Are Christmas Craft Fairs Still worth going to?

As a maker of handmade jewellery I love attending markets so I can meet my customers in real life. As I don't have my own retail space it gives me an opportunity to connect with new and old clients.

However some craft fairs are very expensive to exhibit at and you are never guaranteed to cover your costs . It is worth considering your target audience before you commit to the big ticket craft fairs.

Often I would recommend if possible visiting the craft fair as a customer before you take a stand at it.  Things to note are

1.The quality of the other exhibitors 

2. Is there a cover charge to enter

3. Are you required to give a discount as part of the fair or possibly a free product to be included in the raffle.

4.Is the fair well advertised locally and /or nationally

5. Is it easy to get to and is there parking provided.

I have attended very large and very small craft fairs over the years selling my handmade Irish Jewellery. It can be surprising the quality of some of them and if I am unhappy about the quality of the products being sold by the other stall holders I will not attend a second time. I think everything at the craft fair should be handmade and of the same quality as my own product. If you are not happy with this then don't attend.

For Christmas 2024 I will be attending a cosy local Saturday morning fair at Annes Coffee Shop in Camp , Tralee on Saturday November 16/23 and December 7th and 21st

and at the Randles Christmas Fair in Killarney on December 14th and 15th

You can also shop in Kenmare at the Kenmare Courtyard Gallery where I have a huge selection of my Irish made earrings and turquoise jewellery . I work there every other Friday so pop in to say hello