Is Selling At Craft Fairs Right For You?

Is selling at craft fairs right for you  and your crochet business?

If you love crocheting and have dreamed of turning your passion into a business, you’ve probably wondered if craft fairs are the right way to sell your creations.

After all, what could be better than setting up a cozy, eye-catching booth, chatting with fellow craft lovers, and watching your handmade items go home with happy customers? But before you dive headfirst into the world of craft fairs, it’s important to ask: Is this the right fit for you and your crochet business?

While craft fairs can be an amazing way to make sales and connect with your audience, they also require a lot of preparation, investment, and a bit of hustle. Booth fees, inventory prep, long event days—there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes!

So, how do you know if it’s worth it? In this guide, we’ll break down the key things to consider  like costs, time commitment, and personality fit—so you can decide if craft fairs are a great opportunity for your crochet business or if another selling route might be a better match. 

Download Your Free Checklist: 

Thinking about selling your crochet creations at craft fairs but not sure if it’s the right fit? Before you dive in, grab this free checklist to help you figure it out! This easy-to-use guide covers everything from inventory prep and booth costs to whether you actually enjoy chatting with customers all day.

Craft fairs can be a great way to grow your business—but they’re not for everyone. With this checklist, you’ll get a clear idea of what to expect so you can make the best decision for you and your crochet biz.

Click Here to Download Your Free Checklist!

What to Expect When Selling at Craft Fairs

Selling at a craft fair isn’t just about showing up with a table full of crochet goodies—it’s an event that requires planning, setup, and a good understanding of what customers want. Here are a few things to expect when stepping into the world of craft fairs:

1. A Craft Fair is a Social Selling Environment

If you enjoy talking to people and sharing the story behind your handmade crochet pieces, you’ll likely thrive at craft fairs. Customers love learning about the person behind the craft, and a friendly conversation can turn a window shopper into a paying customer. However, if the idea of talking to dozens (or even hundreds) of strangers all day sounds exhausting, you may need to consider whether this selling style fits your personality.

2. Preparation is Key

Unlike selling online, where you can create items as orders come in, craft fairs require you to have inventory ready to go.

That means spending weeks (or months) crocheting enough items to fill your booth.

You’ll also need a well-thought-out display, pricing tags, business cards, and possibly even a payment system if you plan to accept credit cards.

3. Financial Considerations

There are costs involved in selling at craft fairs, and they vary depending on the event. Here’s a breakdown of some common expenses:

• Booth Fees – Some fairs charge $25, while larger, well-known events can cost hundreds.
• Supplies & Display Materials – Tables, tablecloths, shelves, signage, and lighting add up.
• Inventory Costs – Yarn isn’t always cheap! You’ll need a variety of products in different colors and styles.

• Payment Processing – If you’re accepting credit cards, you’ll need a card reader and possibly a small transaction fee.

Before signing up for an event, run the numbers. Will you be able to make enough sales to cover costs and turn a profit?

Is Selling at Craft Fairs a Good Fit for Your Crochet Business?

Not every crochet business is suited for craft fairs, and that’s okay! Here are a few factors to consider:

✔️Craft Fairs Might Be Right for You If...❌ Craft Fairs Might NOT Be the Best Fit If...

✔️You love talking about your crochet work and engaging with customers.

✔️ You can handle the physical demands of setting up and working long hours.

✔️ You’re comfortable investing in supplies, booth decor, and event fees upfront.

✔️ You have enough time to crochet and stock up on inventory before each fair.

✔️ You enjoy the excitement of in-person selling and getting immediate feedback on your work.

❌ You prefer a slower, more relaxed selling process (like made-to-order sales online).

❌ You don’t have enough time or resources to build up a large inventory in advance.

❌ You dislike social interactions or find customer conversations overwhelming.

❌ You live in an area where craft fairs are seasonal, limiting your selling opportunities.

❌ The costs of participating outweigh the potential profit.

Final Thoughts – Should You Sell Your Crochet at Craft Fairs?

Craft fairs can be an incredible way to showcase your crochet business, gain exposure, and connect with customers who appreciate handmade work. But they’re not for everyone. If you enjoy face-to-face selling, don’t mind putting in the work, and can manage the upfront investment, craft fairs could be a profitable and fun way to grow your business.

However, if the thought of prepping large amounts of inventory, engaging with crowds, or investing in booth fees makes you nervous, there are plenty of other ways to sell your crochet creations successfully.

At the end of the day, the best way to find out if craft fairs are right for you is to try one out! Start with a small local event and see how it goes. Whether you fall in love with the experience or decide it’s not your thing, you’ll gain valuable insight into what works best for you and your crochet business.

👉 So, what do you think? Are craft fairs calling your name, or is another selling method a better fit?

An insightful resource to help determine if selling at craft fairs aligns with your crochet business is the article "10 Cons to Selling at Craft Shows (& how to avoid them)" on Made Urban. This piece delves into potential challenges of participating in craft fairs and offers practical advice on how to navigate them, providing a balanced perspective to guide your decision-making process.

Have Questions? Join My Crochet Guru Facebook Group!

I hope this article was helpful! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Crochet Guru Facebook Group. This group is for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out!