Both craft fairs and farmers markets can be great venues for selling handmade goods. But they're not the same, and what works for one vendor might not work for another. Here's how to decide which is right for your business.
Quick Comparison
| Craft Fairs | Farmers Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Usually one-time or annual events | Weekly or bi-weekly (seasonal) |
| Duration | 1-3 days | 4-8 hours |
| Booth Cost | $50-500+ per event | $20-100 per week (or seasonal fee) |
| Crowd | Intentional shoppers, tourists | Regulars, food-focused shoppers |
| Product Focus | Art, crafts, handmade goods | Food first, crafts secondary |
| Competition | More craft vendors | Fewer craft vendors, more food |
Craft Fairs: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Targeted audience: People come specifically to buy handmade
- Higher sales potential: One good weekend can be very profitable
- Discovery: New customers who wouldn't find you otherwise
- Networking: Meet other makers and potential wholesale contacts
- Variety: Different fairs, different crowds, different experiences
❌ Cons
- Higher risk: More investment per event; bad weather or low turnout hurts more
- Inconsistent: No guaranteed income; feast or famine
- Travel: Good fairs may require significant travel
- Competition: May be many vendors in your category
- Exhausting: Long days, heavy setup, and recovery time
Farmers Markets: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Consistency: Same spot, same time, every week builds routine
- Regular customers: Build relationships and repeat buyers
- Lower commitment: Shorter hours, less setup per event
- Lower cost: Smaller booth fees add up to less risk
- Community: Become part of a local market family
❌ Cons
- Food-focused crowd: People come for produce, not crafts
- Limited selection: Fewer craft spots, waiting lists common
- Smaller crowds: Typically fewer customers than big fairs
- Price sensitivity: Market shoppers may expect lower prices
- Time commitment: Weekly obligation can be demanding
Which Products Work Where?
Best for Craft Fairs
- Higher-priced items ($30+)
- One-of-a-kind pieces
- Art and fine crafts
- Items that need explanation or demonstration
- Seasonal/holiday items
Best for Farmers Markets
- Consumables (candles, soaps, food items)
- Lower-priced items ($5-25)
- Items people buy repeatedly
- Products that complement food shopping
- Local/regional themed items
Making the Decision
Try a farmers market if...
- You want consistent, predictable income
- Your products are consumable or gift-oriented
- You're building a local customer base
- You have limited time for long events
- You're just starting out and testing products
Try craft fairs if...
- Your products are unique, artisanal, or high-end
- You want to reach new markets and tourists
- You enjoy the energy of big events
- You can handle variable income
- You want to travel and see different communities
Why Not Both?
Many successful vendors do both. A weekly farmers market provides steady baseline income, while craft fairs offer opportunities for bigger paydays and new customer acquisition.
Consider a hybrid approach:
- Farmers market as your "home base" for consistent presence
- Select craft fairs for seasonal pushes (holiday shows, summer festivals)
- Skip the farmers market on weekends when you have a great craft fair
Getting Started
For farmers markets: Contact your local markets directly. Many have waiting lists, so apply early. Look for markets that already have craft vendors — it shows they're open to non-food sellers.
For craft fairs: Browse craft fairs on TheCraftMap, filter by your state, and check the deadlines page for upcoming application dates.
The best way to know? Try both and track your results. After a few months, you'll have data to guide your decisions.