How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

mhopkins — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:51:46 GMT

I have been doing craft and art shows for years now. Both in doors and out. I usually position my tables in a U shape so they have to actually walk into my booth to see. Also, try not to just lay things on the tables, have them up. I pin earrings to covered boards, drape necklaces on any thing that resembles a "stand". Even peg board can be useful. It draws thier attention more and also keep things neat and organized with all the "looky-loues".

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

J.Rhind — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:30:52 GMT

Space your jewellery out at your booth -don't pile them all up! I change my look often. On all my tables I always have a table skirt that hangs to the foor to hide all my boxes that I stuff behind the table. Just buy a long piece at a fabric store, you don't even have to hem the edge! I bring pins and picnic table clips to secure everything. Summertime: I do not use black velvet, I will choose something light and pretty, but not too patterned so I don't draw attention from my pieces. NO WHITE. Once in winter I had a big corkboard covered with black velvet, I could pin up my pieces nicely and set it close to the back to add vertical interest. I also have a few velvet neckline cutouts that stand up to display the awesome pieces on, and more delicate pieces I can lay flat in front. Another time I had lots of japanese dishware and beautiful rice. I filled the bowls with rice (or small pebbles) and lay the jewellery over that. I got SO MANY COMPLIMENTS.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

Denise Peck — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:50:58 GMT

There is a web site called Festivalnet.com that lists upcoming craft shows and dates and deadlines. It's a very useful site.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

judy717 — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:35:36 GMT

I see you are also new - I joined yesterday. How do you find so many craft shows? Is there a particular publication that is good? I live in California and do 4-5 shows with my sister a year. However, last year was pretty much a bust so we are looking for other shows. One of the problems we run into is that its hard to get into juried shows as everyone seems to be selling jewlery. Any insite will be appreciated. My email address is judy2sierra@yahoo.com Thanks! Judy

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

I Create Wonders Inc — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:07:42 GMT

I usually set up 2 tables in a V shape at my booth so that people have to walk into my area to look at my displays, rather than just walk past a table and go on down the row. Also, having things on display at eye level seems to help, rather than have them lean over a table. I also have a special display in the middle of the table, or even one for each table, so that people will see my booth coming from either direction. Good spot lighting helps too, especially if the venue is a large hall with overhead lights way up on the ceiling. Hope this helps.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

valerie@73 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:50:59 GMT

Thank you so much for all your help and the abundance of info.. you've all been such a big help and so motivational!!! Love, Valerie

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

Gyspy Mary — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:16:56 GMT

A big Thanks, to everyone for the idea's. I make inexpensive plastic bead items for the kids. I make the more expensive items for adults and teens. I try to have something for everyone.(price wise and items for sale) I have only sold in Membership RV Parks. I love the ideas, and now, I think, I can do it.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

Catwren — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:58:01 GMT

Have change and bags ready! Bring water and snacks and dress comfortably yet neatly and wear some of your work. Have a good sized mirror handy along with some cotton balls and alcohol so earrings can be tried on (how many stores let you do that?). Your display should be neat and cohesively displayed. Bring a piece or two to work on-people are amazed to see how your work is made and this never fails to draw a crowd. When they see how time consuming jewelry making can be, they are less apprehensive about spending the bucks and you will gain loads of respect. Peyote, RAW, herringbone, or other stitching type projects work well (choose a mindless pattern or single color) since you can demonstrate that it is all done ONE bead at a time! This makes good use of your time especially when it's slow. Try sitting in FRONT of your table, to the side, instead of behind it; this makes you more approachable.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

Catwren — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:29:50 GMT

Valerie: If you don't want to invest in a canopy top just yet, look at the large beach or market umbrellas! They are colorful, which helps make your booth stand out, and since you can pack a lot of jewelry inventory into a small space, I have found this to be an ideal substitute. If you plan just right, you will still have room to sit in the shade! Good luck to you!

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

AmyK@53 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:10:50 GMT

I've been doing craft shows for years. Rule number one...have fun. If you get mad because you're not selling, and you sit in your booth looking mad, nobody will approach you. Also, do not have a whole coffee klatsch of you, your kids, your kid's friends, your sisters, etc...no buyer wants to beg for your attention. Also, don't glare and shoot evil looks to other jewelry sellers all day long. BE NICE. You can be one of 15 jewelry sellers, but everyone has different stuff. Get over yourself, this is a craft show, not brain surgery. Also, craft shows aren't for sissies. Tell me it's easy money after getting up at the crack of dawn, lugging boxes, tables and displays, setting up your booth, manning the booth all day, then tearing down, putting everything away, packing up the car and getting home. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Don't talk on your cell phone or read. People will walk right by. We do between 15-20 a year, and as much of a hassle as it is, I LOVE every minute of it.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

valerie mcintyre — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:45:06 GMT

I have done craft fairs for a number of years but with pottery and my own ceramic designed cats.I have just started adding jewelry to my crafts. I have done beading for years but never tried adding it to my ceramic items. Now I make my usual designs but have incorporated my own ceramic beads and such. I have always done well at craft fairs. I have always struck up conversations with people who stop by my booth. I don't go in planning on making thousands of dollars. It's a craft fair. People come for bargains. I don't talk about my wares when someone stops by. It is obvious that I am there to sell. I talk about the person standing in front of me. I feel it makes them not feel pressure into buying and make them feel appreciated. As we talk the conversation of my work comes up. Then I talk about the items. I let the people do the initiating. It has worked well for me and my customers are pleased. I have seen vendors at fairs sitting at their booth reading, doing crossword puzzles etc, and never look up when you approach. The other no-no is that too many will immediately go into a sales pitch when you stop at their booths. Craft fairs can be a lot of fun. Yes, it is a business but why not make it an enjoyable day or weekend? Thank you for letting me say my piece.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

MoltenG — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:12:59 GMT

Several people talk about the LOOK of your booth and I want to reiterate that it is critical! Too many jewelry makers just lay a jumble out on a table, often without a table cloth. Take some time and effort and practice at home. Set up a table, drape it, lay out your jewelry and then come nack in a couple of hours, or invite your friends over to "see how I am going to set up at a show." Not only will they give you creative criticism, I bet you'll sell a piece or too. Spend a few dollars on packaging - buy some boxes or organza bags from somewhere like NILECORP.COM. Have business cards printed from someplace like GOTPRINT.NET Have pretty mirror available. But the best trick is to make up a small number of classy looking flyers offering a CRAFTER'S DISCOUNT of perhaps 10 to 15% good for TODAY ONLY. Date it for the show dates and during the setup and slow times go to every other booth and take some time to talk to the crafters and give them your professional discount. Don't make it a sales call, talk to them about their booth, their experiences and their lives. Vendors are buyers too and often they will appreciate the courtesy you have shown them.

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

AmeliaV@3 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:26:15 GMT

I started out doing indoor craft shows and did not need a canopy. You can also have a home show and invite friends and neighbors. I live in an active adult community and invite the whole community twice a year to my home show. I do better with that than paying $50 a table at craft shows, but I still do the shows because it's fun. My daughter-in-law loves to help with them, too. So, Valerie, start out with a home show and indoor show and advance to the outdoors. P.S. I also have a canopy for outdoor shows. Good luck to all of you. Amelia

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

Linn@5 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:29:18 GMT

Wow, you all have great ideas! I just wanted to add to JanG's comment about business cards. I don't give out business cards, coz they tend to get lost. Instead I buy a box of cheap, brightly coloured pencils, stick a little label on the pencil with my details, and add a little sprakly beaded embellishment (made with cheap plastic beads) to the back end of the pencil. Kids love mking these pencils so I always have hands to help - it is super quick, and people use the pencils, so your details are "in their face" all the time. Have fun!

re: How to Sell at Craft Shows During Tough Times

BLONDIE-POP — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:40:29 GMT

starting a business can be fun if down right. like teri g. said get your canopy when they go on end of the season sale. get one you can pop up and close easy. (practice before hand) collect your table fabric ex: black satin or look alike on sale. you always have to cover the front and sides to the ground. practice making table set ups...take pictures for picking at later date, and some shows requre and picture sent. if you start now....you can be ready for next spring...hooray you can start making jewelry now, collecting sale items. you can have business cards made @ say vista print for almost free, order a firemountain gem catalog order all your needs. use your internet to research and do not forget to advertise somewhere (cheap or free) be creative. lots of luck & love