Core formulas
The formulas to keep straight
break-even units = fixed event cost / profit per itemtarget units = (fixed event cost + target profit) / profit per iteminventory to bring = target units / expected sell-throughaverage order value = revenue / ordersWhat should you price before your first craft fair?
Before your first craft fair, price every product, calculate booth break-even, choose target-profit inventory, and decide bundle rules. Do this before packing so the event is not priced under pressure.
The most useful number is break-even units. If the event costs $130 and the average item leaves $19.94 profit, the booth needs 7 sales to break even.
Checklist math was checked July 3, 2026.
First craft fair pricing checklist, checked July 3, 2026
| Task | Done before event? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Price every item | Yes | No guessing at checkout |
| Calculate break-even units | Yes | Know the booth target |
| Calculate target-profit units | Yes | Break-even is not the goal |
| Plan bundles | Yes | Avoid random discounts |
| Set custom deposit terms | Yes | Protect custom work |
| Enter card fees | Yes | Keep payment costs visible |
What should be on the craft fair table?
The table should show clear prices, enough profitable inventory, and a simple path to buy. Buyers should not need to ask for every price or understand your cost structure.
Use signs for bundles, best sellers, and custom order deposits. Keep discount rules simple or skip them.
A clean table helps the pricing do its job because buyers can decide quickly.
- Visible price tags.
- Bundle sign with exact price.
- Card and cash payment sign.
- Custom-order deposit terms.
- Backup inventory under the table.
- Notebook or sheet for units sold.
What should you track after your first craft fair?
After the first craft fair, track revenue, units sold, average order value, product cost, card fees, event costs, leftover inventory, and profit. Do this the same day while the details are still clear.
The goal is not to feel good or bad about the event. The goal is to know what to change before the next one.
If the table was busy but profit was weak, raise average order value or remove low-profit items.
Post-event tracking sheet, checked July 3, 2026
| Metric | Formula | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | All sales | Top-line result |
| Average order value | Revenue / orders | Product mix signal |
| Card fees | Processor report | Payment cost |
| Event cost | Booth + travel + other | Fixed cost |
| Net profit | Revenue - product cost - fees - event cost | Real result |
| Sell-through | Units sold / units brought | Inventory planning |
Decision table
First craft fair decisions, checked July 3, 2026
| Decision | Good default | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Discounts | Plan one bundle only | Avoid checkout confusion |
| Custom orders | Take deposits | Protect time and materials |
| Payment | Accept card and cash | Reduce lost sales |
| Inventory | Bring target units plus choice | Do not cap profit early |
| Tracking | Record every sale | The second fair needs data |
Worked examples
Examples you can compare against your own numbers
Example: first-fair target sheet
A first-time seller sets the booth target before packing.
| Break-even units | 7 | Recover event cost |
|---|---|---|
| Target-profit units | 17 | Recover event cost plus $200 |
| Inventory to bring at 70% sell-through | 25 units | Enough room for choice |
| Tracking rule | Record every sale | Needed for next event |
Takeaway: A first craft fair is much calmer when the seller knows the target before the first buyer arrives.
Action checklist
Before you use this number in the real business
- 1Price every item before packing.
- 2Calculate break-even units.
- 3Calculate target-profit units.
- 4Bring enough inventory for realistic sell-through.
- 5Prepare bundle signs and price tags.
- 6Charge and test the card reader.
- 7Bring cash change and bags.
- 8Set custom-order deposit terms.
- 9Track sales, fees, inventory, and profit after the event.
Common mistakes
Mistakes that make the answer look better than reality
FAQs
Questions people ask before making the decision
What should I do before my first craft fair?
Price every item, calculate break-even units, prepare payment options, plan bundles, pack enough inventory, and set custom-order terms.
Do I need price tags at a craft fair?
Yes. Clear prices make checkout faster and reduce awkward questions. Every item or group should have a visible price.
Should I offer discounts at my first craft fair?
Plan one bundle if it improves average order value. Avoid random discounts that erase margin.
How much cash change should I bring?
Bring enough small bills for your price points, but still plan for card payments. The exact amount depends on your prices and local buyer habits.
How do I take custom orders at a craft fair?
Use a written scope and deposit. Do not leave the booth with unpaid custom promises.
What should I review after the event?
Review profit, units sold, average order value, sell-through, card fees, leftover inventory, and buyer questions.
Sources and notes
Where the assumptions come from
Calculator used for booth break-even, target-profit, card-fee, and inventory examples.
Official Square US source for card-present, online, and manually keyed processing fees.
General cost, fee, margin, and market-check method used in these craft fair guides.
How FeeProofed checks formulas, examples, source notes, and calculator-backed guide content.