Holiday Arts And Crafts Show

Business By camouflagegirl Updated 14 Nov 2006 , 9:11pm by Momof4luvscakes

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camouflagegirl Posted 7 Nov 2006 , 4:48pm
post #1 of 21

My town's local community college is having a Holiday Arts and Crafts Show on December 2. I called, and asked if I could sell baked goods, and to my surprise, the lady I talked to, said yes! I have two options: an 8' x 6' booth WITH electricity for $40, or an 10' x 8' booth with electricity for $50. I, personally think, that I'll go with the smaller booth, just because this is my first booth with baked goods.

The reason I'm posting? How in the world am I going to decorate this booth so that it is inviting and people want to sample and purchase my items? I SHOULD have samples, right?

With this being a holiday show, I'm wanting to gear my goods more towards the holiday foods.

How should I wrap my items (cake boxes, tins, etc.?)?
Should my pricing be what I normally charge, or should I lower it to get rid of more product, quicker?

If this was your situation...what would you spend the most time baking? I'm thinking cookies, bars, logs, and definitely my infamous caramel and 3 chocolates apples...

ANY suggestions on this would be helpful!

20 replies
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missnnaction Posted 7 Nov 2006 , 4:56pm
post #2 of 21

You could sell candied or sugared nuts in tin cans...
Just a suggestion

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RitzyFritz Posted 7 Nov 2006 , 5:06pm
post #3 of 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by camouflagegirl

The reason I'm posting? How in the world am I going to decorate this booth so that it is inviting and people want to sample and purchase my items? I SHOULD have samples, right?

How should I wrap my items (cake boxes, tins, etc.?)?
Should my pricing be what I normally charge, or should I lower it to get rid of more product, quicker?

If this was your situation...what would you spend the most time baking? I'm thinking cookies, bars, logs, and definitely my infamous caramel and 3 chocolates apples...

ANY suggestions on this would be helpful!




1. I would decorate the booth with Christmas tinsel, lights (if electricity is available) and any other Christmas ornamentation...along with complimentary table clothes to match the season.

2. The wrap would depend on the item I was selling...boxes for cakes, tins or plates for cookies, and Christmas goodie bags for individual cookies or smaller items, etc.

3. I would probably make the things you mentioned along with maybe some whole items (cakes or pies if those are your forte) so you could possibly get some future business!

Good luck to you! I hope this turns out really well for you. I love this time of year!!

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missnnaction Posted 7 Nov 2006 , 5:11pm
post #4 of 21

you should also think about what would be easy to for you to distribute... and maybe have a portfolio so that while others are buying some are looking... maybe decorate it with your brochures....RitzyFritz ideas are great... too... oohh.. maybe you can offer options like.. your cookies in a bag for such and such price but for a couple $'s more they could get them in a nice tin...

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mkolmar Posted 7 Nov 2006 , 10:31pm
post #5 of 21

my daughters school is doing a craft show on Dec. 2 and I was wondering about doing it. The problem is the school is having a bake sale there set up and another baker will be there (but my items are different than hers) I don't know if I should do it or not. I was told last year that it wasn't that great of a turn out, but it was only 15 days before christmas then.

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MomLittr Posted 7 Nov 2006 , 10:36pm
post #6 of 21

Since it is a holiday show, why not wear a festive holiday apron? Be sure to have some smaller/individual items for quick sale like cupcakes, individually bagged cookies.......hungry little kids can't resist them and parents will buy just to keep the kids quiet icon_wink.gif

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camouflagegirl Posted 8 Nov 2006 , 12:22am
post #7 of 21

What would I price a single cupcake at? $1.00?
Dessert plate of cookies(2-3)? $2.00?

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MomLittr Posted 8 Nov 2006 , 12:28am
post #8 of 21

That sounds about right - $1 each cupcake and, depending on the size of the cookie, $1 each on them..........also having packs of 3 cookies for $2 -$2.50 they think they are getting a bargain. Now, if you do anything fancy on the cupcake (say a pointsetta for the holiday), I would increase the price by between 25-50 cents. Some folks would pay $2 per decorated cupcake, but being this is at a school, you may not get anyone willing to pay that. Good Luck!

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Kiddiekakes Posted 8 Nov 2006 , 12:30am
post #9 of 21

I bought a cheap table cloth in Red from Walmart and a gold one also from walmsrt and covered the tables in that.I used empty ice cream pails etc...and other things as stands in different levels and covered them also .I set the baked goods on the stands and around.It was really nice.

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peg818 Posted 8 Nov 2006 , 12:44am
post #10 of 21

We just did a craft show last weekend. We didn't do baked goods, but lots of candy. Depending on the size of the show this can be a real money maker. Find out if you are the only one there that will be offering some sweets. If you are, do candies, and cookies that can be consumed there, keep your things priced to $1 or $2 a piece.

Peanut brittle was the biggest seller next to fudge that we had in our booth.

I would do some small gift tins and things that will keep a couple of weeks so that they can use them for gifts. I would also, have a couple of cake designs that they could pick to order for the holiday, cookie and candy bouquets too. Make sure you have your pricing set before the show, have all small stuff already priced and labeled. Know your limits that you are willing to commit to for orders, you don't want to make yourself crazy.

Have brochures, and business cards ready to hand out.

And take some help with you. You will most likely need it.

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melodyscakes Posted 8 Nov 2006 , 3:38pm
post #11 of 21

usually there are other sweets there, so I priced mine to move. the best things that sold where the $1.00 and $2.00 items. like a single cupcake, decorated cute, and put in a cello bag...and cookies went well also.
also, have samples....that is what gets the people in the booth!!!!

do you do birthday cakes?
let people know at this show.

good luck

melody

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camouflagegirl Posted 8 Nov 2006 , 4:24pm
post #12 of 21

Do you think if I cut my apples up (caramel and 3 Chocolates with Nuts) into pieces as samples, it would get more people to be willing to paying $4.00 an apple?

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leepat Posted 8 Nov 2006 , 4:32pm
post #13 of 21

Apples turn brown when you cut them up, you would have to treat them with fresh fruit or no one will wan to taste. Just decorate it pretty for Christmas.

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momsandraven Posted 10 Nov 2006 , 7:37pm
post #14 of 21

I would have photos of Chritsmas items or samples, and order forms w/set delivery dates, like they can choose to have items delivered on the 10th, 17th, or 23rd (if your personal holiday visiting schedule allows). That way people can get something that is fresh when they need it, and you don't have to kill yourself trying to do everything at one time.

As others have mentioned, individual servings sell great. Smaller cakes (like a 6") go over well too. Have samples, photo albums, maybe even a couple of cake dummies. It's all about holiday packaging at these things too, so don't forget that!

Good Luck!

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Zmama Posted 10 Nov 2006 , 9:30pm
post #15 of 21

You asked about pricing -

I would NOT price below normal just to get things moving. #1 ppl will expect this price later, and #2 you will cut profits and it won't be worth your time. You still have to pay for the booth rental out of your profits!

Also, get a few things (pie tins, cake boxes, etc) and set up a mock display. How much room do you require? Will the smaller setup be too cramped to take care of customers? I would splurge and pay the extra $10 for the larger booth.

Also, EVERYONE will be using red and green. the red and gold idea would be a little better, or even blue and white (snow scene) would set you out from the crowd. You have to find a way to stand OUT, to bring customers IN.

Good luck! Make sure it's fun. icon_smile.gif

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camouflagegirl Posted 14 Nov 2006 , 5:02pm
post #16 of 21

Thanks Zmama! I just happened to click on my forum posts and view your response. The different color schemes are an excellent idea.

Has anyone seen Antonia74's cupcake stand? Do you think this would be a good idea to have in my booth for selling single cupcakes?

What about like a 4' Christmas Tree decorated in the corner with "presents" (Holiday wrapped goodies)? Is that cheesy?

Does anyone have any pictures of their decorated booths? Would pictures of mine help anyone else?

I just feel overwhelmed, because I have never done this before.

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anne4588 Posted 14 Nov 2006 , 5:17pm
post #17 of 21

My friends and I have a craft business also,
Go for the bigger Booth,
Have help,
Standout, (different color tablecloths,GREAT IDEA,love blue)
use a small tree,deco with cookies wrapped and hung to display, Bring a dummy cake (holiday theme),use different levels to show off.
BUT 1. Know ahead how many orders you can take
2. Have brochures and cards (if you think you have enough GET MORE)
3. Bring a book of cakes and cookies in differnt tins,wraps etc,
(then use them for your gifting)
And talk and have fun,people who come to art/craft shows want to buy, give them that.
GOOD PRICE, GREAT PRODUCT = $$$$ and more business
Best of Luck ,Anne

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Zmama Posted 14 Nov 2006 , 8:44pm
post #18 of 21

Anne

Good points! My gramma used to take me to those, and we felt cheated if we didn't find something good (that she couldn't make herself). People go to these to spend money. Ready-made gifts, IMO, are the best sellers.

What about the Wilton cupcake stands? You can sell cc off of them, then replace what is sold with pretty ornaments to keep them looking full. The top spot can have the price for the stand's goodies.

For pricing, do the 2/$__ or 3/$__. Although they can buy one, most people will get the amount on the tags.

To wrap, I buy the regular non-zip baggies with ties, 150/roll for $1-2. Wrap with a couple ribbons (these can be color-coded for price) and you've got about $.05 in wrapping costs per cupcake.

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anne4588 Posted 14 Nov 2006 , 8:59pm
post #19 of 21

Look quick, I found Wilton mini-cupcake stands (13 count)
at Walmart for $2.24 each,they are black( and on sale for Halloween) but a quick spray of paint and you could match your tablescape.
Craft Shows are crazy but in the long run fun,all the hints you have so far are great,Find what works for you and run with it.
oh yeah, have some napkins around or baby wipes (cut into 4)
if you offer any samples, the moms will love you for it.

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camouflagegirl Posted 14 Nov 2006 , 9:05pm
post #20 of 21

Thanks anne4588! I actually bought one of the Wilton cupcake stands before Halloween, and returned it, because the "pole" that helds the layers together was lose, and everything tilted once it was full.

I don't think my Wal-Mart has ANYTHING Halloween left, but if they do, I'll go buy those up, and spray paint them. The wipes are a GREAT idea.

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The ribbon matching the price is an EXCELLENT idea! That would be great to remember a few simple colors rather than remembering prices.

THANKS!

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Momof4luvscakes Posted 14 Nov 2006 , 9:11pm
post #21 of 21

I just did a craft show and I had the gourmet apples, individual breads in little bake dishes I got from Michaels. They had christmas scenes on them and they were only a dollar. I had assorted nut brittles, fudge ( pumpkin sold the best) cookie mixes in a jar, Cake truffles, etc. I did very well, and also got some orders for Thanksgicing and Christmas. I hope you do well!!

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