BCTF [British Craft Trade Fair] Online returns from May 15 to May 17, following the overwhelming success of the first shows in 2021. Several Designer-Makers from the show reported trade sales from all over the country, with some international buyers also present from as far afield as Australia!
Allowing exhibitors to have exposure from one of the largest client bases within the industry, BCTF further improves on this with its vetted buyer system, which creates an exclusive, high-quality clientele for sellers to market themselves to, eliminating time wasters and casual browsers.
Some of the participating Designer-Makers of British handmade craft of the 2021 Online show have discussed their experience of taking part in last year’s digital event:
Exhibitor David Hitchcock, owner of Photofinish Jewellery, said: “BCTF Online gave us a great opportunity to showcase our work, landing an opportunity to exhibit at one of our dream galleries! With the show being extended and available 24/7 until the end of the month, this enabled busy buyers to order the best of British handmade.â€
Designer Harriette Rymer said: “BCTF 2020 was my first trade show. I was so upset when it was cancelled in April 2021, so I loved that the team made an online option so I could still show off my work! I made some great new connections and got some orders too.â€
Ceramicist Michelle Daniels had an instant result at BCTF Online, saying: “I’ve just shipped some raku Space Pots from Norfolk to the Scottish Highlands to a new customer I met at BCTF Online.â€
Meanwhile, fellow ceramicist Anja Penger-Onyett of Ceramics Buy Anja was reaching other Celtic regions, saying: “I shipped an order to a new gallery in Wales! And with many more email conversations ongoing, hopefully more orders to come!â€
Clemency Bunn, owner of greeting cards publisher Citrus Bunn, did well from BCTF Online, saying: “I’ve had quite a few orders from new shops as a direct result of the show. It’s really helped both retailers and us artists find a little inspiration during this difficult time.â€
New exhibitor Irene McCay, owner of Je Suis Jewellery, said: “This was my first time using BCTF Online and I’m very impressed. It was very exciting to see so many buyers looking at my work, including one from Australia!â€
BCTF looks to improve the overall show experience with refined features and added functionality for this year’s event. All users can chat with each other via chat rooms set up throughout the show, or buyers can contact sellers direct via private messaging; meeting scheduling and contact information all being conveniently accessible.
BCTF Online will also feature exclusive seminar content where industry leaders will engage with attendees, who can also respond via chat functions to have their burning questions answered directly.
Experience a quality trade show from the comfort of your own home with BCTF Online 2022.
To register as a Buyer or Maker, please use this link: www.bctf.co.uk
