Best way to display charms?

[ThisLittleKittenShop]

I've done 2 craft shows so far selling my charms (and some other various items)

my first show I displayed them individually pinned to a cork board. My second show I had a few dangling as a kind of display but the rest were loose in a box. Unfortunately both shows had very low attendance so it was hard to tell which display style would do better for sales.

I'm also thinking of another display style, but it would take more work and money. So my question is which of these three display styles would sell best: 1. displayed individually on cork board or other display set. 2. loose in a box, so people can dig around in them or 3. package each charm in a baggie and have them displayed on a peg, like you would see items in a store.

If you have any other opinions I'm more than happy to hear them

thanks everyone :)

[JustMeToo]

Hi Tonia. I would remove the baggie idea for sure! People like to see what they're thinking of buying. If you could attach each one to a card, about business card size, I would think, and hang them on prongs, like on gridwall, or even a square of that white wire that looks like an oven rack. I think it's called Spacesavers. I'll send you a photo of what I made, just to give you an idea of how it would look.

[WhimsyBits]

I would have them displayed on something like a cork board. I know that's a lot of work to set up but if done right i think it would be really cute :)

[TigersandDragons]

I agree with attaching the charms to cards. Either pin to the cork board, or hang on a peg. We use ceiling tiles covered with fabric instead of cork board, as these are thicker and easier to pin into. Look for ceiling tiles that are smooth on one side, there are some out there. I like pinning because I can organize everything before a sale, and if the sale is outdoors, my stock won't blow off - which it might if it was hanging on a peg.

Though I can understand why people like pegs, and those can be effective for display too. There are spinning merchandise displays with wire pegs.

Another possibility is to have a magnet board. We have a tall metal stand that we purchased when Canada Office Depot went out of business. We found some magnets with clips at the bottom, so we use those to clip to jewellery cards and magnetize this to the metal board. I believe that IKEA sells 16x20 Metal boards for magnets, that you could sit in an easel or build a stand for.

While some people do like digging around in boxes, it's more difficult for you to watch that type of display. Then you have to package, after they choose a charm. Also the charms will get dirty, scratched, etc. Attached to a card looks more professional than a baggie, plus it is a way to put your brand on your work.

[LuluDeuxMillinery]

I like the card idea--that would look very neat. Another idea would be to have some of them strung across a picture frame at eye level. We used to do that when my husband sold jewelry--great for smaller stuff and the movement catches the eye.

[JustMeToo]

tigers. I didn't even think about items blowing off displays because I don't do outdoor shows anymore, but good point! I built revolving wood stands with "L" hooks all around, which works great, but for sure, wouldn't be any good at an outdoor show!

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

I purchased cookie sheets and spray painted with chalk board paint so I could write messages and put magnets there. Works for me!

[BlueTurtleCrafts]

"ceiling tiles covered with fabric instead of cork board"
OMG! This is so smart, Tigers!! Thanks for sharing.

I agree that cards may be best. Even without cards, pinned to a cork board (Ceiling Tiles!!!) would be better.
I hate digging in boxes - even if I love the items :)

[Drakestail]

The nice thing about cards is that you can add your branding to them, and it gives them a professional look. You could tack them to a board display, or, depending on the look you're going for, pin them to something like this:
http://applepins.com/repurposed-frame-jewelry-display-with-lace/

[TigersandDragons]

When I was out buying props for an anniversary party today, I came across a christmas card displayer that would work well for a jewellery display.
It is made out of wire, is very tall and looks like a cross between a christmas tree and the eiffel tower.
Here's a photo of something similar (the one I got does not have a star, and has a hinge to fold flat when not in use.)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gold-coloured-metal-Christmas-card-holder-50cm-tall-/131532030923

I also have a completely different display by Umbra that folds up like an accordian.
It has little clips at the top, duck bill clips instead of alligator (so no sharp teeth that could damage your cards, and easier for the customer to just pull the cards up and out, instead of having to unclip).
I got mine at a local bookstore for somewhere between $20-$30 a couple of years ago.
http://www.amazon.ca/Umbra-Crowd-Desktop-Photo-Display/dp/B00EV5CPOO

- It is however very delicate, so you have to be careful as you pack it up, or you will end up bending the cables.
- I only use it for indoor shows, set high up on a shelf, near the back half of the table, so customers will not bump it.

I still prefer pinning into my boards, but postcard and photo displays made by umbra and other companies can work, and be visually interesting.