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Craft Show Corner
By Debbie Gill
*Preparing For A Craft Show: /Know Before You Go/*
Preparing for a craft show well ahead of time is essential. Crafters who
take the time to prepare themselves for a show tend to do better than
those who don't.
Some of the ways to make sure you're ready for that show are very simple.
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/*Product:*/ Make sure you have enough product to sell. If you run
out of product, you most likely will not be able to pack up and
leave early. Most show promoters require each vendor to stay until
closing time. Bring order sheets and a photo catalog in case you
do run out.
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/*Display:*/ Work out your booth display ahead of time. You can do
this in a large room in your home, or backyard if you have one.
Once you've completed the “in-house” setup, take a few pictures.
This will help you remember where everything goes at the show.
Most shows offer a 10' X 10' booth space. This is not always the
case. Be sure to read over your application, and contact the show
promoter if you are unsure about the size. Many show promoters
allow vendors to purchase additional booth space – even a half
space, sometimes. Always check with the promoter in advance. Don't
forget to use everything at your disposal to make your display
look memorable and professional. More on how to create an
effective display in another article.
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/*Booth & Accessories:*/ A table, booth (if required) and
comfortable chair for your booth are also important. Be sure to
have appropriate lighting for your booth. Many shows don't offer
these items for their vendors. Be sure these fit the alloted booth
rental space. (see above paragraph on working out your display)
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/*Tools:*/ Items like a drill, hammer, screwdriver, extension
cords, batteries, tape (masking and clear), and scissors to help
set up and/or repair your booth before the show starts. A First
aid kit is also essential. Don't forget your cell phone if you
have one.
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/*Sales Necessities:*/ A portable locking cash box is a very good
investment. If you are alone, carry it with you when you leave
your booth space. Be sure to have enough currency and coin for
change. Advertising materials are also important. Create a fancy
flyer to post at your booth, have a stack of business cards in a
little acrylic display, and brochures if you have them. You'll
also need receipts (your own custom receipts or those little
carbon copy receipt books sold at office stores work well), order
forms, scratch paper, a calculator, bags for purchases, and lots
of pens.
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/*Mailing List:*/ Have an opt-in mailing list in a prominent
location of your booth. One way I like to add to my mailing list
is to offer a drawing for a particular product. On the drawing
slips you can have the customers check whether or not they'd like
to be added to your opt-in mailing list. Always respect those who
check “no”.
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/*Price/Hang Tags:*/ Be sure your product is clearly marked with
the item description and the sales price. Customers are less
likely to purchase an item if they have to ask what the price is.
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/*Dress for Success:*/ You'll want to represent your company (YOU)
as best as you can, while being comfortable at the same time.
Dress in an appropriate manner for your venue. Remember you may be
on your feet for a good part of the day, so wear nice shoes that
are also comfortable. No dirty tennis shoes, stained shirts, or
ripped jeans.
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/*A Good Attitude: */ Always be upbeat, energetic, and positive
before you even arrive to set up. This will help you to connect
with your customers and fellow vendors in such a way that you
create new friendships and the potential for repeat buyers.
This is just the first in a series of articles designed to help crafters
put their best foot forward and have as good of a craft show experience
as possible.
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