Hidden Costs of Craft Shows!....keep track of your expenses!

There are many hidden costs at craft shows, that you HAVE to keep on top of....

Some, you can not do much about... your craft show fee and your travel costs.. but watch out for the little things.. they sure add up!

I went to a craft show, that was in the next town over, but I still had to drive 45 minutes to get to it.. so there is the fuel.. Then while setting up, I sent my craft partner to get us some drinks, I thought they were complimentary for the vendors... NOT!! I got some luke warm tea that cost me $1.25 and a cookie at $.85.. talk about hidden costs!.. Luckily we brought bottled water and extra snacks, but the people running this event, did NOT want us bringing our own food!.. Over a 3 day weekend show, you could easily spend $50.00 dollars or more, on drinks and meals if you bought them all..

Then they charged us $10.00 for an extra chair in our booth, and then they wanted us to have the same clothes on the front table as everyone else, and wanted an additional $10.00 fee for that!.. I argued that this was NOT in the contract that we signed when we paid for the show.. but there was no arguing with them!.. It turns out the event organizer, was getting the rents for the spaces, were providing the food and drink for a fee, and renting chairs and table cloths.. the only ones who made any money at this show was THEM!!

There were many disgruntled vendors, and when we got a flyer in the mail, inviting us back... guess what?.. they ended up cancelling the craft show.. because of "lack of interest"

These show organizers have to remember, we factor in our costs up front, hidden costs are a profit killer... but if we have to start paying for a chair here, and coffee there.. it all adds up, and can be expensive!

Keep all of this in mind when agreeing to a craft show, make SURE you know what costs are involved, and allow for some hidden costs... if you need an extra chair, or they want everyones table to look the same!.. Make sure to bring lots of food and drink in a cooler you can hide away under the table. The last show I was in, was a great one, the rent we paid included a a free lunch and unlimited coffee, tea etc.. there were happier vendors, and we will go back to this one!