Selling Crafts at a Charity Event

Are you allowed to sell handmade crafts for charity?

Generally, you are allowed to sell handmade crafts for charity, but it depends on how you do it. Most charities have certain guidelines which you need to follow to ensure whatever it is you’re crafting to sell is safe and works properly.

For example, you can make crafts, sell them whilst disclosing that some or all of your profits are going to a certain charity, and donate your proceeds to the chosen charity. However, when planning on selling these crafts at dedicated charity events, there are more things you need to consider.
 

Should you sell your handmade crafts at charity events?

You should sell your handmade crafts at charity events, but you need to make sure they’re made safely, and that they align with any expectations that charity has.

The best way to find this out is to contact the charity directly and ask if you are able to set up a stall at their event, as well as what their policies are around selling handmade items. Most charities will ask to see some proof of insurance before allowing you to set up your stall.

 

 

What to consider when selling crafts at a charity event

When you’re selling crafts at a charity event, you need to focus on safety, pricing and customer engagement.

• Safety – Your primary responsibility is safety. When selling at a charity event you are representing that charity, so you need to make sure that what you sell is safe and appropriate. For example, selling crafts which have sharp edges, or are excessively heavy could cause some problems.

• Pricing – The main goal should be to raise as much money as possible for the charity, but you still need to price your product fairly based on quality, materials used and how long it took you to make it. Remember that you might also sell a lot more if you charge lower prices, meaning that you actually raise more money!
• Customer engagement – You should ensure that all customer engagements are positive and friendly, and be prepared to answer questions about your crafts, but also about the charity you’re raising for. Another way to help the charity is by creating an enjoyable environment for event-goers, so that they return to future events (this also makes them more likely to buy from you again!).
• Demand – Consider whether you can make something which represents the charity, or which is more likely to sell. The best type of craft is one which is likely to sell fast, but doesn’t take too long to make!
• Insurance – Do you have the right insurance? Normally, you’ll need public liability insurance to be allowed to sell.

 
Protect your Business with Craft Insurance

 

Do you need insurance to sell crafts at a charity event?

To sell crafts at a charity event, you’ll normally need public liability insurance which covers the costs of claims any member of the public might make against you during events. Taking out insurance means you’re covered against legal liability for personal injuries to members of the public, and loss or damage to third party property.

Although it isn’t a legal requirement, public liability insurance ensures that you or your business won’t be responsible for these costs, which are often huge.

Typically, you can expect to be asked to show proof of insurance before being allowed to set up a store at any charity event. This is because charities need to be responsible for the individuals or businesses they allow to sell goods at their events.
 

Do you need a license to sell crafts at a charity event?

By default, you probably won’t need a license to sell crafts at a charity event; but you need to consider what goods you are planning to sell, and whether these need to be licensed individually.

For example, if selling food, alcohol, or anything else you can think of which might need to be separately licensed, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve got the correct license. If you’ve already sold any of these things, you’re probably already correctly licensed anyway!
 

Tips on how to sell handmade crafts for charity

Here are some quick and easy tips on selling handmade crafts for charity:

• Consider what type of thing is likely to sell. At a charity event, people love to buy handmade jewellery, toys, and other similar items.

• Think about what questions customers might ask, and how you can answer these.
• Keep it friendly and lighthearted. Remember, it’s for charity and your goal is to raise money and awareness!
• Bring some bags in case customers buy a few items, or if you’re selling larger ones.
• Promote your stall in advance on social media, including when and where you’ll be.
• Ensure your fair prices are displayed clearly.

 

To find out more about selling crafts, check out our full guide on how to increase sales at a craft fair.