Art & Craft Markets Red Flags: Part 2
This is a continuation from the last post about red flags to look out for in art markets. If you have not read part 1 yet, please read it HERE before proceeding.
6. Lack of Transparency from Event Organizers
Red Flag: Organisers who are vague or evasive about important details like booth assignments, expected attendance, or promotional efforts. Information should be clear and upfront.
Why it Matters: Transparency builds trust. As a vendor, I need to know what to expect so I can prepare accordingly. If organisers aren’t forthcoming with information, it raises concerns about the event’s legitimacy or their commitment to supporting vendors.
What I Do: I ask specific questions before signing up. If organisers aren’t clear or responsive, I take it as a warning sign and look for other opportunities.
7. Event Branding is Off
Red Flag: Unprofessional or confusing event branding.
Why it Matters: The branding of a craft fair sets the tone for the entire event. Poorly designed logos, unclear messaging, or a lack of cohesive branding can indicate that the organisers might not have put enough thought into the event’s presentation or marketing.
What to Watch For: If the event's promotional materials, social media presence, or website look unprofessional or inconsistent, it’s a signal that the fair might not attract a quality audience. Well-branded events tend to be better organised and more appealing to serious shoppers.
8. Event is Unknown but Fees are High
Red Flag: High booth fees for an event with little to no reputation.
Why it Matters: While some new events might turn out to be gems, it’s risky to invest in a high-fee booth without a proven track record. If an event is relatively unknown and charging top-tier fees, it raises questions about the organisers’ priorities and the value you’ll receive in return.
My Approach: I research the event thoroughly, looking for any available reviews, feedback from other vendors, or information about the organisers' experience. If I can’t find much information and the fees are steep, I’m hesitant to commit.
9. Timing and Location Not Optimal
Red Flag: The event is scheduled at a time or location that doesn’t make sense for your target market.
Why it Matters: Timing and location are critical to the success of a craft fair. If the event is held during an off-season, in a hard-to-reach area, or conflicts with a major local event, it could drastically reduce foot traffic and sales opportunities.
How I Decide: I evaluate whether the timing aligns with peak shopping periods and whether the location is accessible and attractive to the type of customers I want to reach. If either is off, I might pass on the event. For example, if your target customers are young people and there is a major concert on the same day, you might want to hold off.
10. Multiple Bad Reviews About the Event/Organizer
Red Flag: A history of negative reviews from other vendors or attendees.
Why it Matters: Consistent bad reviews are a clear warning sign that the event or its organisers may not be trustworthy or capable of delivering a successful fair.
What I Do: There are bound to be one or two disgruntled artists/vendors who are upset with an event because they had low sales but that doesn’t mean it’s the organiser’s fault. Maybe their products aren’t a good fit for the market audience, or their booth doesn’t attract people to stop by etc. There are multitudes of reasons why one might not do well at a market, and most of them have nothing to do with the organiser. I read online reviews and talk to fellow artists about their experiences. If multiple people report issues like low attendance, poor organisation, or lack of support, I reconsider my participation. Such as this event that I attended with this organiser. Despite their experience in organising large scale events and multiple art markets, the event was sloppy and their lack of communication has caused me to lose confidence in them.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right craft fairs to showcase your art is crucial to your success as an artist. By being aware of these red flags, you can avoid potential pitfalls and select events that truly support and enhance your creative endeavours. Craft fairs should be a celebration of handmade artistry, not a source of stress or disappointment. With careful consideration and a bit of research, you can find the fairs that align with your goals and values, helping your art shine in the best possible light.
