We have a tremendous resource of experienced Chelsea exhibitors in Scotland so we asked them what advice they would give first timers. Here are their recommendations.

Applying for Chelsea

• Ideally, try and visit before you apply so you can get ideas for showcases and see what works and what doesnt work.
• If you dont get accepted first time - keep trying as the selection panel changes every year. Some makers tried several times before being accepted.
• Make sure you submit very good slides.

Getting ready to go

• Go to any training days offered by the Crafts Council or SAC.
• Ask advice about how to do things such as sourcing packaging.
• Plan as far ahead as is feasible: the top recommendation is to make a checklist which you keep updating and revising as the time draws nearer.
• Have a clear strategy and be sure about what you want to achieve.
• Try not to work right up until the day before you go as you'll need a clear-head and plenty of energy to tackle the week ahead.

Organise and plan your stand carefully

• You need to have a good display. Do a scale plan of your stand and decide what you have room for, and where and how to display everything. Bear in mind that stands are very cramped, and its important not to over-clutter the space, otherwise your visual message gets lost.
• Leave space for a stool. A high fold away stool is useful because even if you are sitting you are still at eye level with people and they are happier to approach and talk to you.
• If you make anything that people will want to try on you have to have a mirror. If you know someone doing the other week this is something you could share.
• Have a secret store. Unless someone is helping you it is really difficult to leave your stand even just for a bite to eat.
• Hire a showcase with cupboards underneath as it is great to store packaging and extra stock and supplies of bottled water and things to nibble on to keep going.
• Have somewhere safe on your stand to stow away your bag and coat so that you don't have to queue at the cloakroom every morning and evening.
• Make sure your stand looks at good at the end as it did at the beginning.

Be prepared to be hot

• Everyone mentioned the heat. It may be autumn in Scotland but in Chelsea Town Hall it will be stifling. Several makers said order or buy a fanor two! Wear summer clothes to keep cool. Standing all day is very tiring so wear comfortable shoes and get good cream for your feet at night such as peppermint cream.

Get help

• Find a helper for breaks as the stand has to be staffed at all times. Although youll need and want to be on it as much as possible, a break will be welcome! If you have friends in London see if they can help.

Take plenty of stock

• The one thing that is difficult is having to sell the work on the stand so you have to keep re-stocking. Sell as much as possible. It is better to have too much than to run out.

Pricing your work

• Know your prices from as soon as the show opens and be confident about giving them. Don't compromise your work by making cheaper, more saleable work; you will sell higher priced pieces at Chelsea.
• Have some wholesale pricelists as there are a lot of trade buyers.
• Keep a note of everyone who buys and who is interested in your work.

Work out your system for Payment

• Make up invoice/receipt books and order books before going with your name and address at the top and spaces for other information you need to get - date, name, description, price of piece and method of payment. Get them to write their name and address in your mailing list book while you complete the invoice. Make sure the invoice book has one printed page then one blank one so you can put carbon paper in-between. You can then give the original to the customer and leave the copy in the book for your records.
• A credit card acceptance facility and a mobile phone is a must.

After the Show

• After the show, follow up contacts and leads as quickly as possible. Review how the week went. Was it what you expected? What worked and what didn't work and why? How could things be improved next time? Remember that these events have long-term benefits as well as immediate sales.

Read our showcase feature on the Chelsea Crafts Fair. 

View other Crafts sector-related business advice.

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