have you packed the kitchen sink dear

or what you really need to take with you

1. pens at least two because one will run out!
2. notebook
3. price labels of some kind
4. string.. just because!
5. pricelists including trade ones just in case!
6. bags of all shapes and sizes
7. tissue paper
   
8. calculator
   

now somethings for you

1. water
2. food
3. tissues/baby wipes
   
4. plasters
5. headache tablets
6. deoderant
7. lipbalm
8. mini hair product samples... i know may seem a bit extreme but i sometimes look like i have slept in a hedge by the time have set up my table!
9. cardigan
   
10. something to do.. i take some cutting out with me or things that need buttons sewing on, so i can put them down if it gets busy!

I try and keep all these things in a storage box so i just need to fill it up before each event!

I also take loads of business cards and info on my next event
mobile phone
sometimes my laptop
lots of change... your float
something safe to put the change in... i have a tie apron for large fayres but otherwise we us our pockets not a cash box or tub as these can be taken in a blink of an eye

So there we go
the next blog is Where the h*ll is the mug tree?

Going to add my Christmas scented mix recipe very soon too x

more questions than answers

So carrying on from the last fayre post
A few more questions that i think need a whole post to themselves
a few more questions to ask

1. are they doing lots of advertising!!
2. can you advertise the fayre/event yourself too
   

this is a really really important one, you can have the best spot in the world but if no-one knows you are there then well i am sure you can work it out!
It is all important that the fayre organisers do their job
but you should also tell everyone and anyone!
Here is where Facebook and Twitter are fab
*Do just double check that the organisers don't have a problem with this*
Spread the word in the end if you spend a little time telling people where you are going then it will benefit you as well as the fayre!

You can email all your regular local-ish customers too!
If it is a school or something like that tell all the mums/dads you know!
Hey tell anyone... with in reason!

So there you go more pearls of wisdom from me xx

next blog .. do you really need to pack the kitchen sink or what to take with you!!

fair game

Last night was the start of my Christmas fayre and event season!
Now it wasn't a bad night but i have had better.
It did make me think that i can pass on some of the thoughts and tips i have floating around my head after a fair fayre!!

So here goes

Phone rings .. hello is the Kittyeden
me .. yes it is how can i help?
Mrs Fayre woman .. we are holding a super dooper fayre, would you like a table?

*Now this is where you need to think on your feet *
Ask lots of questions

1. where and when ... ok obvious!
2. A big important one ... is it inside (talking Winter here)
3. Where are the activities? Tombola's etc?
4. Are the selling tables in the main room/hall?
5. What kind of other sellers are there?
   

These are what i think are the most important, for me anyway!
So now you have got all the info ask if you can check your diary and call them back.
This gives you a minute to stop think and decide is it right for you.

I have agreed to some fayres on the spur of the moment and then thought
oh cr*p why did i say yes!!

So now you have all this info in front of you!
You can workout the simple answers but may wonder why i ask some of the others
(question 4)

for me this is really important
Why you ask?
Well ...

1. You NEED to be in the main room, think that people will sit with a mince pie and cup of something hot and chat... while chatting they are scanning the room for the good stuff (that would be you)
2. People will not always go and search you out if you are in a side room!
3. Schools want people to buy their things (chocs, crappy toys and the likes)
   
4. They have got their cash from you for your table so they don't *always* care if you sell anything or not!!

* larger fayres and regular fayres are usually different...
they want you to do well so you will go back again, Look cheerful and spread the word about their fabness*

I once did one school fayre and the lady organising said i have a fab spot for you next to the choc tombola... it gets really busy! Fab i thought!


Now fab is not a way i would describe it!!
I was stuck in a corner with a queue of chocolate covered children pawing my goods while they waited for their next go to get yet another chocolate fix

What did i sell... nothing (to start with)
Well one mum had to spend £20 + paying for the ruined items her child had pawed while she watched her other child spend quids getting her choc fix!!

Once the choc hell was over i did make a fair few sales but not quite what i expected... lesson learned!

So that is part one
there will be a fair (sorry) few more yet so do keep popping back xx
(I keep editing it as well, as i think oooh i forgot that)

If you find this helpful please let me know x

Next blog ... more questions than answers!!