Ep 11: Should you Sell at a Fair, Fest, or Market?

Enjoy Episode 11 of the Craft Leftovers Podcast in video form (the abridged recording of the September 14, 2022 livestream and transcript are coming soon). Pull up a project and craft along.

Over the last two decades I’ve coordinated, participated, and volunteered at over 100,000* art and craft festivals, fairs, markets, and tabling events. Having just come back from a weekend at the mdwfair (artist run art fair at Mana Contemporary in Chicago, IL) it got me thinking about the role of fairs in fest in my — and your businesses. Why do a fair at all? What is the best fit for your creative practice/business? How do you do one well? What can success at a fair look like?

*completely made up number, it’s just what it feels like.

Get the free Market Viability Worksheet

The budget template I use to test the financial viability of markets — it’s a Google Spread Sheet

Notes on the Numbers

Get the free Market Viability Worksheet

The budget template I use to test the financial viability of markets — it’s a Google Spread Sheet

I forgot to mention Risk Mitigation! Jason and I ran the numbers for the Iowa State Fair and while we could have made a lot of money, the investment would have been equal to 30% of our revenue for the year thus far. So if it was a bust, it would have busted the company. Not worth it. That’s another side of the numbers, do the rewards outweigh the risks and can you absorb the loss if it’s a failure.

I also meant to include a note about Liability Insurance. Usually about $350/year. Most markets make you list them as an additional insured to cover damages, loss, and etc.

Coming Soon

10/1/22 | 10am – 4pm | Day 1: Ames Area Studio Tour

10/2/22 | 12pm – 4pm | Day 2: Ames Area Studio Tour


Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list  to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.

And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!

Until Next Time!

Kristin M Roach