What to Sell at Your First Craft Fair or Makers Market to Actually Make Money
Craft fairs or Makers Market can be exciting, inspiring, and full of opportunity. Yet one of the most common frustrations for first-time stallholders is this: the fair is busy, but sales are low.
At Skilled Hands, we’ve hosted and supported many craft fairs and community markets, and we’ve noticed a clear pattern. It’s rarely about talent or effort. More often, it’s about what is being sold, how it’s priced, and how buyers behave at craft fairs.
If you’re preparing for your first craft fair or hoping to improve your results, this guide will help you choose products that are more likely to sell and actually make you money.
Why Many Stallholders Struggle to Sell (Even at Busy Fairs)
A busy craft fair does not guarantee strong sales. Shoppers at craft fairs behave differently from online buyers or boutique customers. They:
Browse casually
Buy on impulse
Have limited budgets
Want quick, easy decisions
When stalls are filled only with high-priced, time-intensive items, buyers admire the work but walk away without purchasing.
The key is not selling everything you make, it’s selling what people are ready to buy on the day.
What Buyers Are Really Looking for at Craft Fairs
Most craft fair shoppers are looking for:
Affordable items (£5–£20)
Gifts they don’t need to overthink
Practical or usable products
Something unique but easy to understand
They want to pick something up, smile, and say, “That’s lovely, I’ll take it.”
Best Things to Sell at Your First Craft Fair or Makers Market
If this is your first fair, focus on products that are:
1. Low-Cost, High-Volume Items
These are your bread and butter. Examples include:
Small jewellery items (earrings, bracelets, brooches)
Keyrings or bag charms
Handmade soaps or bath items
Scrunchies, headbands, or hair accessories
Fabric bookmarks or small accessories
Lower-priced items encourage impulse buying and help you build momentum early in the day.
2. Practical Items People Can Use
Items that have a clear purpose often sell better than decorative-only pieces:
Tote bags or small pouches
Reusable items (make-up wipes, cloths)
Notebook covers or organisers
Simple home accessories
If a buyer immediately understands how they’ll use it, they’re more likely to buy it.
3. Giftable Products
Many people attend craft fairs looking for gifts, even if they didn’t plan to.
Think:
Teacher gifts
Birthday gifts
Thank-you presents
Small “just because” gifts
Packaging matters here. A simple label or wrap can make a big difference.
Products That Often Struggle at Craft Fairs
This doesn’t mean these items aren’t valuable, they’re just harder to sell at fairs:
Very expensive one-off pieces
Highly personal items without explanation
Items that require long conversations to understand
Large or fragile items people don’t want to carry around
If you sell these, consider bringing one or two showcase pieces, not your entire stock.
Pricing Tips for First-Time Stallholders
Pricing can make or break your day.
Helpful guidelines:
Have a range of prices
Ensure at least 50% of your products are under £20
Round prices (e.g. £5, £10, £15)
Be confident in your pricing, hesitation discourages buyers
Remember: selling five £10 items is often easier than selling one £50 item.
How to Set Up Your Stall for Better Sales
Presentation matters just as much as product.
Keep your table uncluttered
Display prices clearly
Group similar items together
Keep bestsellers at eye level
Smile and acknowledge people, without pressure
A welcoming stall invites browsing, and browsing leads to buying.
How Skilled Hands Supports Stallholders
At Skilled Hands craft fairs, we care about more than filling stalls, we care about stall-holder success.
We aim to:
Support first-time sellers
Encourage affordable, sellable products
Create a buyer-friendly atmosphere
Share practical guidance, not just space
We believe craft fairs should benefit everyone involved.
Join Our Upcoming Craft Fair – 16th May
If you’re a maker, creative, or small business owner looking to sell at a supportive and well-organised craft fair, we’d love to hear from you.
📅 Skilled Hands Craft Fair – 16th May, 2026 at Lutterell Hall, Church Drive, West Bridgeford, Nottingham, UK
This is a great opportunity for both new and experienced stallholders to sell, connect, and grow.
👉 For details and bookings, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/x2i6GWBBSn
Let’s make craft fairs and Makers Market profitable, encouraging, and enjoyable for everyone.
