When you set up a craft show display over and over again, it can be hard to see it in an objective way. You may be so used to seeing the same things, so you don’t really give any thought about how it could look better. Good news – it can always look better.
Here are a few things you might try:
- If you sell wearable goods, be sure to provide a mirror. Provide a full-length mirror if you sell clothing so potential buyers can see the overall look.
- Make it easy for customers to interact with your products. One of the reasons people like shopping in person is you can pick up an item and judge its weight or compare the color against your skin. Make sure shoppers have that ability in your booth.
- Make good lighting a top priority. This can be difficult when the craft fair is inside a poorly lit building but good lighting is important. Find small spotlights to focus on a few “WOW!” pieces or a flood light to focus on a whole wall. Just be sure the lights don’t get too hot or shine in shoppers’ eyes.
- Don’t make people ask for a price. Be sure it is visibly listed on every item and that it is easy to see. Customers want to know the price of items before they even pick them up – just to be sure it’s something in their budget.
- Get creative with props and displays. Many craft fair attendees have been to dozens of shows and “seen it all” (or so they think). Give them something new to look at, something that will catch their eye and make them wonder, “Is that made of what I think it’s made of?” Use recycled items and supplies that are meant for other purposes. Tree stumps, window screens, window shutters and old suitcases all come to mind. The dead tree holding Halloween-themed crafts (above) is still one of my all-time favorite displays I’ve ever seen.
- Utilize your space well. Having all of your goods laying on a table can make it hard for customers to see what you’ve got, especially if it is a busy show and they are looking between people. Go vertical if you can but just make sure all of the displays are secure so they won’t fall over.
- Be colorful. Being the bright spot in a sea of gray or white can help your booth stand out and get noticed. Choose backdrops that contrast or complement the other elements of your display. Everything within the booth is an important part of the bigger picture you are trying to create.
- Sell your brand. You are also selling your brand along with the goods you have at the show. Make sure all of your items are branded and that your overall display promotes your brand. You want shoppers to remember you long after the show is over.
- Announce your presence. Some repeat customers may be attending the show specifically to see you. Be sure to have a banner in a prominent place so people can find you. And don’t think you have to spend big bucks on a corporate-looking banner. Feel free to make one. After all, you are a handmade business.
Don’t feel that you have to make all of these changes or even half of them. Pick, choose and change one or two things at a time while still listening to customers comments and watching how they interact with your booth to see how your changes are received.
By: Vicki O’Dell, The Creative Goddess
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