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10 tips to Rock It at your next Craft Show

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:

#1 GOT CHA: You have 3-5 seconds to grab a customer’s attention.

#2 DISPLAY: Space, Clean, add height or risers to grab the customers eye.

#3 DEMO YOUR PRODUCT: (ie. if you sell jewellery wear it, demo your products if you can) – have a sample out that people can touch, feel, taste.

#4 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.

#5 ATTRACT: Attract Customers to your booth – Free samples, Candy, games, prize draw.

#6 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.

#7 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).

#8 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).

#9 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.

#10 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”.

Jacqueline Hunter is the Director at Craftadian. In addition to hosting annual Craftadian Handmade Markets, Jacqueline is a resource for Handmade Business owners by offering online courses, work shops and support. She showcases, supports and promotes Canadian artists, artisans and designers.

Connect with Jacqueline

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Email

5 Tips: Attract Customers

How do you attract customers to your booth?

So you’ve set up your booth and are eagerly waiting people to visit.  Now what?
How do you encourage more visitors to stop at your booth? Over the past several years I have participated in nearly 70 craft shows and am the Show Director for the Made by Hand Shows.  I though this would be a great opportunity to share 5 quick tips on getting people to stop at your booth:
1: Smile/Friendliness :
Something so little as a SMILE can go a long way.  Be sure you are always look happy to be at the show.  Unhappy exhibitors will likely turn away potential customers.  Be energetic and outgoing enough to start a conversation.
2. Stand Up (don’t sit behind the table):
Customers are attracted booths where exhibitors who are standing and engaging people.  Better yet, get out from behind the table and stand in front of your booth.  Sometimes holding a product and asking people as they pass have you heard of “your product” is a great conversation starter).
3. Offer Something (freebies are great):
There is no doubt that customers love to get free stuff.  Offer customers a free sample or a free promotional piece (ie. pens, magnets) with your company information.  At past shows, we made little goodie bags with a business card, promo flyer and a promotional item (candy, sample, magnet or pen).
4. Hands-on or Demos: 
Customers love to touch, feel or taste.  Offer customers a demo, taster or a hands on opportunity.  At a show an exhibitor offered customers to make their own string bookmark with a few loose beads.  This was a great way to draw customers, and while they are there that’s your opportunity to engage the customers with your products.
5.  Entertainment Us:
If your booth looks fun, it attracts people.  Have you ever noticed that people are attracted to crowded booths.  Entertain visitors with a fun game or balloon pop (for a discount or free gift).  Customers are always attracted to booths where they get to participate.  Sometimes winning a ‘coupon, discount or that free gift with purchase’ educes that impulse buy.

Remember the more visitors to your booth, the more potential customers and sales you could have.  We hope these tips help increase traffic at your booth.

Jacqueline Hunter is the Director at Craftadian. In addition to hosting annual Craftadian Handmade Markets, Jacqueline is a resource for Handmade Business owners by offering online courses, work shops and support. She showcases, supports and promotes Canadian artists, artisans and designers.

Connect with Jacqueline

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Email

Setting up a Craft Booth

How you booth is set-up can have an impact on your sales. It’s what makes a customers “stop and look” or “keep on walking”.   Remember you only have 3-5 seconds to grab your customer’s attention.
Colour:
Choose a colour that makes your display pop. Sometimes your products may have enough colour and a simple black table cloth will work perfect. For example, the photo on the left uses red to draw you in to the products, while the photo on the right uses black to guide you into the product.
 
Levels:
Include levels in your display to draw visitors to your booth. From a distance your booth may look empty if all your products are lying flat on the table. Tilt or position your products to face the customer.
 
Signage:
Customers will admire from a far. Be sure to include a banner or sign showing your business name and what you make. Prices are important, be sure to price your products, it may be a ‘turn off’ if customers always have to ask ‘how much’. This is especially helpful when you may be busy with another customer.

Display Bins:
Get creative – baskets, coloured bowls, vintage materials, racks and bins.  There are so many inexpensive creative ways to display your products.
The biggest tip about your display is practice.  Demo it in your home and take pictures.  At the end of the show, remember to pack your display neatly so it’s ready for the next show.
Happy Crafting.

Jacqueline Hunter is the Director at Craftadian. In addition to hosting annual Craftadian Handmade Markets, Jacqueline is a resource for Handmade Business owners by offering online courses, work shops and support. She showcases, supports and promotes Canadian artists, artisans and designers.

Connect with Jacqueline

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Email

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