It’s old news that Covid has been incredibly difficult and life-altering for countless handmade sellers. This is not only due to the fact that the economy fell prey to the pandemic, but also because sellers who relied on in-person events for their income were now forced to rely on virtual business alone. This has led to many handmade sellers having to entirely restructure and focus all of their efforts online.
However, there are many other virtual markets for small businesses that may be lesser-known, but still provide a great opportunity to generate more exposure for your business. With this being said, let’s take a look at 5 promising virtual bazaars that every handmade seller should most certainly look into this year.
After all,
“Adaptability is about the powerful difference between adapting to cope and adapting to win.”
Max McKeown
Field + Supply
Designers, editors, and creatives have been flocking every year to Hudson Valley to share their creations at the Field + Supply art fair for the world to see. Now, this iconic art fair is offering a virtual market instead to accommodate and protect crafters and buyers both near and far.
From the virtual marketplace and interactive customer videos all the way to music playlists and recipes meant to capture the typical ambiance of the event, this virtual bazaar is certainly not one to miss for small business owners. To sign up for eCommerce vendor opportunities, fill out their vendor application.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Normally located directly next to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is a bazaar showcasing roughly 800 Appalachian crafters each and every year. However, with their new virtual bazaars comes an opportunity for outside sellers to join in on the fun. With 11 different craft mediums (clay, glass, wood, fiber, metal, leather, natural materials, paper, jewelry, manmade materials, and mixed media), it’s no wonder why this bazaar is considered one of the best for artisans—and the event is so unique that buyers will travel from anywhere to get there. Take a look at their main gallery to see some of their past works on stunning display or view the application information here.
The League of NH Craftsmen’s Annual Craftsmen Fair
For over 90 years in New Hampshire, the League of NH Craftsmen have been hosting their annual fair supporting local artists on the mountain and beyond. As of 2020, this iconic crafts bazaar has switched entirely to virtual events and, with this, comes an opportunity for handmade sellers in the wood carving, blacksmithing, glassblowing, and heirloom-furniture building industries as well as many more to get more exposure online On top of the virtual marketplace, buyers can enjoy virtual walkthroughs, art classes, workshops, and tours of artist studios which all make the experience far more enticing for everyone. To become a juried member, check out their juried member application here.
Porter Flea
After a decade of hosting the annual Porter Flea bazaar, it only makes sense that they would go virtual this year. Now, handmade sellers can sign up to share their art with thousands of interested buyers online and even have three of their one-of-a-kind pieces showcased in the main online exhibit if submitted on time. This virtual event is perfect for sellers in the handmade goods, clothing, home design, and accessories categories but is still open to every artisan as long as their works are bespoke and made with love. Take a look at their current online vendors to see if your products would be a good match for the event!
Renegade Craft Fair
Often referred to as the more trendy version of Etsy or Amazon, Renegade is specifically dedicated to handmade sellers with a bit of flare and a ton of creativity both in their products and their brand. The Renegade craft fair is a virtual bazaar that offers spaces to nearly every category of handmade crafts imaginable. Although they currently have no virtual events scheduled for the rest of the year, there’s been rumors that one is coming. You can check out their application process here and get on their mailing list so that you’re notified about the next event.
As the Renegade team themselves put it, “Renegade Craft is a dynamic space for creatives to sell their work, grow their business, and connect with a like-minded community.” With this kind of consideration and inclusivity, what’s to lose for a quirky and gifted seller such as yourself?
Free Craft Fair Directory
Lastly, while this site may be stuck in the 1990’s, the information that this free directory page provides handmade sellers is not. The Free Craft Fair site is dedicated to providing an updated list of all the craft fairs and bazaars being scheduled in the United States.
We hope you find some profitable opportunities from the list!
