My research this week has revealed that there are two types of Arts and Craft shows out there to choose from: Juried versus Non-Juried.
Juried shows require that you submit an application along with your fee and portfolio (photos of the product(s) you intend to sell at the show as well as photos of your booth set up with your products displayed). A committee then convenes and decides on which vendors will be accepted and which one’s won’t.
Depending on the size of the show may dictate how strict their requirements/standards are for accepting applicants. It is my understanding is the specifications of what they’re looking for could range from how unique your item(s) is to how marketable it is to the crowd that they’re expecting to draw in.
I have no trouble finding juried shows. There are numerous websites listing upcoming shows by state. I guess they are relatively easy to locate through online research because they have decent marketing budgets to work with.
As for non-Juried shows, that’s another story. They just require that you pay a fee for your booth space and do not require that you submit a portfolio to be accepted as a vendor to their event. These are typically smaller venues which would include, but not be limited to, smaller Church and school fundraiser events.
However, honestly, those don’t seem to be as easy to come by though my online research. My guess is that it’s probably due to the fact that their marketing budgets are very limited and it’s going to take a little more leg work to find these venues.
So back to where a new kid on the block should start… I’ve come across conflicting information about which is better for a beginner, like me, should begin; juried or non-juried… that is the question!
Some say that non-juried events are a great place for “newbies” to get started and build up some experience and confidence in the craft show process. In addition to not requiring a portfolio upfront, the booth rentals are generally a lot less expensive.
Others say stay away from non-juried events if at all possible because, in their opinions, the types of crowds they tend to attract are not the same quality as those that non-juried shows tend to attract. Those in this camp of argument say that because of this, these shows make it hard for a crafter to make money at, much less break even – whether your a newbie or experienced.
Wow! Enough to make your head spin! So what do you do?
Well, for me, I’m thinking it would be best to start out with a non-juried show if at all possible. One that I can book about 4-6 months out so that I have time to build an inventory of product and time to make the investments in the items/supplies needed to properly set up a booth: table, cover tent, table clothes, props, chairs, etc.
The biggest reason for going this route (at least for a first show), I don’t already have the items needed to “set up a booth” that I can photograph to submit along with a portfolio. I would have to go out and make all these investments before I could even apply for a juried show.
But how in the heck am I going to find these non-juried shows??? Where do I look??? I’m a little stuck.
I would love to get some suggestions and feedback!
Roxy's Wicked Scents 
It’s gone to far like everything else. You can’t make money without someone wanting to make money off of you first. Do you go thru all that trouble just to break even? I don’t think so.
Yeah – everyone is in it to make a buck. So do you sell at craft shows yourself?
No, but when I start I’m hitting the flea markets first.
Craigslist under the “events” section is a great place to start. I’m a Cookie Lee jewelry consultant and I’ve found a lot of local events and craft fairs this way. Good luck!
Thank you “Pretty in Gingham” for your input!
I have checked out Craigs List, but there were only a few things listed and they were all for either the next week or so or only a month out – not enough time to plan for.
One thing for sure, I will continue working on inventory while I’m searching.
Yes definitely! I’ve noticed that it’s kind of a good idea to search around any given holiday…of course Christmas but in my area, there are usually events in the spring (valentine’s day, mother’s day), memorialday (usually chili cook off type of things), and then there’s a dead period again until the holiday craft shows start again in the fall. You might also want to check with your local churches…I’ve done a few different craft fairs that local churches have had and even though they may be on the small side, I feel like I’ve actually had more sales there than at bigger events where most people are just looking. Good luck to you!!
You have some very good points there! Thank you so much! I’ll have to keep that in mind. 🙂
Good luck with your craft shows! Hope you find some great ones!