Handmade or Not?

In this episode of "Festival Vendor," we explore the debate between selling handmade versus manufactured items at festivals. We delve into the allure of handmade goods, celebrated for their personal touch and authenticity, and contrast it with the scalability and variety offered by manufactured items. Gain insights into navigating customer preferences, festival dynamics, and strategic considerations to optimize your vending business. Tune in to discover how to strike the right balance between craftsmanship and mass production in the vibrant world of festival vending.

Check out this episode on Youtube!

Transcript

Hey there, "Welcome to Festival Vendor, the podcast that takes you on a thrilling journey through the vibrant world of festival vending and traveling, as we uncover the challenges, rewards, and inspiring stories of those who've embraced the road and transformed their businesses into unforgettable adventures." . I'm your host, Raven, and today, we're tackling a fundamental question that every vendor faces: Is it better to sell handmade items or manufactured items at festivals and fairs?

When I first started vending at themed festivals, I was passionate about creating handmade products. It was a labor of love, and I poured my heart into each unique piece. It was incredible to see the joy on my customers' faces when they found something that resonated with them and brought them joy. However, as my business grew, I realized the challenges of scaling up handmade production without sacrificing quality and authenticity. I started to look longingly at the buy-sell and MLM vendors...and I’ll be honest, there were moments when we considered completely switching business models.

I think it’s fair to say that there are many vendors who start to vend at festivals and fairs because they already have something to vend - something they make themselves. BUT there’s a misconception that if you don’t already make something like soap or wooden toys or jewelry or leather crafts, that there is no path forward. That’s not true. There is NO SHAME in picking a thing and moving forward that way. If you are passionate about this life, about traveling the country and being a part of the festival community, then choosing the business you want to run is and the products you want to sell OR create is a great place to start.

Now, let's explore the pros and cons of selling handmade and manufactured items.

Handmade items undoubtedly possess a special and personal touch that sets them apart. According to a survey by Etsy, 82% of consumers prefer buying from businesses that offer handmade products, because they value the craftsmanship and individuality these items bring. Customers often seek out handmade products for their uniqueness and authenticity. This personal connection can lead to loyal customers who return year after year, excited to see what new creations you have to offer. This is something we can personally attest to; our repeat customers, across several states, return to our booth every year either asking for their favorite product, or looking for what we have to offer that’s new.

On the flip side, creating handmade items can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. The craftsmanship and attention to detail can be both a blessing and a challenge. The production process may limit the quantity of products you can offer, impacting your potential for growth and scalability. All of these are things that we have struggled with, especially when you also consider the additional struggles of being a small business. Will you be able to - or are you willing to - sacrifice personally because you have to create a hundred units by next week and there just aren’t any shortcuts for that? As a mom and a professional, I can tell you that dinners were very often not so amazing because I had to meet tight production timetables. There were several events I was offered early on - amazing renaissance festivals, some of the biggest in the country - that I simply could not attend at the time because I simply did not have the production capacity to meet the projected demand. Another thing to consider : If your product takes time before it’s ready for consumption and something goes wrong, you cannot simply order more before an event, either. There will be all nighters.

Manufactured items, on the other hand, often offer more cost-efficient production and scalability. You can produce larger quantities to meet higher demand, and this can be especially valuable when vending at large festivals with a massive footfall of potential customers.

It is also easier to expand into offering new products if you go this route. According to a study by BigCommerce, 51% of consumers expect businesses to offer a wide range of products and choices. So, having a variety of manufactured items can cater to diverse customer preferences.

However, manufactured items do not carry the same sense of uniqueness and authenticity as handmade products. Customers seeking personalized and one-of-a-kind items may be more drawn to handmade offerings. This can be especially impactful if you are selling items that appear unique or handmade but aren’t. Be prepared for people to ask you if you made your wares and be prepared to honestly say no. And be prepared for that to sometimes mean the difference between making the sale and not making it. Selling manufactured goods can also sometimes limit your chances of success, since you will likely be sourcing your items from the same places your competition is sourcing them. It makes the challenge of branding and presentation that much harder and that much more vital.

The choice between selling handmade or manufactured items comes down to your personal preferences, skills, and business goals. If you're passionate about creating unique pieces and building a brand around your craftsmanship, handmade items may be the perfect fit.

On the other hand, if your aim is to offer a wide variety of products, scale up quickly, and meet the demands of a larger audience, manufactured items might be the way to go.

Consider your target audience and the festival's theme. Some festivals may emphasize handmade craftsmanship, and some will only allow handcrafted items, while others prioritize affordability and variety. Researching your competition can also provide insights into what items are in high demand and what sets you apart.

As our vending journey continued, we found a balance between selling both handmade and manufactured items. One business is 99% handmade, where we offer a few items as addons that we did not make; another is a blend of handmade and buy-sell; another deals in collectible and unique items that we carefully source, but it also includes a percentage of manufactured goods. This allowed us to appeal to a broader audience and to find success in a variety of venues. Finding the right mix was key to our success, and it will be for you too.

In the end, the decision to sell handmade or manufactured items is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Evaluate your goals, connect with your passions, and weigh the advantages and challenges to make the best choice for your festival vending business.

That wraps up today's episode of "Festival Vendor." We hope this discussion has shed light on the considerations you need to make when deciding what to sell at festivals and fairs. Stay tuned for more exciting content, where we'll continue to share invaluable insights, inspiring stories, and personal anecdotes from the festival vending and travel world.

Thank you for joining us, and until next time, happy vending, safe travels, and we will see you at the faire.