9 Ways to Boost Sales at a Craft Fair or Festival

Sell More, Stress Less: 9 Smart Tips for Craft Fair Vendors

Many artisans become entrepreneurs by accident. One moment you're crafting handmade holiday gifts for friends and family, and the next, you find yourself with a side hustle (or even a full-time gig) selling the things you love to make.

Of course, creating your products—whether it's handmade soaps, crocheted scarves, or award-winning honey—is the fun part. But it’s the business side of things that can sometimes stop makers in their tracks.

You might be asking yourself, "How do I get my crafts noticed and start making sales?"

One of the best ways to network, gain exposure, and boost sales is by attending craft fairs and artisan markets. These events provide fantastic opportunities to connect with your community and showcase your creations in person. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing someone fall in love with your work right before your eyes! Learn how to find markets in your area.

But let's be real—it's not just about showing off; it's about getting sales. So how do you ensure success once your booth is set up? Let's break it down with these nine tips to boost sales at your next craft fair or festival.

1. Stand Out

The key is to draw people to your booth. You might have an amazing product, but shoppers won’t realize this unless you give them a reason to stop by.

"I set up my booth at home days before an event," says Alexa, a seasoned craft fair vendor. "I like to look at my layout and ensure it attracts buyers."

Add Decorations

Your booth decor should be on-brand and tell your craft business's story. Whether it’s a rustic autumn display with pumpkins and hay bales or a bright, floral setup for spring and summer, your decorations should make your booth inviting and reflect your brand's personality.

Adding some personality with your decorations also helps attendees feel a connection to your products.

Build an Experience

Make your booth interactive! People love to touch, feel, and even smell your products. Set up a little station where people can try things on, test out a scent, or participate in a fun activity. Consider offering in-booth games or giveaways to entice people over—everyone loves a chance to win something.

Get Creative

Think about your target audience and what will appeal to them. If your craft aligns with a particular vibe or mood, play into that with background music, themed decor, or even a unique booth layout. Encourage social engagement by asking visitors to use a hashtag, tag your business on social media, or sign up for your email list.

2. Prepare Your Table

Your booth presentation is vital. A polished, professional display can set you apart from the competition.

Put Up Signage

Clear signage helps customers understand your product range and pricing. Tent cards, banners, and chalkboards can highlight deals, new products, or any unique selling points. Offering event-exclusive discounts, like a percentage off or a buy-one-get-one deal, or fun bundle can entice customers to make a purchase.

"People buy more if they’re getting a deal," says Sadie, another experienced vendor. "They feel appreciated and it helps create returning customers."

Give Something Away

Freebies are a fantastic way to build goodwill and encourage future sales. Whether it’s a sample-sized version of your product or a small, low-cost item, adding a little extra can make a big difference. "I give my first-time customers a discount card to use for their next purchase," shares Sadie. "I also throw in a free sample of aroma beads or wax melts in a compliementary fraggrance."

3. Be Prepared

Craft fairs can be unpredictable, and this might be your business's first impression to dozens of new customers. Make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

Estimate Product Sales

Selling out might sound exciting, but it’s not ideal when eager customers find empty tables. "Being well-prepared inventory-wise is key," advises Alexa. "Not having enough inventory can reflect badly."

How do you decide what’s "enough"? A good rule of thumb is to inquire about expected attendance and prepare enough inventory for about 7% of attendees.

Bring Marketing Materials

Craft fairs are not just for selling products—they’re also excellent promotional opportunities. Bring plenty of business cards, flyers, and other marketing materials. You want people to leave with your contact information, even if they don’t buy something on the spot.

4. Collect Emails

Leverage your time at the fair by creating buzz online. Promote your upcoming appearance, showcase your setup, and engage followers with Instagram Stories and Facebook Lives before, during and after your event.

Once you’re there, encourage visitors to tag your business, use your hashtag, or sign up for your email list for a chance to win a prize. The more you engage, the more potential customers you’ll attract.

5. Make It Easy to Pay

Simplify transactions for your customers by offering multiple payment options. Use QR codes for easy payment via PayPal, Zelle, or CashApp. Download our free template here.

6. Don’t Do Everything

Craft fairs, music festivals, farmer’s markets, holiday pop-ups—the options can feel endless. But not all events are created equal, and not all will attract the right clientele for your products.

Start small and research which events align with your niche. "I spent a lot of money attending events that weren’t a good market for my product," Sadie recalls. "The first year, I lost money but then began conducting research to determine which events were more suitable."

7. Research the Audience

Not all fairs are the same. Different types of events attract different crowds. Research is key. If you’re selling baby products, an Earth Day festival or a family-focused event might be a good bet. Selling vintage-inspired jewelry? A music festival might be more up your alley.

8. Network with Other Vendors

Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Talk to other vendors, exchange tips, and share resources. They’ve been in your shoes and can offer invaluable advice for navigating your first (or fiftieth) event.

9. Smile, Show Excitement, and Be Yourself

This is the one piece of advice that works every time. "People never forget the first impression," Alexa says. "Do lots of research, contact event planners, and ask questions before spending money."

Tackle your next craft fair with confidence, and remember: the key to boosting sales is a mix of preparation, creativity, and genuine engagement with your customers.

Question for You: 

What’s the most creative way you’ve seen a vendor stand out at a craft fair? Share your experience in the comments below.