If I only break even, are craft fairs worth it?

The Narrative (Left Column)

The Empathy

You pack up after a long day, count the cash, and realize you barely covered the booth fee and supplies. The sales felt steady, the shoppers were kind, and you even ran out of a few favorites, but the final tally makes you wonder if it was worth the early morning, the setup, and the aching feet.

The Financial Benefits

Break-even shows can still pay you back financially when they reduce future costs or increase revenue later. Maybe you cleared slow-moving inventory, tested a new product line without a discount, or collected enough email sign-ups to drive online orders. Look for measurable wins such as average order size, repeat purchases within 30 days, and whether the event led to wholesale inquiries or higher-margin custom work.

The Non-Financial Benefits

Some fairs deliver value that doesn't hit the register immediately: brand awareness, professional photos of your booth, feedback on pricing, or connections with other makers. If you left with clearer messaging, better booth flow, or a list of boutiques to pitch, those outcomes can strengthen the business even when profit is thin.

Decision Criteria

Create a simple scorecard before you commit again: set a minimum net profit target, a minimum customer contact goal (emails, social follows, or DMs), and a learning goal (like testing a new display or price point). If a show meets at least two of those three criteria, it can still be worth repeating. If it misses all three, it's a clear signal to pass or renegotiate the fee.

The Solution

Track each event the same way: log sales, costs, hours, and the follow-up metrics that matter to you. That history turns "break-even" into a clearer decision: you'll know which fairs spark repeat buyers, which ones build your brand, and which ones quietly drain your time.