How to Calculate Craft Show Pricing

Master the professional pricing strategies used by successful craft show vendors. Price your handmade items profitably while staying competitive at markets and fairs.

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The Four Components of Craft Show Pricing

Every successful craft price includes these essential elements

Materials Cost30-40%

Raw materials, supplies, packaging

Calculation:
Sum all material costs including waste factor
Example:
Yarn: $5, notions: $2, total: $7

Labor Cost25-35%

Your time at fair hourly wage

Calculation:
Hours worked × desired hourly rate
Example:
3 hours × $15/hour = $45

Overhead15-25%

Booth fees, gas, equipment wear

Calculation:
(Total expenses ÷ items sold) per item
Example:
$200 booth ÷ 40 items = $5 per item

Profit Margin20-30%

Your business profit

Calculation:
Total costs × profit percentage
Example:
($7 + $45 + $5) × 0.25 = $14.25

Step-by-Step Pricing Method

1
Calculate True Material Costs

Include ALL materials: primary supplies, secondary materials, packaging, labels.

Pro Tips:
  • Add 5-10% waste factor
  • Include small items like thread, glue
  • Account for packaging costs

2
Value Your Labor Time

Track actual time spent creating. Pay yourself at least minimum wage, ideally $15-25/hour.

Pro Tips:
  • Track design and planning time
  • Include finishing and quality check time
  • Value skilled work appropriately

3
Calculate Show Overhead

Divide total show expenses by estimated items sold.

Pro Tips:
  • Booth fees, gas, food, helper pay
  • Equipment wear and replacement
  • Marketing materials

4
Add Profit Margin

Add 20-30% profit margin for business sustainability and growth.

Pro Tips:
  • Reinvestment in better materials
  • Equipment upgrades
  • Business emergency fund

Three Professional Pricing Strategies

Cost-Plus Pricing

Add fixed markup to total costs

Formula:

Price = (Materials + Labor + Overhead) × 2

Best For:

Consistent pricing across all items

Example:

($7 + $45 + $5) × 2 = $114

Market-Based Pricing

Price based on what market will pay

Formula:

Research comparable items, price competitively

Best For:

Competitive craft show environments

Example:

Similar scarves selling for $85-120

Value-Based Pricing

Price based on perceived customer value

Formula:

Price = Customer value perception

Best For:

Unique, high-quality, custom items

Example:

Custom piece with story = $150+

Pricing Guidelines by Show Type

Show TypeTypical Booth FeeTarget MarginPricing Strategy
Local Craft Fair$25-7540-50%Competitive, volume-based
Juried Art Show$200-50050-60%Premium, quality-focused
Holiday Market$50-15045-55%Gift-appropriate, seasonal
Farmers Market$20-6035-45%Accessible, repeat customers

Craft Show Success Metrics

✅ Good Performance:

  • • 15-25% of inventory sold
  • • 3x booth fee in gross sales
  • • 40%+ profit margin maintained
  • • Positive customer feedback

⚠️ Needs Adjustment:

  • • Less than 10% sold
  • • Didn't cover booth fee + expenses
  • • Frequent "too expensive" comments
  • • No repeat customers

Price Like a Pro

Use our professional pricing calculator to ensure profitable craft show sales every time.