When you're running a handmade or small product-based business, every dollar counts—especially when it comes to booth fees. Some craft fairs charge $50, while others can be $400 or more for a single day. So how do you know if it’s worth the investment?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you evaluate whether a market will actually generate revenue, exposure, or long-term customer growth—not just drain your cash flow.

 

1. Ask for the Market’s Vendor Info Sheet or Media Kit

Most professionally run markets have a vendor packet that includes foot traffic estimates, past attendance, average vendor earnings, and demographics. If they don’t, it’s a red flag.

Pro Tip: Ask these questions before you apply:

What’s the expected attendance this year?

How is the market being promoted?

Who is the target audience (demographics, age range, typical spending)?

Example: Urban Craft Uprising (Seattle, WA) shares detailed post-show reports including average vendor earnings and estimated attendance of 15,000+ (source: urbancraftuprising.com). Their transparency helps vendors make informed decisions.

2. Consider the Type of Shoppers Attending

Foot traffic doesn’t always mean buying traffic. Research what kind of crowd the market attracts. Is it a free event for browsers, or a curated shopping experience where people expect to spend?

Look for signs like:

VIP tickets or entrance fees (buyers are more committed)

Market reputation on social media or local forums

If the event is connected to a holiday or payday weekend

Example: Renegade Craft (nationwide) charges a booth fee starting around $400, but many vendors report $2K–$5K in sales due to the curated audience and high foot traffic with buyers who value artisan work.

3. Find Past Vendor Testimonials or Ask Your Network

Ask other makers directly about their experience. If it’s your first time applying, reach out to someone who attended the year before. The maker community is generous and honest.

Use Facebook groups like Craft Fair Vendor Advice & Tips or Makers at Markets to search for event feedback.

Example: A candle maker in Portland shared on Reddit that she skipped a $350 market after hearing from peers that “everyone came for the food trucks, not the shopping.” That insight saved her money—and allowed her to book two smaller, more profitable shows instead.

4. Run a Quick Profitability Estimate

Here’s a simple formula to estimate if the market could be worth it:

(Booth Fee + Travel + Setup Costs + Inventory) ÷ Average Order Value = Minimum Customers Needed

Example:

Booth Fee = $150

Travel + Setup = $50

Inventory Cost = $200

Total = $400

Average Order Value = $30

You’d need at least 14 customers to break even, and more to profit. If you’ve done similar markets and hit that number easily, this might be a good fit. If not, consider the risk.

5. Consider Exposure & Long-Term Value

Sometimes a market leads to repeat customers, wholesale leads, or valuable content even if profit is light upfront.

Ask yourself:

Will I collect emails or new followers?

Will I connect with other brands or buyers?

Can I create content (photos, videos) from this event for future marketing?

Example: A jewelry brand at West Coast Craft (San Francisco) landed a boutique stockist after meeting a buyer during a slower show. That partnership brought in $8K in wholesale sales over the next year—well beyond what she made the day of the event.

Final Checklist Before You Apply
✅ Do I understand the audience?
✅ Do I have time to prepare properly?
✅ Can I profit based on my product pricing and typical sales?
✅ Do I have a backup plan for bad weather (if outdoors)?
✅ Is this helping me grow revenue or reach?

Remember: not every market is right for every brand—and that’s okay. Choose events that align with your goals, pricing, and audience so you can show up with confidence and intention.