Why aren't there craft shows anymore?

Robert F Byrd
by Robert F Byrd
  6 answers
  • Julie Titus Julie Titus on May 04, 2017

    That's a question that I've been asking myself! Anyone have any c

  • Sandra Allen Sandra Allen on May 04, 2017

    Sorry but who is You?


  • Judy Clark Judy Clark on May 04, 2017

    I found that the time and effort and being on your feet for 3-4 days including setting up and take down was just too much stress. I now do an Etsy shop and work at my own pace.

  • Robert F Byrd Robert F Byrd on May 04, 2017

    Thanks, I understand that.

  • Carol Carol on May 05, 2017

    I also prefer to sell online througha Facebook page that houses my daughter and my business. It's so much work and so many people are going online for their purchases now

  • Louise Louise on May 24, 2017

    I personally have done craft shows for years, since the 90's. To find true handmade craft shows now, they are few and far between. Import merchandise has taken over and has gotten very good at looking "handmade", "antique" or "distressed". The handcrafter cannot compete with their pricing. In addition the show's entry fee, perhaps a couple of nights in a hotel, gas and meals make it cost prohibitive. It is also time consuming and tiring to set up and take down and disappointing when often you don't even make back your booth rental---let alone some extra. 15 years ago I was making thousands of dollars in a 3 day show....last year I did about $150/$200 in a 3 day show with an entry fee of $125. I have also changed with the times and updated my craft. People are also so busy with kids sports and activities that weekends are jammed with other things that need to be done..... If you want something just go to your computer and it is delivered to your door... I am not giving up... Etsy and the similar sites are intimidating to me...all my items are one of a kind handmade, very unique and detailed. The thought of taking photos to show the items is wasted on me and I am not tech savvy. I enjoy making things and try to find someone to share the space with me...and will keep on keeping on. I also enjoy the interaction at a show. Hopefully, there will be a resurgence to return to handmade and I believe we are also becoming more optimistic about MAKE IN AMERICA.

    • I personally prefer craft shows. Luckily, in my area, there are still a few around seasonally. My favorites are the one held at local churches. I also go to the Craftsman's Fair held in Gatlinburg, TN held in June and October. All handmade items being sold by the craftspeople themselves. Amazing items for equally amazing prices. Even when I factor in shipping costs at UPS it is still dramatically less than I can find the same or similar items at home for much more money, plus I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with the people who actually made my items. One lady was a basket maker, she had one in progress, and I bought it from her and watched her complete the basket, she provided written comprehensive instructions how to keep clean and fresh and in my opinion, I paid very little money for a handmade, one of a kind item. Generally I do all my gift shopping for a year at these shows. There were also some great woodworkers there. I purchased some wooden cooking impliments which the gentleman personalized for free! I also found outstanding cutting boards of all sizes, I bought several. Another had the most beautiful wooden lazy susans, again I picked up several of them. I also have a small original oil from a local artist that now hangs in my living room. Need I say more?


      Keep crafting people, there are lots of us out there that love to shop for this stuff, I can't DIY everything!


      Also check on line, there are several websites devoted to finding local craft shows.