• Booth at a craft fair.flowerpots image by Samuray from Fotolia.com
  
  Selling your own crafts at a fair can be a frustrating task. Depending on the area, season and a variety of other factors, it may be hit or miss. While there is no one craft that is sure to sell out and make you rich, gaining knowledge of certain trends can help you sell more at your next craft show.
  
  

Quality Over Quantity

• When people buy handcrafted items, they're looking for fine craftsmanship. They're looking for unique items, too. Shoppers don't go to craft shows to buy the same thing that everyone else has.
  
  Keep this in mind when you're crafting items. Don't rush to mass-produce the exact same item over and over. The quality of your work will suffer, and you will most likely sell less items. Take your time and make every piece you create different in some subtle way, and you'll sell more products.
  
  

What to Sell

• The economics of supply and demand will work in your favor if you limit the amount of a particular item you create. Create a "limited edition" craft, and let buyers know that once it's gone, it's gone. If you really want to make a big deal about it, you might number the items and print out a certificate for each one.
  
  Create a theme that you center most of your crafts around. For example, you could center your crafting around dogs and create dog collars, leashes, sweaters and clothes. Or create a variety of the same item, such as purses and wallets. Shoppers are more likely to shop at a booth that has an easily identifiable, cohesive theme than a booth that sells a hodgepodge of random items.
  
  If you have a way to personalize the items you sell, you will sell more, and you can charge extra. Shoppers are more likely to buy a personalized item, especially if they're looking for a gift.
  
  

Do Your Research

• Trends often show up on online sites such as eBay and Etsy. Search for crafts that you are thinking of selling, and see which ones have had the most bids or how many have sold in the past month. This may give you an idea of what is currently popular in the crafting business.
  
  Attend other craft fairs in the area and peruse the booths. Pay attention to who is buying what. Talk to the vendors and ask them what products are selling. They will most likely be happy to give you some pointers.
  
  

Other Tips

• Make sure to sell a variety of items in different price ranges. Some shoppers may only have $10 to spend, while others may have $100. You will increase sales if you can reach each of these different markets.
  
  If the type of craft you are selling is small and portable and you have the time, consider giving a demonstration or work on pieces at the craft fair. Bystanders are often drawn in and love to watch an artist at work.
  
  If you're selling seasonal or holiday items, you will need to craft them a few months in advance so you can sell them a month or two before the season starts.