There are very few clothing items with the staying power of t-shirts. For decades, these simple designs have been a collectible item for rock fans, sports lovers, and many others. Custom-made t-shirts are a great way for individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations to raise money. Craft and art fairs provide an inexpensive platform for a one-time sale or to draw attention to a local business. Here is how to make the day as profitable as possible. 

Choose Your Show Carefully

Not all craft fairs are the same, and it is usually not profitable to attend all of them. Look for annual events that draw large crowds, fairs that attract the demographic the business is trying to target, and popular neighborhood events that are inexpensive and will provide the opportunity to network with other business owners and artists in the area. 

Price Shirts Accordingly 

If this is the start of a new business remember that fairs are not free and there are more expenses to cover than just the fees for making the custom shirts. Advertising, the cost of the table rental and parking or obvious costs. The expense of renting or purchasing a booth, paying an assistant and any transportation costs also have to be considered. 

Know the Crowd

If the plan is to design shirts specifically for that event it is important to choose something that will match the interest of the people in attendance. A crowd of forty-somethings attending a wine and art festival will have different preferences than twenty-something sci-fi fans waiting for a comic book convention. 

Use Space Wisely

Make certain to use a booth large enough to bring people in for shopping rather than just a table they browse by. Keep the area covered in case of rain as well as to shield people from the sun. Avoid over-advertising because this steal space for displaying the product. Hang shirts instead of signs. Have a rack for brochures and use table space for a mannequin.

Bring Smart Supplies

Keep the number of the designs available to a minimum. Offer a brochure that shows the other options available. This will make it possible to have a variety of sizes of each style on hand. It will prevent lost sales and make it possible for shoppers to assess what size they need if they want to place an order.

Remember to always add a business card in the bag when people buy something. Encourage more sales by offering discounts for large purchases as well as discounts on orders made at the show. Never run a clearance sale on leftover merchandise at the end of the event. It is better to save these items for promotional gifts or online sales. Inventorying what was not bought, both in design and sizes, will make it easier to adjust the inventory accordingly for the next event.

For more information, contact a professional business, such as Wo's Custom Tailoring.