Juried vs Non-Juried Craft Shows – What is the Difference?

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Yesterday I gave you some great resources for finding craft shows and fairs in your area. Today, I’m discussing the differences between the two main types of craft shows. In general, juried craft shows require potential sellers to submit an application and product samples; while non-juried craft shows accept sellers on a first come, first serve basis.

Juried vs. Non-Juried Craft Shows

Juried

• Usually large shows.
• Sellers/Exhibitors must submit an application and product samples to the show/show committee their work. Based on the applications, the show chooses which sellers to accept.
• Shows will usually have a large range of product types.
• Products that have not been “juried in” may not be sold at the show. In fact, sellers with non-approved products for sale may be shut down.
• Juried shows are more expensive than non-juried shows. Fees can range up to 1000’s of dollars per event.
• Usually extremely well organized, as the show organizers have put on multiple shows before.

Non-Juried

• Usually smaller shows. May be held at a church, school, or community center. May be a part of a larger festival or event.
• Sellers/Exhibitors are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
• May be many, many sellers with similar items.
• Seller fees usually range from free to under $100. Alternatively, you may be asked to pay a small entry fee and donate a portion of your sales to a cause.
• May or may not be well organized, well promoted, or well attended.

How do you know which type of show to choose?

Generally, newer sellers will want to get several non-juried shows under their belt before moving onto a large scale show. At smaller shows, you’ll be able to practice setting up, providing great customer service, and learning how craft shows work. When looking for non-juried craft shows, be sure to ask about the organizer’s experience, the expected attendance at the show, and methods of advertising used. Remember, no craft show is going to be a guaranteed hit. At some craft shows, you may take a loss; while at others you will sell out.

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Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business

Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also teaches a course on creating digital SVG designs, available at How to Design SVGs.

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