.  I also make play crowns and
headbands from felt.

2. How long have you been doing markets, and how often do you do them?I have only been doing markets for just over a year.   I have done
3 Martinborough Fairs and a few Craft 2.0 markets.  We also have a
regular local market called the New Rags Market which run every two
months.   I try to attend all of the New Rags Markets to support the
local handmade movement in our area.



3. I know that you also sell online, which is your preferred way of selling? Why?
I don't think I 'prefer' one from the other because they are so
different.  Selling online is good because you can list things in your
own time and it the online shop pretty much looks after it self.
Markets you have a
deadline...the build up can be quite stressful but the end result is
that you meet your customers and other stall holders.

4. What are your top tips for the layout of the stall? How important is the look of your table?
.I like my stall to reflect my product.  A covered table is a must.
I use a large vintage sheet and then over top I use my mothers vintage
crochet bed spread ~ always looks super pretty.  Height is important
and I always like to display photographs of my children wearing Heart
Felt.   The little things are important too ~ a mirror is always
useful and I like to have a vase of flowers to make my stall extra
pretty.  I have everything priced and where possible use recycled
packaging and labels.  Always have business cards accessible, there is
always one or two people who like to contact you later on.



5. Is it good to have as much stock as possible, or is less more? If you have a lot of stock, do you display it all?
I always take lots of stock, but don't display it all.  I will
restock the table each time a sale is made.
6. How about pricing - do you have different prices for markets? Do you have an specific way of pricing that seems to work I.e even numbers, odd numbers, all under a certain price etc
.I do have 'market specials' and always advertise that they are on
special for that day.  I'm always willing to give a discount on a
multiple purchase too.  I'm terrible at maths and have everything in
5's.  $15, $25, $30, $35....that way I know I'm not going to get
flustered and it's easy to know what kind of change I will need in my
cash box.



7. Are you very chatty with people browsing your stall? Or do you prefer to step back and let them look?
I have tried both approaches....the chatty approach and the stand
back and let them look approach.  Being friendly and chatty always
wins hands down!
8. Any other advice you'd like to share?Advertise your product.  I always wear one of my headbands at my
stall, I always sell more when people see them worn.  One time my
husband bought Oscar in to visit me wearing a pixie hat (smart
husband)  I sold three within the 20 minutes Oscar was there.  Be
positive, be yourself and believe in your product.  If you are
passionate about what you do ~ show it.



Thanks heaps, Jannelle!

You can find Jannelle and Heartfelt on Facebook HERE, Felt HERE and on her blog HERE.

To market, to market: Part 2

I have high hopes of having a few stalls at one of our local markets this Summer.

I have done a few markets in the past, both big and small. I have done a few Craft2.0 fairs, the Mapua fair in Nelson and, many moons ago, Craftwerk in Wellington. But I've always felt like I haven't quite mastered the art of market-ing. (Not to mention it has been some time..!)I have asked a few of my crafty friends, who I consider to be very successful at market selling, to answer a wee questionnaire and offer me some advice. I though that you lovelies might also like to benefit from their knowledge.

Nearly all of the markets I have sold at, this lovely lady has also sold at. She is a delightful person to have around, and well, she's done so many markets I'm pretty sure we could call her a seasoned market expert.
Without further ado, I present you with Melissa of Tiny Happy fame:

Craft 2.0  (many moons ago)

1. Tell us a little about who you are, and what it is you make and sell.

I'm Melissa, and my 'label' is tiny happy. I make all sorts of things- clothes and toys for kids, small embroidered items, bags, purses and cushion covers. In the past, I've also sold prints of my artwork, cards, and illustrated ceramics.

2. How long have you been doing markets, and how often do you do them?

I've been doing them for years now- I first started selling my work at the Saturday market in Nelson, back in 2006. Since then I've had stalls at Craftwerk, the Mapua Easter Fair, Craft 2.0, Handmade, and the Auckland Art and Craft Fair.

3. I know that you also sell online, which is your preferred way of selling? Why?
I prefer online, I have a shop on etsy and I find this is a bit easier as I can be a bit shy and awkward in 'real life'. But having said that, I do enjoy meeting people face to face at markets.

4. What are your top tips for the layout of the stall? How important is the look of your table?

I think it's important not to have too many things crowding up your table. So keep extra stock in a suitcase or something behind the table. Try and make your display look coherent, and easy for people to look through.

5. Is it good to have as much stock as possible, or is less more? If you have a lot of stock, do you display it all?

Yes, I do try and have extra stuff behind the table to replenish the stock. But then again, there's nothing wrong with having just a limited amount of special things- it gives your work more value, I think, and people are more likely to buy something if you only have a few of them.

6. How about pricing - do you have different prices for markets? Do you have an specific way of pricing that seems to work I.e even numbers, odd numbers, all under a certain price etc

Yes, I do try and keep my market prices down a little but I try not to make things too cheap (though I aim for 'affordable' prices in general.) At markets, I try and make all my prices divisible by 5, because it's easier to arrange change in 5s.

Nelson Markets (also many moons ago!)

7. Are you very chatty with people browsing your stall? Or do you prefer to step back and let them look?

I am chatty, but I do try and step back and let them look at stuff- noone likes a pushy salesperson! I like it when customers want to have a chat, it's the best part about doing markets.

8. Any other advice you'd like to share?

It's a good idea to keep a little stack of business cards for people to take.

Bring plenty of change.

Don't forget a bottle of water and some snacks.

Thanks heaps, M!

You can find Melissa on Facebook HERE, on Typepad HERE and on Etsy HERE

To market, to market: Part One.

I have high hopes of having a few stalls at one of our local markets this Summer.

I have done a few markets in the past, both big and small. I have done a few Craft2.0 fairs, the Mapua fair in Nelson and, many moons ago, Craftwerk in Wellington. But I've always felt like I haven't quite mastered the art of market-ing. (Not to mention it has been some time..!)

I have asked a few of my crafty friends, who I consider to be very successful at market selling, to answer a wee questionnaire and offer me some advice. I though that you lovelies might also like to benefit from their knowledge.

First up is the very talented Emma of Emma Makes fame:

1. Tell us a little about who you are, and what it is you make and sell.

My name is Emma Makes. I design and sew my own range of bags, zipper purses and soft toys using small runs of vintage and new textiles. I also make a line of notebooks and design witty pencils.

2. How long have you been doing markets, and how often do you do them?

I started selling at markets at the same time I started selling - about five years ago. I don't do heaps of markets - probably anywhere from between two to five a year. 

3. I know that you also sell online, which is your preferred way of selling? Why?

I prefer a combination of selling online and selling through stockists to selling at markets. By selling online and having a presence on Facebook and my blog I feel I can really tell the story of Emma Makes and what I'm about a whole lot better than going to a range of markets. If you know my website/blog/Facebook then you know what I'm about, you appreciate craft and handmade and you like New Zealand made. Same with stockists - I like developing long-term relationships with people who can represent me and my work. I find markets really hit and miss.

A fair in Palmerston North

4. What are your top tips for the layout of the stall? How important is the look of your table?

My layout is really important and it's different each time. Here's my top tips:

• Take a tablecloth that goes to the ground. It looks neater and will also allow you to hide extra stock underneath.
• Take some props that give you height - it makes it easier for people to see what you're selling and is more visually interesting if things are at different heights.
• Create clear, large signage - sometimes people don't want to ask how much things are.
• ALWAYS take a business card or some way for people to contact you after the fair - if the punters are the kind of people to buy craft and design then give them out liberally. I have Emma Makes postcards and have made many sales after fairs from people who've taken my card. I once did a fair with the sole purpose of giving everyone that visited my table an Emma Makes branded pencil - I recently met a bunch of woman that remembered that probably three years later - branding and marketing is really important to me.
• You don't need to stand but if you sit then do something - hand sewing is a good thing to do because then customers can talk to you about what you're making. It also means you don't get into the habit of staring, which can be intimidating to shoppers.

5. Is it good to have as much stock as possible, or is less more? If you have a lot of stock, do you display it all?

I always take lots of stock but don't put it all out. I keep multiples in reserve and refresh stock throughout the day. I also don't take everything I make - for example, I make some really niche items like ukulele covers and iPad covers and these always sell better online. 

Alt. Shift. Craft fair

6. How about pricing - do you have different prices for markets? Do you have an specific way of pricing that seems to work I.e even numbers, odd numbers, all under a certain price etc

I have the same price at markets as I do online. I price based on a pretty standard model, which is worked out on how much something cost me + how much tax I'll have to pay on it + how much profit I want to make. I like to keep my products affordable too but not cheap. I don't think people who price their work really cheaply are doing anybody any favours. 

7. Are you very chatty with people browsing your stall? Or do you prefer to step back and let them look?

I judge my level of chattiness with each customer - I have a really low tolerance for inane retail conversation so don't want to bore the pants of people by wittering on about the weather. I say hello to almost everyone that comes to my stall and then take it from there - some people don't want to chat, others introduce themselves as Facebook fans/blog readers (which I love).

A market at a winery

8. Any other advice you'd like to share?

• Be choosy about the markets you attend - often time I think people get caught up by the hype of a "market" and the outcome (cold hard cash) can be disappointing if the right people don't come or it hasn't been marketed well. Also be really honest with yourself about what the fair is going to cost you and what kind of money you want to make. There's a couple of no-brainers - in Auckland the Auckland Craft Fair is a really professional well-run event and in Wellington Craft 2.0 is generally good (October is the best fair to sell at) although both are quite pricey in terms of stall fees. The fairs run in Palmerston North by Alt. Shift. Craft are fantastic with a craft-loving audience and heaps of brilliant promotion. I run a fair in Greytown in December called Craft Country, which is always good - and I've also found that sometimes community events can be worthwhile. I tend to avoid anything marketed to families as a fun day out because people go to those looking for a bargain and entertainment.
• Don't leave the promotion of the fair you're selling at up to the organisers. I always write a blog post about the fairs I'm going to, let my Facebook fans know ahead of time and take a photo of my stall from the fair and post it on Facebook - just this weekend a customer told me she hadn't heard about the fair but saw it on my Facebook page and came down.
• If you go to a fair as a seller be nice to others - you'd be surprised how many fairs I've turned up to where other sellers have been in a bad mood or people have tried to take over the space I've paid to put my rack in and it really makes for a stink start to the day.
• Find some honest friends who also do markets and will tell you how much money they made - after a fair there's often a lot of "that was the best fair EVER" conversation on social media sites and being able to compare your day with others who have a grip on reality is invaluable.
• When you're applying for a fair always send good photos. Always.

 Craft 2.0Thanks so much for sharing with us, Emma!

You can find Emma on Facebook HERE, on Felt HERE and on Wordpress HERE.