Is it worth being a craft/artisan vendor at a market?

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This year has proven to be a difficult market season for us with Hurricane Helene devastating most of our surrounding areas right as holiday market season was getting ramped up. Insult to injury was getting SCAMMED by a local market owner, that stole money from us and 50 other vendors. So, I ask the question: is it worth being a craft/ artisan vendor at a market???

Such a view with over 100 vendors in attendance

In seasons past, I have done markets as a fiber artist over the last 6yrs...with exception to 2020 (for obvious reasons), and I have seen both profitable and not so profitable markets. I beg to say that those who actually own these markets, that produce the venue for these events, must have more of a lucrative business than I ever thought because these events are everywhere (and the cost has nearly tripled in 6 yrs just to be a vendor). Anyway, LOCATION means everything when it comes to a successful market. Knowing your demographic and doing a little extra homework on the price point of your local housing market doesn't hurt either. Something new I learned this year was how much election year can hurt these types of shows...lesson learned. Also, keeping the markets/ shows close to home or near those that you can room with will also be a huge help so you don't have to worry about having to afford such large out- of- pocket expense at a hotel. I can tell you that a one day event, in the right location that is about 4-5 hrs long, can bring you the same profit as a weekend long market.

The only selfie I could squeeze in, lol

Is it worth being a craft/ artisan vendor at a market? The stats for me over the last few years will tell me~ NO. Especially when it comes down to the numbers game. However, getting to sell in-person at these events is a great way for you to better know your demographic as well as people in your community. Knowing your community of vendors can be invaluable, and a healthy way to see your competition. Sure, it can push you passed your comfort zone (especially if you are new to this) but it can equally be an amazing confidence booster as well.

Packing it all up

I don't know if we will continue to fill our calendar up with market dates after this year, but we are more likely to just scale down on things. Changing the way we go about our markets to just attending a handful next year and see what happens. It is ok to step back and take a look at things every now and again. This is YOUR small business after all, and you should be happy with what you are doing but it should pull a profit for you at some point as well. That's it for my Ted Talk today, lol.

~Kristy~