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5 Things to Remember when Selling at Craft Fairs

5 Things to Remember when Selling at Craft Fairs

By Mandy Czyz

Mandy Czyz Image

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and moved to underwriting in early 2022.  Prior to this her insurance journey started in 2001 with equine insurance in sales and latterly as a claims assessor.  She gained her Cert CII qualification in late 2022.

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4 mins read

Table of contents

Table of contents

Introduction
Important things to remember for your next Fair
Disclaimer

Table of contents

Introduction
Important things to remember for your next Fair
Disclaimer

Contributors

Image

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

View profile
Mandy Czyz Image

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and moved to underwriting in early 2022.  Prior to this her insurance journey started in 2001 with equine insurance in sales and latterly as a claims assessor.  She gained her Cert CII qualification in late 2022.

Craft fairs are great events to showcase your products. There are likely to be various fairs throughout the year ranging from craft fairs at school events to Wedding or Christmas Craft Fairs. Some might also have fabulous themes that you can adopt for your own stall, it is certainly worth researching the event, the stallholders and the visitors expected to find the Craft Fair that is most suited to you and your business.

So, you have chosen your event, booked and designed your craft stall, made your products and are ready to sell. But what else should you consider when selling at Craft Fairs?

Here are 5 important things to remember for your next Fair:

 

Finances

Look at the cost of attending the event vs. the profit that you estimate you could make from it to assess if you can benefit from selling there.

You should also consider the benefit that you will get from promoting your business and showcasing your products.

Track your outgoings, for example the attendance fee or stall hire, cost of materials, transport costs etc and then calculate what you think that you could sell.

This will help you to estimate the finances and then you can review the actual figures after the event to help identify if it is something to repeat in the future.

 

Insurance

Whilst the organiser of your craft fair will likely have their own event insurance, those attending the fair as a stallholder will probably be asked to take out their own public liability insurance upon booking a stall.

Stallholder insurance typically protects you if a third party makes a claim against you for injury or damage for which you are found to be responsible. Consider also getting insurance cover for your products and equipment in case they get damaged whilst at the Craft Fair. Alternatively, we also offer event cancellation cover which will protect you from the unexpected cancellation, postponement, or interruption of an event due to unforeseen circumstances

 

Link to Online

Although you may engage with a lot of people at a Craft Fair, you might find that some won’t want to make a purchase that day but do have an interest in your products.

It is important then to give them a second opportunity to review your products.

Direct potential customers to your website or Facebook page.

This way people can view your full range of products in their own time and they may well make a purchase. Make sure that you have business cards/leaflets printed so potential customers can take your business details with them and find you later.

 

Register Your Business

It is likely that the best way to set up your business is as a sole trader and you can do this through www.gov.uk. As part of this you will register for self-assessment and will need to submit your profit and income each year.

 

Licences

Depending on what kind of Craft Fair you are selling at, you may need a license to trade. If you are attending an organised Craft Fair, it is likely that the organisers will have obtained a licence to cover the event itself.

However, if you are trading at a market for example, you may need a market stall or street trading licence. Contact your local council to understand what requirements there might be.

It is best to check with the organisers of the event that you are attending if there are any requirements for you to obtain licenses or insurance.

So, consider these factors when planning an event. Then enjoy creating fabulous products to showcase you and your business at your next Craft Fair!

Get Stallholder Insurance from Protectivity

 

Get stallholder insurance from Protectivity

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Last updated by

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Bee Ingram

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Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

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The Importance of Patch Tests for Hairdressers

The Importance of Patch Tests for Hairdressers

By Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi Cavaliere Image

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and Coaching Studies from Oxford Brookes University and was seeking a role where she could utilise her sports education background. At the time, Sports Cover Direct was the more dominant company brand and the role of Business Support was the perfect graduate job to step into.

The first 4 years involved Steffi learning the insurance products and helping navigate the company’s internal policies and procedures. With the growth of the business and keenness for a leadership role, in late 2021 Steffi took on the role of Sales Operations Manager. Steffi now manages a team of Insurance Sales Executives, focusing on the smooth running of the department and improving sales performance.

 

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4 mins read

Table of contents

Table of contents

Introduction
Patch testing for hairdressers
Disclaimer

Table of contents

Introduction
Patch testing for hairdressers
Disclaimer

Contributors

Image

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

View profile
Steffi Cavaliere Image

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and Coaching Studies from Oxford Brookes University and was seeking a role where she could utilise her sports education background. At the time, Sports Cover Direct was the more dominant company brand and the role of Business Support was the perfect graduate job to step into.

The first 4 years involved Steffi learning the insurance products and helping navigate the company’s internal policies and procedures. With the growth of the business and keenness for a leadership role, in late 2021 Steffi took on the role of Sales Operations Manager. Steffi now manages a team of Insurance Sales Executives, focusing on the smooth running of the department and improving sales performance.

 

Hair dyes are made from a range of ingredients which might, in some cases, irritate your client’s skin or cause an allergic reaction. Many permanent and some semi-permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is a known irritant and allergen.

Many clients won’t react to this, but it is important to assess this before applying a solution that will come into contact with your client’s skin. Because of this, patch testing has become standard practice for hairdressers, but why is it so important?

Protectivity is a specialist provider of Hairdressers Insurance and Barber Insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK each year.

 

What is a Patch Test?

A patch test is a way of testing if your client might react to a colour treatment. It is essential to complete a patch test so that you can be sure that your client will not have a reaction to the products that you intend to use.

If your clients skin reacts badly to the test that you have applied, then you should not use the product on them.​

 

What Are the Risks Of Not Doing a Patch Test?

There are a number of possible outcomes if you don’t complete a hair dye patch test on your clients. If your client reacts badly to the product you use, then their skin might become dry, red and itchy. In more extreme cases a client’s skin might become red and swollen and they might experience a burning or stinging sensation.

In very severe cases a client might suffer from anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. This would happen within minutes of being exposed to the product. According to the NHS website, signs of anaphylaxis include:

· itchy skin or a raised, red skin rash
· swollen eyes, lips, hands and feet – the eyelids can swell so much that the eyes close
· feeling lightheaded or faint
· swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue, which can cause breathing and swallowing difficulties
· wheezing
· tummy pain, nausea and vomiting
· collapsing and becoming unconscious

If your client presents these symptoms then you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance. With less severe reactions you should wash the product from your client’s hair to reduce the effects.

 

What is the Best Way of Doing Patch Test?

You can expect to learn how to do patch test whilst at college. A small amount of the tint and peroxide is made up, just as you would do in the salon. This solution is then applied to your client’s skin. It is best to use an area such as the elbow or behind the ear.

Typically, this colour patch test is carried out 48 hours before the treatment itself to give time to assess if a reaction is likely to happen. Patch tests should then be completed regularly as repeated exposure to an ingredient can cause it to become an allergen.

 

Protecting Yourself

Even if you are thorough in completing patch tests, there is always the possibility of something going wrong so it’s best to make sure that you have adequate insurance in place.

Public Liability insurance will protect you in situations where a third party may make a claim for injury or damage caused by your treatment.

If a client reacts badly to a solution that you have used during their treatment without you having completed a patch test before-hand then you might make your insurance invalid so you won’t be covered.

Some clients might refuse for a patch test to be done, assuring you that they will not react to any of the ingredients. In circumstances such as these it is best to inform your client that the test only takes a few minutes and you would prefer to be sure that they won’t react and that you are simply taking precautions.

Reactions to hair dye are avoidable as long as you follow guidance and complete regular patch tests to continually assess if your client’s skin will react to the products that you are using during a treatment.

Without doing this you are putting your client and yourself at risk.

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

 

Get hairdressing insurance from Protectivity

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

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10 Traditional Reiki Hand Positions

10 Traditional Reiki Hand Positions

By Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi Cavaliere Image

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and Coaching Studies from Oxford Brookes University and was seeking a role where she could utilise her sports education background. At the time, Sports Cover Direct was the more dominant company brand and the role of Business Support was the perfect graduate job to step into.

The first 4 years involved Steffi learning the insurance products and helping navigate the company’s internal policies and procedures. With the growth of the business and keenness for a leadership role, in late 2021 Steffi took on the role of Sales Operations Manager. Steffi now manages a team of Insurance Sales Executives, focusing on the smooth running of the department and improving sales performance.

 

•

3 mins read

Table of contents

Table of contents

Introduction
A typical Reiki session
Disclaimer

Table of contents

Introduction
A typical Reiki session
Disclaimer

Contributors

Image

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

View profile
Steffi Cavaliere Image

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and Coaching Studies from Oxford Brookes University and was seeking a role where she could utilise her sports education background. At the time, Sports Cover Direct was the more dominant company brand and the role of Business Support was the perfect graduate job to step into.

The first 4 years involved Steffi learning the insurance products and helping navigate the company’s internal policies and procedures. With the growth of the business and keenness for a leadership role, in late 2021 Steffi took on the role of Sales Operations Manager. Steffi now manages a team of Insurance Sales Executives, focusing on the smooth running of the department and improving sales performance.

 

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation which also promotes healing. The belief behind this treatment is that a life energy is flowing through our bodies and if this energy is low then we are more vulnerable to illness and stress.

Reiki treatments increase this life energy by placing hands on, or just above the body, creating beneficial emotional and physical effects, healing pain, reducing stress and anxiety.

 

A typical Reiki session

During a Reiki Treatment, a client will lie on a massage table, or a chair if they prefer. There is no significant pressure applied during a Reiki session, instead a practitioner will gently place their hands on a client.

There are a series of key hand positions which, when done in the correct way, will generate the effects needed. Here is a guide to some of the most popular hand positions.

1. Place the palms of your hands gently on your client’s forehead and cover the eyes. Take care not to cover the nose and restrict your client’s breathing.

 

2. Place hands gently around the temples.

 

3. Cradle the head by rocking the head very gently from one open palm and then to the other eventually achieving a balanced hold. Your own hands can rest on the table underneath your clients head.

 

4. Hands are gently placed over your client’s throat. If they don’t feel comfortable with this then your hands can be placed under the throat instead.

 

5. Hands are placed over the heart and the heart chakra (located between the breasts). They are then placed gently over the upper abdomen.

 

6. Hands are placed gently over your mid abdomen (solar plexus).

 

7. At this point, you, as a Reiki Practitioner might continue treatment to include your client’s legs.

Both hands are placed gently on the leg. Repeat for the other leg.

 

8. Put one hand on the bottom of each foot.

 

9. The next step would be to ask your client to roll over to their front and for you to apply pressure to your client’s shoulder blades and middle back and then the lower back.

 

10. At the end of a treatment you may move your hands all over your client’s body to cleanse and remove any leftover debris, transforming any negative energies into positive ones.

 

At Protectivity, we provide a wide range of what we believe are cost-effective insurance solutions for therapy professionals including Reiki Insurance, Counselling Insurance, Massage Insurance and many more. To see if your speciality can be covered, just visit our Therapy Insurance page and input your technique into the quote box. If we can cover the activity, we will provide you with an instant price.

Get Therapist Insurance from Protectivity

 

Get therapist insurance from Protectivity

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.