Bead fair essentials and help?

[princess pink]

Hello!

Im doing my first ever bead fair at gbuk on saturday and am absolutely in a tiz that i've not got enough stock and don't know what else I'll need. I've got about 30 sets, and about 40 focals ish plus some ring toppers and pairs. Is that ok? should i even bother? what other things will i need? I need to make a list! I have one lamp i can bring and was gonna bring some busts with made up jewellery.

help!!!! lol!

xx

[ScarletLeonard]

the checklist

stock
displays
lighting (if needed)
pen and pad (or if you are like me multiple pens.)
business cards
bags
gift wrapping stuff
tool set (just in case)
table cloth
mirror

sounds like you have enough stock practice laying out your table space at home so you know what you are doing when you get there.

[MadelineBunyan]

and breathe!

sounds like you have plenty of stock, so don't worry about that!

Scarlets list is good, I would add to that a bottle of water, for the dry throat you'll have from talking to everyone.
also things like pins and sticky tape, blu tack to stick up any signs prices etc.

[jammie]

Sounds like plenty stock, agree with Scarlet to lay it out first at home. If you have another light or can borrow one. Also some
float money
lunch
layers, usually I'm either freezing or boiling!
wet wipes.. for after lunch.

Your beads are lovely, you'll be fine! 

[Lush!]

Relax Shahlaa!  Sounds like you've got load of stock!

You need a cloth that reaches the ground (big flat sheet will do) and maybe a plain table cloth on top of that, then just lay everything out nicely.

The room is well lit so don't worry too much about lights.  The fair was well attended last year but not hugely busy so you really don't need to tizz!  The GBUK fairs are a great introduction to selling without being too scary or 'professional'.  I wouldn't panic about display equipment this time - just see how you do and think about what you'd change next time.

Oh, you could do with something to wrap purchases in - organza bags, paper bags or even just tissue.

Have fun 

[Dragonfire Glass]

I'm not coming     
Personal circumstances that overwhelmed me.
Have a good one - I'll be thinking of you all 

[Kalorlo]

Shahlaa, I'm in the same boat! Except I also have to price everything tonight, because I haven't tried to sell beads yet 

I have got: a tablecloth. Cloth remnants to cover cardboard boxes to make a couple of risers. Some little dishes. Business cards. Organza bags. Little LED lights that I'm in two minds about. Tissue paper. Sellotape dispenser. Carbon copy receipt book. Bag of change. Calculator, cos my glass rod prices aren't easily added up in a hurry.

Tonight/tomorrow night I also have to print out some nice little signs for different sections, I think. Cos I went and decided to have one section where the proceeds are going to charity, so I have little leaflefts for that...

I'm not sure whether to poke wire/cut down mandrels in one of the boxes to make a focal stand.

It'll be a learning experience, as they say!

[Helen G]

Sounds like you have more stock than me 

I'm having to really cut down what I bring with me display wise as I have to use my car (a 2 seater with titchy boot) as DH is away with his. DD is coming too so I can't even load up the passenger seat so my stand will be very sparce....er i mean minimalistic

[Lilley]

I sympathise - I'm in a similar newbie fluster over it.  Will be laying all my stuff out later for a practice then just going to hope it goes ok 

[Lush!]

I'm not coming     
Personal circumstances that overwhelmed me.
Have a good one - I'll be thinking of you all 

Same situation for me too unfortunately, have a great day everyone 

[Kalorlo]

Colette and Julie: Awww, nooo. 
You'll be missed.

[Lotti]

Good luck for tomorrow, you will be fine, just enjoy yourself.  I have a fair tomorrow in a local village hall, all day!  Not quite the same at all as the GBUK fair! (I am taking bits to make up as I am sure I am not going to be that busy!).

[Kalorlo]

AAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Scuse me, I am having a last-minute pricing panic. I honestly don't know if they're sensible or not at this point, so I think I'll just go with it 

Lentils vs buttons vs BHBs vs ring toppers, oh my.

[Margram]

Good luck Shahlaa and Heather - let us know how it goes, and Heather maybe have a look on etsy to see how people are pricing...

[Kalorlo]

Heh, yes, I did that to start with. It's more that I don't think they're consistent over different types of things.