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Starting out a crafting business can be scary. Most of us start online through an Etsy shop (or something similar). A great way to gain exposure for your company is to showcase at local craft shows and fairs. It’s an opportunity to network and give customers a chance to see, smell touch your products.
As we begin a new year, I thought it would be a good time to share my 10 TIPS TO ROCK IT AT YOUR NEXT CRAFT SHOW:
- GOTCHA: You have 3-5 seconds to grab a customer’s attention.
- DISPLAY: Space, Clean, add height or risers to grab the customers eye.
- DEMO YOUR PRODUCT: (ie. if you sell jewelry wear it, demo your products if you can) – have a sample out that people can touch, feel, taste.
- WHO ARE YOU? When a customer walks by do they know who you are and what you’re selling? Think about a banner or a sign.
- ATTRACT: Attract customers to your booth – Free samples, candy, games, prize draw.
- ADVERTISE: Tell your contacts what booth you’ll be at; maybe offer your present customers a discount for coming to the event. This is where social media and your mailing list comes in handy.
- SMILE: Be friendly, start conversation ‘hello’, SMILE (there is nothing worse than a vendor that seems uninterested, grumpy or bored at their booth, it turns away customers).
- PRICE IT RIGHT: Vary price points (for example you may have a piece that is $100 but also make sure you have something in the $20 range or lower to grab impulse buys).
- BUILD: Have a mailing list on your booth so customers can sign up. It may lead to a future sale and it helps build your client list.
- FOLLOW-UP: Post event follow-up with everyone you meet (promptly after the show). It can be as simple as a quick “Thank-you for visiting my booth”.
Originally featured on Made by Hand by Jacqueline Hunter. Learn more about the Made by Hand Show on Facebook and Twitter. Republished with permission.
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CreativeIncome
Do you love to create? Are you dying to turn your creativity into profits? You've come to the right place! Join our community of creative experts and learn how to sell your designs, how to get published in magazines, books or online, and pick up some great craft fair ideas and tips along the way.
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One thing I do, have a photo album of all things you have made. That way, the customer can see how creative you are, and then maybe they will special order an item.
Thanks Kathy. That’s a great idea for people who are more than just browsing the show. Has it worked out in your favor for sales?
I also have a photo albums of items I have made. I have secured many custom orders from my photos since I don’t always have every item I make on hand.
One another thing I do is have a flyer made with all the shows I plan on participating in throughout the year. I have had many customer attend upcoming shows to see what new items I have.
Great tips! Thanks!
That is a great tips and I will use them in my next show. Carol