Craft business dilemma

I am having a dilemma with a craft fair that i was asked to do. It is for the school where i work. Each club in the school sponsors a professional vendor to come and work the craft fair. A portion of the vendor's profits goes to the club. I have to negotiate what that fee is going to be with a good friend of mine (who is the clubs advisor) and i am having a problem mixing business with friendship. She wants me to give a percentage and i am afraid she is going to ask for 20%, which means i will be paying more to do this 2 hour fair than i pay for a whole day at an outdoor festival. I am dreading this conversation.

Is it okay to explain this to her? Am i going to sound cheap? I made way more than other vendors last year so 20% to them wasn't as much money.

TIA for any thoughts you have!

Message edited 10/25/2007 10:22:08 AM.

Re: Craft business dilemma

I think it's perfectly acceptable to explain this to her. This is your business not a hobby. And as a business you are in it to make money. Do not let her pressure you into something you are not comfortable with.
Good luck, I hope you can agree on a number without it affecting the friendship.

Re: Craft business dilemma

Absolutely. If she is a true friend she would understand. Just explain to her the cost for the project and see what she says.

Re: Craft business dilemma

Thanks ladies! I make and sell beaded jewelry and it's hit or miss. I can make a killing that night or i can bomb and go home crying.

Re: Craft business dilemma

How much are the other vendors giving?

I would only give what you would normally give to another craft fair (fees as a vendor, etc..).

Now, since she is your friend, you might want to give her "a little bit more" but not that much more.

Re: Craft business dilemma

I'd suggest just coming right out and talking to her. Tell her what % works for you.

At the end of the day she is your friend and I am sure that she wouldn't want to hurt you (financially) with this.

Good Luck!

Re: Craft business dilemma

Thanks ladies!! I think i am going to see if she will agree on 10%. I really can't go by what other vendors are giving because everyone's business is different. And it's only a 2 hour fair.

Re: Craft business dilemma

Can you say you'll give 20% not to exceed X amount.