A social network for people who love Etsy.com

Okay, so we're a team. Let's start helping each other

I think we need to talk about resources (each other) to get into craft fairs. So if you know of upcoming craft fairs that are accepting applications, let's share them.

Regarding ETSY, we need to promote ourselves on forums. It seems like the more time I spend on the forums, the more people look at your page and sales happen.

How's everybody doing and any information to share?

Diane

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Blayne Levin on August 24, 2007 at 7:32am: Hey Diane and others!!

I am really interested in doing some craft fairs!! I know that there is one coming up Sept 1,2,3 at Topsfield Fair that is still accepting applications - but that is too soon for me.

I promote like crazy on the forums. It has gotten me lots of views, and a few sales, but I am still looking for new ways to promote :) So any ideas would be appreciated!

Blayne; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diane Kelley on August 26, 2007 at 12:01pm: Topsfield is also ridiculously EXPENSIVE. Not only is there a huge fee, you have to break down each night and cart things back and forth.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diane Kelley on August 24, 2007 at 2:58pm: I know this might sound a little low key, however, a LOT of High Schools have Christmas craft fairs in their gym's. I did three last year (3 weekends in a row) and made anywhere from $300 - $450/show (after table fee). Not bad...

I just check a lot in the local newspapers. They usually start advertising soon.

diane; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Marta Harvey on August 26, 2007 at 10:59am: Hi everyone!!! I started on Etsy almost a month ago and am loving it so far. First I started creating and adding items (which I'm still doing), and now I think I need to start promoting so I can sell them. I think promotion is key and I'm still trying to figure out what works and doesn't. So I would love to hear what has worked for you.

As far as craft fairs... I heard of a free one in Boston. An Etsy booth has been set up and it seems Etsy sellers are welcome to show up. It was a forum topic... hold on, let me get the link. Here it is: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5200934&page=1 . If the link doesn't work, the title is South End Spots Avail This Weekend-Boston. It seems it isn't just this weekend, though. I wanted to go check it out today, but can't. I will try next weekend. Maybe some of you want to check it out if you are close to Boston?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diane Kelley on August 31, 2007 at 1:24pm: They are very selective on who they let in. I've been told if you're jewelry, forget about it. Marta since you're not, I'm sure you'd be welcome. it's called the South End Open Market.

Personally, the person that runs it, Chris Masci and I don't see eye to eye. He basically told me that my jewelry is not up to SEOM standards and would not let me participate in the market. When I tried to plea my case he told me I was pushy and rude so good luck.

Maybe it's me. I don't know. I've never been told my jewelry is below standard before. that one kinda blew me away a little bit.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by melinda hayes designs on August 27, 2007 at 9:51am: Hey, Don't forget us in CT!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diane Kelley on August 31, 2007 at 1:25pm: Melinda,

Joining the group. we don't forget out neighbors to the West. Are there any questions you have about ETSY or craft shows? Lay -em on me and I'll do my best to answer them.

Diane; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cassie on August 28, 2007 at 10:29am: Hey New Englanders!

The Etsy Western Mass Street Team is having a craft show on Sept 22 in Greenfield, MA. We have a great location and we're still accepting vendors.

Here's my forum post with all the info:
http://etsylove.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=983420%3ATopic%3A6938

Please consider joining us--we're a small but feisty team, and this is a great weekend to have a show in WMASS. You can contact me for all the details!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diane Kelley on August 31, 2007 at 1:26pm: Thanks for the info Cassie. WE really appreciate it.

I call ROAD TRIP!!

Diane; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by meredith on August 28, 2007 at 3:50pm: If'n Books on Etsy suggested this upcoming holiday consignment sale:
http://www.craftlandshow.com/craftlandform.html

It looks like a viable sale - TBD location in downcity Providence. It is open to all crafters though - not limited by state. The deadline is August 31st though! Only $10 to apply (juried).

I just moved to Providence and am working out of my Hyde Park (MA) studio, so this is my group! Hi everyone
~Meredith @ Crostini; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diane Kelley on August 31, 2007 at 1:27pm: Crostini,

I've heard about this craftland. I actually applied online and paid the $10 and haven't heard anything back yet.

Is this JUST during the holidays or is the show something that happens all the time like the SEOM?

Diane; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by MTDesigns4u on September 9, 2007 at 11:16am: Hello Everyone,
I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is MaryLou and I'm thrilled Marta told me about this site as well as this group. I hope that I am able to share as well as learn how to promote myself, make some friendships and that we all learn from one another. I look forward to getting to know you all and I will send any/all information I hear regarding upcoming shows.
Mary Lou; ▶ Reply to This