How much is too much for a fee?

 When I started paying fees at events, I had no idea what was reasonable and what was a good deal. And if I am being honest, sometimes I still struggle with that. When determining whether a price is a good deal, here are some factors I look into:

1) Is this a well-established event? Meaning, is this a tradition in town? Has it been around a long time and a lot of people attend it? If so, that type of event typically asks for a larger fee. It doesn't matter whether it is indoors or outdoors, people want to vend at this event because there will be a lot of customers. Sometimes a bigger fee means a bigger profit, and it can be worth it.

2) What is included in the fee? Sometimes an event will be a good deal. It will include not only just a space, but it will include the table and chairs. You should take that into consideration. There are definitely events when getting your own table and chairs to the space is more trouble than it is worth. In my opinion, sometimes the higher fee is worth it.

3) Is it indoors or outdoors? In general, the fee is higher if it is indoors. Why you ask? Once you work at least one event with heavy winds and your products start to blow away, you will know the answer to that question. And sometimes there is rain. And don't get me started on hot summer temperatures.

4) Is this coordinator providing anything other than a space? No two events are alike, and no two event coordinators are alike either. Some coordinators are on top of things. They promote the event on social media, bulletin boards, signs, etc. They could also even promote your small business on their website or social media, which is a huge boost if you have a website. They may also offer free snacks or the opportunity to participate in a raffle. All of these things add up and usually the fee reflects that.

5) What type of event is it? The fee and type of event go hand in hand. Is it a small event in the yard of a school or church? The cost should not be that much. Especially if it is being marketed as a craft fair-flea market combo. Flea markets in general tend to pull in more shoppers that are looking for bargains and used goods rather than handmade crafts. If you are a crafty person like me, this type of event could be a good starter event, but not as great once you've really got a good business going. If the event is a convention, such as a comic con, the price is likely going to be very high. However, if your products attract comic con customers, it may be worth it to you.

6) How much do you want to be a vendor at this event? And this, my friend, is the real key to how much you are going to be willing to pay. Does this event really match your vibe? I am always willing to pay more for a fall event because I make a lot of Halloween products. Many Christmas events are worth the extra money in fees due to Christmas shoppers. I have unicorn products; therefore, I will pay more to be a vendor at a unicorn festival. It really depends on your priorities.

Hopefully this is helpful to anyone trying to determine if the fee is reasonable. I've paid anything from $20 to $150. It really depends on the event.