I've taken the top ten most common ideas and compiled them into a nice little list for you all! Several members also included pics of their wonderful booth spaces! Hopefully they can inspire you all.
1) Have a checklist of things you'll need for the show. There's nothing worse than forgetting something! Brandie at My Silly Blue Hippo posted a great checklist on this forum thread
Rachael at Little Birdie Baby Shop did an Awesome job displaying each product in an interesting and inviting way. There's no digging through to find something. |
2) Consider your options for accepting payments. The consensus seems to be no checks. Unfortunately, you just never know who will write you a hot check. So that leaves you with cash and credit cards. A few have commented on the little wonder that is the Square credit card reader (www.squareup.com). The thing is amazing, and a very inexpensive way to accept credit cards. All you need is a smart phone with the app on it, and the free credit card swiper! You also need to consider giving out receipts. I'd say most buyers may not want a receipt, but you need to be prepared to give one just in case. You can get an inexpensive receipt book at an office supply store. Don't forget somewhere to put the money. Lora from ButternutBoutique recommends wearing an apron with pockets to keep money in!
3) This one will be on your craft show checklist, but it's so important I'm including it here. You NEED your promotional materials!! Business cards, post cards, flyers, and anything else with your business information on it. You'll have a lot of people stop by your booth and not buy, but if they have your promo things, they can buy online in the future. I also suggest custom order forms, if you take custom orders, and an e-mail list sign-up sheet.
Love how this booth set-up by Little Owl's Nest offers various levels of display. It looks warm and inviting! |
5) Network with other sellers. Get to know the other sellers at the show. The last show I did I was placed right beside "the monogram lady." I can't tell you how invaluable it was to have talked with her there. She sent several people to my booth to get things she didn't have, and I sent my people to her to have things monogrammed. Until I get an embroidery machine, I'll always send people to her to have things monogrammed. You might also be there by yourself and having someone to talk to will make it MUCH better.
This display set up by Dirty Deeds Soaps is warm, inviting, and well organized. She has represented her brand well! |
7) Look like you love being there. I hate getting a rude, unhappy cashier at Walmart, whose only connection to the product is scanning the barcode. It would be way worse if the person was selling things made by their own hands. People want to buy from someone they can relate to. Lora from ButternutBoutique advised, "the more personable/friendly you are, the higher your sales volume will be. My friend and I noticed that the more (genuine) compliments we handed out (about a buyer's outfit/kid/jewelry/etc.) the higher the likelihood of a sale. It was unreal!!" Don't just sit there reading a book, or gazing off to la-la land. Be engaging and people will be jumping at the chance to buy something from you!
Lora from Butternut Boutique looks very comfortable, friendly and stylish here! I love the way the booth set-up adds interest! |
10) Keep yourself comfortable. No one wants to buy from a slob, but you will be on your feet all day. If possible, wear something you make. You want to represent your brand well. If you sell high-end jewelry, wear some, and dress like you're selling jewelry on Fifth Avenue. If you're selling boutique baby items, look like a stylish mom that people want to be--you know you have "that" friend who has 10 kids and is always so put-together. The great thing about buying handmade is that people want to know the maker, so make sure your represent yourself well.
Celesa Jackson- Blog team leader
Lilly Bunns Boutique
These are fantastic tips! I learned some new things, which I definitely appreciate!
ReplyDeleteLora
www.butternutboutique.com
Super article! Thanks for the great tips!
ReplyDeleteAnne of www.littleprincesspea.etsy.com
Awesome post! Such great tips! I will definitely be sharing this one!
ReplyDelete-Rebecca
www.OliveSmiles.com
Thanks for the tips! I've never done one, but my mom has and she has told me that her best tip (to go along with your #7) is to never sit down! Also, have friends come and spend some time talking to them. As a buyer at craft fairs, I can see why these things would help!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I know that I definitely searched all over online for information before we went to our first show. Its so wonderful to have all this info in one place.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tips!
ReplyDeleteA tip shared with me - always have something very small and cheap for the kids. This alone could pay for your booth fee.
Wow! This is great! Thanks so much for all of the info!
ReplyDeleteGreat and timely advice with the spring show season getting underway.
ReplyDeleteI keep coming back to this as I am planning for my first craft show! Thank you for the awesome tips!
ReplyDeleteWould love to republish this on our website, CraftCritique.com during Crafty Business Week! Great info for our readers and increased exposure for you. Please email me if you would like more information. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSimone Collins
Executive Editor
Craft Critique
simone@craftcritique.com
Thank you for the tips! I wish I read it before the craft fair that I did this past weekend! I had a huge space and not enough tables to fill it. I should have planned it out more. And doing research is a must I think! Spring shows here in Maine do not draw large crowds, so I did not do well at all. But I think all of us, need to be prepared to loose at a show once or twice, because it happens!
ReplyDelete