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.
GOTCHA: You have 3-5 seconds to grab a customer's attention.
DISPLAY: Space, Clean, add height or risers to grab the customers eye.
DEMO YOUR PRODUCT: (ie. if you sell jewelry wear it, demo your products if you can) – have a sample out that people can touch, feel, taste.
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.
ATTRACT: Attract customers to your booth – Free samples, candy, games, prize draw.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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".
Originally featured on Made by Hand by Jacqueline Hunter. Learn more about the Made by Hand Show on Facebook and Twitter. Republished with permission.
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One thing I do, have a photo album of all things you have made. That way, the customer can see how creative you are, and then maybe they will special order an item.
Thanks Kathy. That's a great idea for people who are more than just browsing the show. Has it worked out in your favor for sales?
I also have a photo albums of items I have made. I have secured many custom orders from my photos since I don't always have every item I make on hand.
One another thing I do is have a flyer made with all the shows I plan on participating in throughout the year. I have had many customer attend upcoming shows to see what new items I have.