Show Review of the Month Handcrafters Fall Fair

April 2023, by Sunshine Artist Editor

October 7-8, 2022; Handcrafters Fall Fair, Livonia, MI. Contact: Mercantile Events & Marketing, Stephanie Jones, P.O. Box 55, Goodrich, MI 48438; Email: info@mercmarketing.com; Website: hcshows.com; Space fees: $200 to $525; Space sizes: 7x6 to 8x15; 100% indoors; Exhibitors: 80; Attendance estimate: 2,500. 

Compiled from FastAudit reports 

The Handcrafters Fall Fair ranked CC83 in 2022’s 200 Best list, and 88% of the artists who reviewed last October’s show would participate in it again. 

An artist whose mediums included fine craft and drawing said, “Great show producers and location.” This artist did not report a sales total but would exhibit there again. 

One artist whose medium was other made $950 and said, “It has been better in the past, but this year was pretty slow for some reason. I would attend the event again and give it one more shot.” 

Expressing disappointment in the show’s venue change and amount of promotion was a mixed media and fine craft artist who reported $650 in sales. “The venue changed, and the promoter did not do the work to keep the attendance high,” said this artist who thought attendance was low and the cost to participate was high. 

An artist whose medium was other had sales of $1,500 and said, “Great organizers - great event - awesome setup - seamless process - clear communication.” This artist wants to do the show again. 

Also wanting to return is another artist whose medium was other. “Patrons are there to buy,” said this artist who made $1,500 at the show. 

A jewelry artist who made $995 said the clientele was good and suggested there be more signage along the street to “get those random shoppers.” 

Sales for a different jewelry artist totaled $1,500. “It is one of three of the Handcrafters shows I have participated in for a number of years. They have typically been good for me, and I have established some ‘regulars’ that attended these shows,” said this artist who wants to exhibit there again. 

An artist whose medium was other made $5,000 and said, “I think we are experiencing growing pains at the moment. New facility and a much different location.” This artist would return, though. 

A photographer who made $1,300 does not plan to participate again. “There were not many customers, which reflected in decreased sales. Show was busy Friday morning with repeat customers from prior years. It really slowed down in the afternoon, and Saturday was only busy the first hour or two,” the artist said. “This was a new location from last year, and I felt like the show relied on the advertising from the spring show, which was great, to remind people about the fall show. Marketing felt minimal.” 

A fiber/textile artist liked the new location and had sales that totaled $2,000. The artist would participate in the show again. 

Promoter’s Self‑Review

Danielle Golinski said the 2022 Handcrafters Fall Fair was another successful event with a variety of unique, high-quality exhibitors. “The added amenities that our new location at Embassy Suites Livonia offers both exhibitors and shoppers has elicited an overwhelming positive response,” she said.

Golinski is the executive director of Mercantile Fairs and said an estimated 2,500 people attended the fair.

Artist feedback was mixed, she said. “We had some with record sales and some that reported lower than normal sales,” Golinski said. “Attendance was lower than our record-breaking Spring Fling show, but we also had issues this time with third-party sites advertising incorrect information. However, overall, the response was positive, and we already have exhibitors applying for our 2023 shows.”

Something learned at the show that they will use to improve future shows is to be aware of third-party event listing sites and the information they advertise, making sure it is correct and up to date, she said. “We also learned that moving the show’s location meant we needed to up our advertising reach,” Golinski said.

The best improvement they made for the show that others might learn from was switching venues, she said. “While this does come with some added challenges, overall, the amenities that we are able to offer our exhibitors, such as discounted hotel room rates and easier loading/unloading, and our shoppers, such as on-site dining and a handicap-accessible floor plan, have proved to be more than worth it,” Golinski said.

Her message to those considering the show is this: “Handcrafters is a show that has been around for 43 years and ranked in the Sunshine Artist top 100 for over 10 of those for a reason. We consistently have high attendance numbers and a loyal shopper base. Our show management team is professional, values our exhibitors, and offers clear communication and robust marketing and advertising campaigns. This show and its exhibitors truly feel like a family to us!”