craft shows?

Question

any tips from the sellers point of view?

Answer 1

Be sure that your items are different enough that people will want them. Ever been to craft fair with 16 booths of whatever's popular this year? I have. After the first 2 or 3, I'm done with those and want to see something different. If your stuff is "whatever's popular this year," be sure to let folks know why yours is the one they should buy -- and not just because YOU made it. That only works for your mother.

Greet people as they come to look at your wares. I can't tell you how many booths I've left because I was ignored. I'm the quiet type so I get ignored a lot in regular life; I don't need it when I'm shopping, too. Greet people nicely, especially the 'unlikely' ones. They're the ones who may need it most. If you greet them pleasantly, they may be more likely to buy from you. I know that works with me!

Please post your prices so they are visible. When I have to handle delicate or heavy items just to find the price, I am far less than comfortable. I am not likely to shop much in a booth that does not display prices so they are easily read. Display the prices attractively, of course, but please display them clearly. Speaking of prices, don't be greedy. Be careful not to underprice your wares but do not overprice them either. Forget for a moment that you made it, and think of what you would WANT to pay for something like that. I've heard that a good guideline is roughly 3 times the cost of your supplies; this will cover labor and skill and such. If your supplies were really inexpensive, do 4 or 5 times, but keep your prices reasonable. Mine are. When they ask why my jewelry is less expensive than some others', I always tell folks that my jewelry is sterling silver, but is priced in protest of high craft fair prices. That's gotten me quite a few sales, truthfully enough. I also like to make combo prices ($15.- each or two for $25.-) That seems to work well at helping to move inventory. Start that at noon or shortly after.

Answer 2

Craft shows are a lot of fun. There is cameraderie among the sellers, except for a few who will act competitive and jealous. Ignore them.

As hard as it is, engage the browsers in coversation. Have some of your un-finished crafts to work on so that you can feel busy while you talk to them. You'll hear the sellers in the next booths say the same thing over and over. They are just trying to engage the browser and as annoying as it seems, it works.

Parents will let their kids run wild. If your stuff is breakable or if it can be ruined by little fingernails, display it up high.

Bring plenty of change. Bring your own chair in case theirs are uncomfortable.

After reading the answer below mine, I want to second what she said - display your prices! If they have to ask, or if they have to pick the item up, they won't.

.

Answer 3

You need to make your display very inviting. Cover your table with a beautiful cloth. Try and have a good high display of whatever you are selling. Stand up - don't sit lurking behind your table. Take at least one other person with you if it is going to be a busy day. Plenty of change. Lunch, thermos flask. Bags and wrappings bought specially, not supermarket bags and old newspaper. Beautiful business cards and/or compliment slips. A receipt book. And be ready to talk for 6 hours without a break.

Answer 4

Also, check out this page at my site which is all about those things:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/shows.htm


(my site is mostly about polymer clay, but that page would be relevant for any craft that's sold at shows)


HTH,

Diane B.