5 Ways to Effectively Network at a Craft Show

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Craft fairs are a great chance to get your brand and products in front of a wide audience. You’ll meet not only customers, but also bloggers, store owners, photographers, and other people in the craft world. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your networking opportunities at shows!

1. Hand out lots of business cards
Business cards are a must when doing a craft fair. Try to get your information into the hands of as many people as possible at a show. There’s no need to be pushy- just casually hand them a card as they are walking away from your booth. You never know who will contact you with a fantastic opportunity or order at a later time.

Also remember to take cards from people you meet at the show. I keep them all in a little plastic bag and then go through them later- this way I don’t lose them or have them scattered around my supply box. Sometimes I’ll also make a note on a business card if they wanted a specific product or color so I can contact them in the future.

2. Chat to other vendors
During the slow times I like to chat to the other sellers and check out their work. I’ve met lots of great people this way, as well as being able to catch up with friends I haven’t seen in a while. Networking within the craft community will help you find out about upcoming shows, retail opportunities, and more.

Photo credit: Orin Zebest via Visualhunt / CC BY

3. Make an email sign-up list
If you comfortable with email marketing, I suggest you make a sign up sheet for your mailing list and have it at your booth. Just a simple pad of paper with a few columns can get the ball rolling! You can even do a product giveaway to encourage people to sign up. Always remember that it’s a big no-no to add someone to a mailing list without their permission, so make sure it’s clear that they will be added to your list of subscribers.

4. Offer freebies
Everyone likes freebies right?!? Little, inexpensive items like buttons and stickers are a great way to get people to your booth as well as stimulate conversation. Even if they don’t purchase from you at the show, trinkets with your branding and business name on them are more likely to be kept than business cards. You never know who will buy from you later after finding that little freebie you gave them at a craft show!

5. Be cheerful
Keeping a happy face on at a show can be hard (especially after a long day), but maintaining your positivity is so important because you will seem more approachable. If you’re feeling burnt out, take a short break from your booth if possible. Remember that everyone you talk to at a craft fair could have an important idea, opportunity, or event that might help your business.

What other ways do you network at craft events?

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Rebecca George

Designer at Purple and Lime, Inc.

A Cincinnati native, Rebecca studied Art History & Geology at the University of Michigan. From there, she earned a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing from the American Intercontinental University in London, England. Highlights of her career include having several pieces from her graduation collection featured in the international fashion magazine i-D (UK, Feb. 2007) and working on men’s leather pouches for the movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age (which won an Oscar for Best Costume). Her brand "Purple and Lime" is a line of super-fun womenswear, jewelry, and accessories based in Chicago. She has been successfully selling her line on Etsy and in shops for four years, and enjoys teaching others about online handmade selling!

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Latest posts by Rebecca George (see all)

• Five Easy (and Fast) Ways to Improve Your Etsy Shop - February 10, 2018
• Pricing Your Handmade Goods for Craft Shows - October 13, 2017
• 5 Unexpected Items to Use in a Craft Show Display - September 21, 2017