Craft Show Tips - Part 2

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If you're new to craft shows or would just like some tips on Preparing for a Craft Show, read Part 1 of my Craft Show Tips blog post.
I've been attending craft shows as a vendor for about 6 or 7 years now. Along the way I've learned a few tips that I hope will help you have a successful show :)

Checklist Time

*Make a list and check it twice! Before you even get to the show, make yourself a list of everything you will need and make sure you have packed it in the car. There is nothing worse than realizing you've left something important at home!

Mind Your Manners

*Be friendly and outgoing. Customers don't like to be stalked, but they do want to know that you're approachable. A simple "hello", "good morning" or "how are you today" works great. That way you break the ice and let them know that you're ready to chat if they have any questions.

 Look Busy But Approachable

*Bring something to work on, but don't let it occupy you. I'm one who doesn't like to be bored and during lulls in the show, I like to have something to keep me busy. (Otherwise I tend to fidget!) I don't suggest books or magazines, because I think they make you look unapproachable. Bring something that you can set down and pick up numerous times without messing up or losing your place. I usually bring a sheet of digital embellishments that are ready to be cut out.

Play with Height and Your Sight

*Use height to your advantage. I have a vertical display, but I've been using tables more lately with my glass and wood items. Using risers can give you more room on your table as well as draw attention. I put my Engraved Wood Photo on a tall riser in the middle of my table at my last show and it got a lot of attention :) Things at eye level will get more attention than things that people have to bend over to look at.

 Be Ready to Talk

*Have a couple "lines" prepared. When I can see someone looking at my Engraved Wood Photo, I tell them: "Those can be engraved from both a print photo or a digital photo." That gets the ball rolling for them to ask questions and get more interested. This also gets others interested. I usually have one person looking and 4 more come over to see what I'm talking about :)

Have an Attention Grabber

*And on that note, have items that draw people into your booth. I've noticed...the more people you have in your booth...the more people that want to be in your booth. They assume that if lots of people are there, there must be something great! A dead booth seems to remain a dead booth until someone comes over...and draws others with them.

Open Up to Custom Orders

*I encourage you to take custom orders. I take between 2-10 custom orders at each show. Decide which items you can/will offer in custom options and be prepared to take orders. Have order forms ready so you know exactly what information you will need to take down. Get sizes/colors/themes/etc. that you'll need to complete your order. Get the address and phone number and give them an expected completion date.
I require full payment up front for all custom orders as well as the cost of shipping. I have never gotten a complaint about this. (People complain more about shipping than the cost of the item...LOL!)

QUESTION: What has worked for you at shows?




Edi is the creative mind behind Memories for Life Scrapbooks (and Laser Engraving). She has been paper crafting for over 15 years and recently purchased a laser engraver that is keeping her creativity at an all time high!

Preparing for a Craft Show

As we get deeper into fall, the craft shows will be coming out in full force! Fall is a great time to attend shows as both a shopper and a vendor with Christmas just around the corner. I've been doing shows now for several years and I've learned a few things along the way that I thought I'd share with you today. I broke this into a two part post and today I'll talk about Preparing for a Craft Show.

How much product should I take?

*One question that gets asked a lot is "How much product should I take with me?"

My answer...have enough product to fill your table and have extras as things sell. I know this is a pretty generic answer, but it will really depend on how big your space is. I've done shows with a 7'x7' booth and the last show I did was a 5'x16' booth. Every show will be different.

Make a variety of items. Take my scrapbooks for example...I make my word albums in Family, Friends, Baby and a few other premade options. I make about 3-4 different color combinations of each word so buyers have a choice.

Booth Mock Up

*Another good tip is to set up your booth in your home before you go to the show. Mark a spot on your floor the size your booth will be and set up a mock booth. This way you will know for sure if you'll fit in your space and if you need more product or a different display idea. It helps to do this ahead of time so you're not scrambling the morning of the show trying to figure out how your want your booth to look.

Read the Fine Print

*Know what will and won't be provided for you. Some shows provide tables and chairs while others don't. Read your application and know what all you need to bring with you. Some shows even require a certain color of table covering (most don't, but read your application to know for sure.) Other shows require you to put down a drop cloth to protect the floor if you have a standing display.

Do Your Research

*Do your homework/research. Before attending a show as a vendor, it is a good idea to find out as much information about a show as you can. Talk to others who have attended and find information online if you can. How many years has this show been taking place? How well is it advertised? How many people have been in attendance in past years?

By doing your homework, hopefully you will save yourself from a bad show.

Be Knowledgeable

*Know your products. People will be asking questions all day and they expect you to be the expert on your items. Know what they are made of. Know what size they are. Know if they are waterproof, stain proof, etc. Know your product inside and out and be prepared for how you will answer questions about your work.

Show Me the Money

*Know how you will accept payments. I accept cash, personal checks and credit/debit cards. Most people come to shows with cash, but they may make a bigger purchase if they can use a card or write a check. Read my post on Accepting Credit Cards at Shows to read my review on the Square for your smart phone.

Also, know what information you will need from people if you do accept checks or cards. I also ask people to write their phone number on their checks. And each company is different for what info you will need for processing credit cards. Getting a phone number on these transactions is always a good idea.

I hope this helps you prepare for your next (or first) craft show. Let me know if you have any other questions you'd like answered and I can reply to those in the comments :)

Look for Part 2 of my Craft Show Tips next week!

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Edi is the creative mind behind Memories for Life Scrapbooks (and Laser Engraving). She has been paper crafting for over 15 years and recently purchased a laser engraver that is keeping her creativity at an all time high!