We are planning our first Holiday Bazaar for 11/7 this year. The idea is that we want to feature home-based businesses like Cookie Lee, Avon, etc. that are owned by local reps in our town. We have also included anyone who is crafty. We have settled on a price of $30 per vendor which includes a table, a chair and all advertising. The PTA will run concessions at the the event. I am looking for any feedback or input from anyone who has done this in the past. This is my first year as Fundraising Chair!! What was I thinking!! HAHA

I'm a parent volunteer and our school is hosting it's 3rd craft/vendor/flea market on Nov 7th also!
Since the first two shows, I've learned a lot about this type of fundraising event and there is still TONS more to learn.
A valuable resource is www.craftlister.com
your event can be listed for free and you can search for local vendors to send invites. The site also has VERY good advice about advertising, recruiting vendors, etc.
Also, search www.etsy.com click on "buy" then "search local" you can message invitations to local handmade crafters (don't forget to include your email address!)
Be prepared to answer emails and phone calls constantly about booth size, your advertising efforts, etc. etc.
Be sure to advertise EARLY online, newspapers, radio, flyers and signs.
I could go on and on! LOL
Hope you have a great show - Jennette

Keetabean - one thing we learned was to be really clear whether or not the booths can sell food items for onsite consumption. Our first year, we were expecting the canned jams and holiday breads, the type of things sold as gift items. What we weren't expecting was the "craft people" to also bring coolers of cokes and candy bars - and then to check our concession prices and list theirs lower! After that, we made it part of the rules.

Space is a big deal and some of the folks can be pretty aggressive, so be sure the boundaries of each booth are clearly marked. Our fair was in the cafeteria where we measured and marked each space with masking tape.

If you run a bag raffle and ask your vendors to donate an item, that adds to the fun and to your revenue.

Also - repeat often what is provided. For the one we hosted one in elementary school, we provided tables. But in our high school one, we do not. That is highlighted, capitalized, repeated so it's impossible to miss. Yet each year at least one person shows up puzzled, "where is my table?"

You might also look at websites for some of the big Sami show (craft)fairs and review their instructions and contracts. It might make you aware of something new.