Sorry the market wasn't so good Corrie, tis a real pity.. I agree and think that a lot of people are sort of holding out and will buy last minute items more this year (certainly that's the talk amongst my group of friends). 

sorry not replied sooner Corrie..have been upto my neck in it Well.....a lot of shows through the summer were really bad and I think that may have to do with the organisers - so there are a few events companies that I won't use again!! I must say though that it has taken me going to the same shows for 3 years to work out which ones work for me - and like H said some really big ones are not worth it but then some really little ones where I have paid £5 + 10% takings have been FAB!! I am upping my game a bit next year and am going to try some even bigger events (Royal shows, Burleigh horse trials, etc) but I may find that some of those are rubbish!! It all depends on WHO the organiser is - have they advertised enough / is it already an established show - WHO is your competition at these shows - if you offer different products/range of prices/bargains - that all helps - WHAT time of year it is and WHAT the weather is like...so far I have had a not really good summer but am heading for a good Christmas period - and I always said that if I was still in business by the end of this year I would be really happy!! And hey I still am and thinking of going bigger - the shows & events are out there - it's just finding them :buttrf:

I had the same thing happen yesterday.
Did the Contemporary Craft Fair at Leamington, Warks.
I came away with £42!

The stall cost £40.

Not good....though it was new.  I think we should all be very selective about which ones we do, but it is difficult to know isn't it.

Next year though, I think it may be best to splash out a little (and i mean a little) extra cash to enter larger, more upmarket fairs.  Leave the small ones alone...a little.  Small local ones may be ok, but I'm gonna try and find out where the money ones are...things like the spring gardening show at malvern would be good for me.
you must have good garden shows near you.  gardening and soap go hand in hand!

Tig