Do you run sales or promotions at craft fairs?
Promotions only make sense when they protect your margins and move inventory with a clear goal behind them.
The Narrative (Left Column)
The Empathy
It's the middle of a slow Saturday and you watch customers browse without committing. The vendor next to you hangs a "10% off today" sign, and suddenly you're wondering if you should match it. You know your pricing is fair, but the idea of going home with unsold inventory stings. Promotions feel tempting, yet you worry that a quick discount could erase the hard-earned profit that makes the day worth it.
The Education
Promotions make sense when they solve a specific problem: move seasonal inventory, reward repeat buyers, or hit a minimum sales target after a slow morning. They don't make sense when they are a panic reaction or when the discount is bigger than the margin you built in. Before offering a deal, know your "floor" price by subtracting material, labor, and booth costs, then decide how much wiggle room you truly have.
The Solution
Structure promotions with intention. Pick one goal (clearance, bundles, or higher cart size), then build the offer around it. Examples: bundle two small items for a flat price, offer a bonus for spending over a set amount, or discount older inventory that already paid for itself. Keep the offer time-boxed, make it easy to explain on signage, and track the results so you know if the promotion improved total profit, not just total sales. A simple log of promo sales versus regular sales turns discounts into a strategy, not a gamble.
Stop Guessing. Start Growing.
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