Hi Sarah, all your items are worth every penny and more. You have a very loving and supportive family and a very cute dog. Can't say it enough. Thank you for another entertaining craft fair recap. I love all your videos. Sending you lots of love and support from the UK. Marilyn
Preach! Exactly how I feel and exactly what I have experienced at numerous shows! How can one person crochet a hat and sell it for $8 and right across the aisle I sit with my (much better made and higher quality) hats priced at $30? Another vendor told me that she was at a show that no one was spending money at, yet she sold out of all of her cardigans… they were priced at $25 each! What does that say about her price? That they were so cheap that even if people weren’t spending money, they knew that was a steal. What does it say about how she values herself?!?
as soon as you said in the beginning that there were 10 crocheters, mostly retirees, I was like 'oh no'. I don't have craft show experience but even i know that's not good for the business minded crafter. You know your worth and that perhaps this show at that particular time, wasn't the show for you. Sending lots of hugs to you, Ruthie, and the entire fam! 🫂♥🫂♥
it sounds like there was some incredibly low pricing there. That's crazy. However, I dislike when people rag on my pricing because they feel I should be charging more. I've been doing this for probably 8 years and I live in a middle class area. My prices have to be affordable for that middle class. Some people can sell scarves for like $80, but mine aren't going anywhere if they're over $30. I'm happy for the people that live in richer areas and can price higher, but my lower prices priced for my area aren't hurting them. I'm working on transitioning into full time as well. Maybe when I get more of a following and a website I can price higher, but in the meantime to make money I can't. We have to price for our demographic. Honestly I think ear warmers at $20 are very reasonably priced so I'm sorry there were people who weren't even trying to make a profit because that will effect others.
I wouldn't say I live in an expensive area. I do most of my shows in Delaware and it's surrounding areas fairly middle class. This particular show was not in a middle class area and for the way I was treated you'd have thought it was. I used to think that way too, until I changed my prices and saw a huge difference and what I came to see is that mostly people saw that with the price came quality and most of the time a lot less people saying it's too expensive.
I do school craft fairs/sales all the time. They are my favourite and most profitable. I usually sell out of all my 'under $20' items. I make sure I have hundreds of $3 - $12 items kids can afford. I never leave disappointed because I know the demographics of who I am selling to - mostly kids. I always have other, more expensive items but I profit from all the small things. I participate in a large one day festival in July as well, and again my smaller things sell out fast because parents will give their kids a certain amount of money to spend.
I change my focus to pet/useful items when the economy is bad. People often can't justify buying a cute plushie but will often buy a hat or a dog sweater. I also do pottery so I add pet bowls and custom name items.
It’s really frustrating when people don’t understand why you price your worth. You’re running a business to support yourself. I always respect people who know their worth with their products. It’s motivating for me when I want to start selling stuff to support myself / my mom. - Your emotional support Michaels’ employee
Sorry the show didn't go so great for you, but I'm glad there were still some highlights for you and that you got to share a bit of your world with your family. 😁 That story about the little girl was so sweet! It reminds me of my nephews, who have moments of incredible thoughtfulness for each other, despite being so young. One of my nephews recently won a gift card in a drawing and he decided to share it with his little brother. I about burst when I heard that. My heart! 🥰
I have a fair tomorrow morning at an elementary school. I bought two spots because the spot only accommodates an 8 foot table (I’m assuming it’s in line against the wall) so I bought two spots. Here’s where the stress creeps in…the setup begins at 11 am and you are asked to dump all your stuff at the door, go park and come back to bring it all in and setup. Get this….THE SHOW IS 12 to 3!!! Ummmm..a one hour setup time and we’re at a dump & go to let the next person dump & go. Apparently, these people have absolutely no idea how long it takes to setup…especially for someone who is bringing $6,000 in merchandise. Ugh! 😫
I hate it when they make you dump and park. I understand but it leaves you open to theft. It makes me so nervous. Bring a helper with you if you can! Good luck!
I had to take a break from shows this year. I went through a lot of what you mentioned. Small town is tough as is already. I am full focusing on line now. I'm interested to see what you do for the black Friday sale. I'm prepping for it but not sure exactly what I want to do yet sale wise..
Yessssss to the old ladies!!! I do this one craft fair and all the rest of the venders are retired, and one said to me I shouldn’t do this to make a profit…. They all sell things super cheap, hats for £1/£2 bags for £1 blankets for £5/£10 and they barely advertise. They’ve invited me for their Christmas one at the end of the month and I’m not sure if there’s any point 😖
What sort of handmade stuffed animal is only 3-5$???? That’s not even the cost of a single skein of yarn in most cases. Holy crap. Also only charging 80$ for a handmade blanket is undercutting the actual value cost.
@@CallMeAL1 , in the US you can buy parfait chunky for $3.99 a skein. That makes quite a few little octos. I am in Canada and pay 8.49 for the same skein of yarn😂.
I've just started to watch the video my heart felt so heavy for you I could see the anxiety on your face all I wanted to do was give you a hug I know how that feels it's so paralysing I'll message you again once I have seen the full video all my love Sara ❤
Wow, I feel attacked. Let’s do a turn around. I am 70 years old. I do detailed classic style amigurumi. I charge lower than it’s worth but still high enough to keep my self respect. My issue is seeing young girls who have just learned to crochet, selling cheap plushies that they can make a dozen of in a day. Hmmm, don’t think your problem is really an age thing ( or maybe it is. Lol) Business vs hobby, a little. There are all types out there selling. Don’t worry about the competition. Just do you. If your product is good it will sell. If it’s better, it will sell better.
I'm also 70 and retired. I am on a fixed income and know my worth. I sell according to a price calculator and adjust. I won't undersell a product I worked so hard on. Not all retirees are out to undercut other crocheters. I know that my prices affect all crocheters. We all just need to support one another. There will always be someone out there selling cheaper. I'm OK with that. I know the quality of my work and so do my customers.
@@TheJilldaisy, I know how you feel. I felt quite attacked. My crochet is very well done, not alot of no-sew patterns to pour out tons of quick things. I take pride in my work and price accordingly. It’s a struggle pricing as you have to consider who you are serving. Who knows how long this trend will last? It’s a fad, a regular job is more stable so hopefully she can enjoy while it lasts.
I was not trying to offend anyone or make a blanket statement. Just share that sometimes this is why people price the way they do at these fairs. Not everyone but it is something I have run into and it is very prevalent at high school craft fairs in particular. I completely agree. There will always be someone cheaper. I'm normally the most expensive crocheter there but the quality will shine and I appreciate you and your work and your comment ♡
I was not trying to attack anyone or make any blanket statements. I was just sharing that it is something I see quite often especially at high school craft fairs. I still take pride in my work even if patterns I use are no sew. I took hours on hours to design my patterns to make them most efficient for me. For me, this is not a fad. I've been doing this since before it was a fad. I've been crocheting for 24 years and will continue to do so for much longer.
Sometimes retirees just wanna leave something in this world that others will enjoy and dont care about profits. Thus very low prices. $10 blankets. Wow. Thats really low cost! I dont know how to price my items so i currently dont sell. Yet. So did the lady want the tail? Or without? Inquiring minds wanna know!! The last story is a rarity and something so beautiful. That little girl has a heart of gold!
Tysm for not making it political. Too many channels are making it political. Regardless of what side your on, we are all human. I just wish more ppl whould keep their opinions to themselves. No one needs to know who you voted for. Im sorry this year is stressful. I dont sell and do shows, i send my goods to my gma and she sells them for me. I dont try to profit anymore since i *always* get told my prices are too high. I dont negatiate. Its a luxery item, not a walmart stuffy. But thats also the problem. Why bother paying $25 for a plush when ppl can buy a squishmellow at walmart for $15? So i dont really try and put effort. I just make art and if someone buys it, hey thats helping with the rent or car repares. its something.
Probably a school gym is not the place for a person who is crafting as a business. Small local schools is where us seniors go to sell our things. We don’t generally attend the huge, multi day markets. I am one of the ladies (seniors) who has a lot of difficulty pricing my items. I want to sell, so I can make more as I can no longer go on trips due to health. So crafting is my joy in my latter years. I worked in an office my whole career, no time for fun hobbies. Now I am retired, I can live the life I want😂. I checked marketplace for local crocheters prices and used them as a base for my price. Good luck on your Black Friday sale!
But it is a great place for people to start. I was advised to go here from other business crafters so I did try it. But I don't think I will again. Thank you so much
Canadian here. So neither Republican nor Democrat. THANK YOU for not making defamatory political statements about either side. I am so saddened and shocked by how …unloving/hateful/intolerant … many are of one entire demographic of their followers . I have had to unfollow a number of my favourites on Instagram and TH-cam, not because of who they voted for-because I don’t care- but for how hateful they were to people who think differently than they do. So thank you for being careful not to do that❤ Thank you for keeping your CROCHET channel about crochet.
This year is NOT about thinking differently. It was about morality. The people who voted and won were voting for hate, violence and punishment. Therefore it is perfectly fine to dismiss anyone who voted that way. They demonstrated that they have no morals and are perfectly happy with that. Those are people I will never associate with again.
@@theatrefans1Listen, I understand why you feel that way. Much of the media you were hearing and the line of the Democrats was very apocalyptic. “End of Democracy as we know it” “orange HiTleR” etc. But as an outsider from a different country who was getting reporting from a wider variety of sources: American, Canadian, BBC, Australian etc. it’s honestly not as world -ending as many Americans have been led to believe. Look at Biden. He’s assured everyone it’s going to be ok. That there will be a peaceful transfer of power. He welcomed the incumbent president to the White House. If T were REALLY HiTleR would he do that? Of course not. He knows it was all just political rhetoric. Everyone needs to take a breath and realize the founders of your country set it up so there are checks and balances. An election might swing very red one election and then be blue the next. And again, as an outsider, I can say T is actually one of the more moderate Republicans in recent years. Is he a good man? Honestly, I don’t think so. But I also don’t think Biden or Kamala, or most politicians are tbh. Remember, People are not who they voted for. They made their decisions for moral reasons, for economic reasons for a plethora of reasons. And that’s ok. They are still good people. It’s ok to disagree on one thing and still love that person. It’s not ok to hate someone because they think differently than you on some issues. Thats what will break apart your county. While Canada is know as a patchwork quilt, the US is known as a melting pot where everyone comes together to be American. It’s a beautiful sentiment.
It’s really frustrating when people don’t understand why you price your worth. You’re running a business to support yourself. I always respect people who know their worth with their products. It’s motivating for me when I want to start selling stuff to support myself / my mom. - Your emotional support Michaels’ employee
Hi Sarah, all your items are worth every penny and more. You have a very loving and supportive family and a very cute dog. Can't say it enough. Thank you for another entertaining craft fair recap. I love all your videos. Sending you lots of love and support from the UK. Marilyn
Preach! Exactly how I feel and exactly what I have experienced at numerous shows! How can one person crochet a hat and sell it for $8 and right across the aisle I sit with my (much better made and higher quality) hats priced at $30? Another vendor told me that she was at a show that no one was spending money at, yet she sold out of all of her cardigans… they were priced at $25 each! What does that say about her price? That they were so cheap that even if people weren’t spending money, they knew that was a steal. What does it say about how she values herself?!?
I love the story about the sister. I have few siblings here and there do that for each other. Just warms my heart so much! ❤
It's the sweetest
as soon as you said in the beginning that there were 10 crocheters, mostly retirees, I was like 'oh no'. I don't have craft show experience but even i know that's not good for the business minded crafter. You know your worth and that perhaps this show at that particular time, wasn't the show for you. Sending lots of hugs to you, Ruthie, and the entire fam! 🫂♥🫂♥
Thank you, Yeah I won't be back
it sounds like there was some incredibly low pricing there. That's crazy. However, I dislike when people rag on my pricing because they feel I should be charging more. I've been doing this for probably 8 years and I live in a middle class area. My prices have to be affordable for that middle class. Some people can sell scarves for like $80, but mine aren't going anywhere if they're over $30. I'm happy for the people that live in richer areas and can price higher, but my lower prices priced for my area aren't hurting them. I'm working on transitioning into full time as well. Maybe when I get more of a following and a website I can price higher, but in the meantime to make money I can't. We have to price for our demographic. Honestly I think ear warmers at $20 are very reasonably priced so I'm sorry there were people who weren't even trying to make a profit because that will effect others.
I wouldn't say I live in an expensive area. I do most of my shows in Delaware and it's surrounding areas fairly middle class. This particular show was not in a middle class area and for the way I was treated you'd have thought it was. I used to think that way too, until I changed my prices and saw a huge difference and what I came to see is that mostly people saw that with the price came quality and most of the time a lot less people saying it's too expensive.
Kiddos can be very caring and sweet with the right role models❤
I agree
I do school craft fairs/sales all the time. They are my favourite and most profitable. I usually sell out of all my 'under $20' items. I make sure I have hundreds of $3 - $12 items kids can afford. I never leave disappointed because I know the demographics of who I am selling to - mostly kids. I always have other, more expensive items but I profit from all the small things. I participate in a large one day festival in July as well, and again my smaller things sell out fast because parents will give their kids a certain amount of money to spend.
I'm glad that works you. I don't like making $3-$12 items and my eyes don't like to work that small so I don't anymore.
Same. And at the end of the day, what people want to sell their items for is what they want to sell for and it’s their business
Lovely that your brothers and Dad helped you out. Aww Ruthie such a sweetheart, kisses to you Ruthie xx love to you and Ben xx
Thank you! My mom came too she just didn't want to be on camera!!
Thank you
I change my focus to pet/useful items when the economy is bad. People often can't justify buying a cute plushie but will often buy a hat or a dog sweater. I also do pottery so I add pet bowls and custom name items.
You have such a great family! Your work is worth every penny.
Thank you
Good video! It was helpful. I have a show tomorrow. Need to sleep and not stress. Hope the next show is better!
Thank you!
Loved seeing the family help out! ❤
It’s really frustrating when people don’t understand why you price your worth. You’re running a business to support yourself. I always respect people who know their worth with their products. It’s motivating for me when I want to start selling stuff to support myself / my mom. - Your emotional support Michaels’ employee
Thank you so much💕💕
I walked through a craft fair last weekend where there was maybe 20-30 booths and over half of them were crochet. I felt so bad for the vendors
It's so horrible and the coordinators should be ashamed of themselves. It shouldn't be allowed.
Thank you for sharing the feel good story! ❤
Of course! Thank you Debbie!
I love that yarn bowl girl I wanted that one and the cat bowl so bad!!!
Sorry the show didn't go so great for you, but I'm glad there were still some highlights for you and that you got to share a bit of your world with your family. 😁
That story about the little girl was so sweet! It reminds me of my nephews, who have moments of incredible thoughtfulness for each other, despite being so young. One of my nephews recently won a gift card in a drawing and he decided to share it with his little brother. I about burst when I heard that. My heart! 🥰
I will always try to find at least one positive even in the worst of shows. And each show regardless is a learning opportunity.
That's too sweet.
I have a fair tomorrow morning at an elementary school. I bought two spots because the spot only accommodates an 8 foot table (I’m assuming it’s in line against the wall) so I bought two spots. Here’s where the stress creeps in…the setup begins at 11 am and you are asked to dump all your stuff at the door, go park and come back to bring it all in and setup. Get this….THE SHOW IS 12 to 3!!!
Ummmm..a one hour setup time and we’re at a dump & go to let the next person dump & go. Apparently, these people have absolutely no idea how long it takes to setup…especially for someone who is bringing $6,000 in merchandise. Ugh! 😫
I hate it when they make you dump and park. I understand but it leaves you open to theft. It makes me so nervous. Bring a helper with you if you can! Good luck!
I had to take a break from shows this year. I went through a lot of what you mentioned. Small town is tough as is already. I am full focusing on line now. I'm interested to see what you do for the black Friday sale. I'm prepping for it but not sure exactly what I want to do yet sale wise..
Yeah I'm still deciding. I don't know yet
@crochetvision I got one tub and half of plushies and another of wips. Maybe this weekI should focus on getting the wipes done..
You get the prize for weird comments at a craft fair lol I’m sorry it was a bad experience
there should be a prize. Maybe a ribbon lol Thank you
Yessssss to the old ladies!!! I do this one craft fair and all the rest of the venders are retired, and one said to me I shouldn’t do this to make a profit…. They all sell things super cheap, hats for £1/£2 bags for £1 blankets for £5/£10 and they barely advertise. They’ve invited me for their Christmas one at the end of the month and I’m not sure if there’s any point 😖
If their first show is any indication of how the Christmas show will be, I'm not sure it will be. I'm sorry this was your experience.
@@crochetvision it’s awful when it’s like this, we prep so much and when others sell so cheap it discredits the skills
What sort of handmade stuffed animal is only 3-5$???? That’s not even the cost of a single skein of yarn in most cases. Holy crap.
Also only charging 80$ for a handmade blanket is undercutting the actual value cost.
Keychains, Heads, pocket things I see some people make.
I was thinking a small baby blanket. One color no detail. That's true
@@CallMeAL1 , in the US you can buy parfait chunky for $3.99 a skein. That makes quite a few little octos. I am in Canada and pay 8.49 for the same skein of yarn😂.
20.00 bucks is a steal for a handmade item! People can be so rude! I'm sorry that happened to you!
Thank you! 💕
I do high-school craft fairs thanks for your insights
Thank you
I've just started to watch the video my heart felt so heavy for you I could see the anxiety on your face all I wanted to do was give you a hug I know how that feels it's so paralysing I'll message you again once I have seen the full video all my love Sara ❤
Thank you so much Melanie
Good advice. Thanks. I enjoyed the video
Thank you
Wow, I feel attacked. Let’s do a turn around. I am 70 years old. I do detailed classic style amigurumi. I charge lower than it’s worth but still high enough to keep my self respect. My issue is seeing young girls who have just learned to crochet, selling cheap plushies that they can make a dozen of in a day. Hmmm, don’t think your problem is really an age thing ( or maybe it is. Lol) Business vs hobby, a little. There are all types out there selling. Don’t worry about the competition. Just do you. If your product is good it will sell. If it’s better, it will sell better.
I'm also 70 and retired. I am on a fixed income and know my worth. I sell according to a price calculator and adjust. I won't undersell a product I worked so hard on. Not all retirees are out to undercut other crocheters. I know that my prices affect all crocheters. We all just need to support one another. There will always be someone out there selling cheaper. I'm OK with that. I know the quality of my work and so do my customers.
@@TheJilldaisy, I know how you feel. I felt quite attacked. My crochet is very well done, not alot of no-sew patterns to pour out tons of quick things. I take pride in my work and price accordingly. It’s a struggle pricing as you have to consider who you are serving. Who knows how long this trend will last? It’s a fad, a regular job is more stable so hopefully she can enjoy while it lasts.
Well said.
I was not trying to offend anyone or make a blanket statement. Just share that sometimes this is why people price the way they do at these fairs. Not everyone but it is something I have run into and it is very prevalent at high school craft fairs in particular. I completely agree. There will always be someone cheaper. I'm normally the most expensive crocheter there but the quality will shine and I appreciate you and your work and your comment ♡
I was not trying to attack anyone or make any blanket statements. I was just sharing that it is something I see quite often especially at high school craft fairs. I still take pride in my work even if patterns I use are no sew. I took hours on hours to design my patterns to make them most efficient for me. For me, this is not a fad. I've been doing this since before it was a fad. I've been crocheting for 24 years and will continue to do so for much longer.
love your last story.
Thank you! 💕
Love these vids Sarah!❤
Thank you!
Your family is so cute 🤗
Thank you
Not prepped, 😮. It looks great. Hope you have a great day, but 10 crocheters😢
Not as prepped as I would like to be. If this has been a busy show, it could have been a problem.
You look beautiful in this video a less stressed ❤
Thank you!
Love your videos you are very nice
Thank you
I use to thank crafts that people make I couldn't efford to I started making crafts myself and find out different
Sometimes retirees just wanna leave something in this world that others will enjoy and dont care about profits. Thus very low prices. $10 blankets. Wow. Thats really low cost! I dont know how to price my items so i currently dont sell. Yet. So did the lady want the tail? Or without? Inquiring minds wanna know!! The last story is a rarity and something so beautiful. That little girl has a heart of gold!
She wanted the tail
You will be great
Thank you
Tysm for not making it political. Too many channels are making it political. Regardless of what side your on, we are all human. I just wish more ppl whould keep their opinions to themselves. No one needs to know who you voted for. Im sorry this year is stressful. I dont sell and do shows, i send my goods to my gma and she sells them for me. I dont try to profit anymore since i *always* get told my prices are too high. I dont negatiate. Its a luxery item, not a walmart stuffy. But thats also the problem. Why bother paying $25 for a plush when ppl can buy a squishmellow at walmart for $15? So i dont really try and put effort. I just make art and if someone buys it, hey thats helping with the rent or car repares. its something.
Thank you
Probably a school gym is not the place for a person who is crafting as a business. Small local schools is where us seniors go to sell our things. We don’t generally attend the huge, multi day markets. I am one of the ladies (seniors) who has a lot of difficulty pricing my items. I want to sell, so I can make more as I can no longer go on trips due to health. So crafting is my joy in my latter years. I worked in an office my whole career, no time for fun hobbies. Now I am retired, I can live the life I want😂. I checked marketplace for local crocheters prices and used them as a base for my price. Good luck on your Black Friday sale!
But it is a great place for people to start. I was advised to go here from other business crafters so I did try it. But I don't think I will again. Thank you so much
😢😢😢 that is sooo unfair
Thank you
Canadian here. So neither Republican nor Democrat.
THANK YOU for not making defamatory political statements about either side. I am so saddened and shocked by how …unloving/hateful/intolerant … many are of one entire demographic of their followers . I have had to unfollow a number of my favourites on Instagram and TH-cam, not because of who they voted for-because I don’t care- but for how hateful they were to people who think differently than they do.
So thank you for being careful not to do that❤ Thank you for keeping your CROCHET channel about crochet.
Thank you
This year is NOT about thinking differently. It was about morality. The people who voted and won were voting for hate, violence and punishment. Therefore it is perfectly fine to dismiss anyone who voted that way. They demonstrated that they have no morals and are perfectly happy with that. Those are people I will never associate with again.
@@theatrefans1Listen, I understand why you feel that way. Much of the media you were hearing and the line of the Democrats was very apocalyptic. “End of Democracy as we know it” “orange HiTleR” etc. But as an outsider from a different country who was getting reporting from a wider variety of sources: American, Canadian, BBC, Australian etc. it’s honestly not as world -ending as many Americans have been led to believe. Look at Biden. He’s assured everyone it’s going to be ok. That there will be a peaceful transfer of power. He welcomed the incumbent president to the White House. If T were REALLY HiTleR would he do that? Of course not. He knows it was all just political rhetoric. Everyone needs to take a breath and realize the founders of your country set it up so there are checks and balances. An election might swing very red one election and then be blue the next. And again, as an outsider, I can say T is actually one of the more moderate Republicans in recent years. Is he a good man? Honestly, I don’t think so. But I also don’t think Biden or Kamala, or most politicians are tbh.
Remember, People are not who they voted for. They made their decisions for moral reasons, for economic reasons for a plethora of reasons. And that’s ok. They are still good people. It’s ok to disagree on one thing and still love that person.
It’s not ok to hate someone because they think differently than you on some issues. Thats what will break apart your county. While Canada is know as a patchwork quilt, the US is known as a melting pot where everyone comes together to be American. It’s a beautiful sentiment.
It’s really frustrating when people don’t understand why you price your worth. You’re running a business to support yourself. I always respect people who know their worth with their products. It’s motivating for me when I want to start selling stuff to support myself / my mom. - Your emotional support Michaels’ employee