How's my Display?

[KidEssence]

Just looking for opinions. THis is the first set up I've tried. Tables will be here this weekend.

It's the first post on my FB page right now:

https://www.facebook.com/TLeeCustomDesigns?ref=hl

[SomeKindOfPretty]

Love what you have so far! It looks really bright and happy! But I assume that there will be pillow cases on the three blank pillows?

[KidEssence]

Yes, there will be pillowcases on those. They were just upstairs in a box and I didn't want to bring them to the basement. :)

[TextileTrolley]

Looking good Tricia, can't wait to see it in person...it looks organized and clean! Very eye catching with the colours too. I need to get myself in gear for this show!

[Former_Member]

Very bright! It will help to attract customers. Some things to consider when doing shows that I've learned over the years:

1. Set up and tear down time. It may not seem important for one show, but when you do a show every weekend for a few months, this becomes important.

2. Wind. Expect everything that is upright will fall down unless attached to the table somehow. Have an alternate plan to use if it gets too windy for your displays.

3. Little hands and fingers. Unless its an adult only show, you will have kids coming around. I love them, but they can mess up things fast, on purpose or accident. Your chalkboard signs might be an attraction.

4. If you have it, bring it. Extra inventory laying around that hasn't sold? Bring it with you.

5. Make sure you have all your sale processing items with you. Phone, card reader, receipt book, pens, pens, and more pens (I always seem to lose them...), tape of all sorts, zip/cable ties, rope, etc (yes, I have used all of these at just about every show I do).

6. A notebook to keep track of things you learn. Create a knowledge base to refer to so you can improve for the next one. Also keep notes on the shows you do so if it is good you can remember to do it next time.

7. Enjoy the time. Smile and be friendly, even if its been a hard day. I've seen so many sellers not sell anything because they look they will rip your head off. The friendlier you are, the better your sales will be.

[Former_Member]

I love the set up and the colors are inviting.

The chalkboard is a great idea too but I'm one of those that doesn't like to announce their prices. I like it when customers ask. That way I can engage them in conversation. They do seem to fit in nicely with the overall look.

I really like your box of sample fabrics. I think people like to shop and not enough people do that for their customers. I would think of other ways to do more of that.

In jewelry we use flats. Flats tend to drum up interest because people want to "see" what else you have. I can see the same with your pillow cases and clutches too. Not all of them have to be displayed on a pillow. You might want to put some in a box or basket on the table too. A little bit of mystery is nice.

Good luck.

[Former_Member]

I like it! Keeps my eyes moving all the way from one end to the other. Good luck at your show!

[Former_Member]

Tricia Lee, I like your display. I like that you have some height, and your banner above everything will look great. I like the colors too, and chalkboard signs are a great idea. Kevin, I wonder if you are possibly losing customers by not pricing your items? As a customer, I'd keep walking by if I couldn't see prices, I'd think it's too expensive. And some people are too shy to ask. I plan on making little decorative signs to place throughout my booth display with my prices on them.

[KidEssence]

Louise: Thanks! I can't wait to see you too and see your booth as well! I'm getting more and more excited now that I physically see it coming together. :D

Anthony: Whoa! Amazing tips! Thanks!!! This show is indoors so I won't have to worry about wind, but you are absolutely right about kids! I actually have one of the placemats (my daughters) out for kids (and adults) to try out, as well as one of the artbooks (again, my daughters) so they can test them. :) I wasn't originally going to put the coffee sleeves in the show, but they just haven't sold on Etsy, so why not? Then, my sister bought 3 this morning. LOL! I'm glad I have room for them. I have some tote bags that I have in inventory that I don't list anymore because they just never sold. Maybe I should bring them? But, I'm not sure how to display them?

Kevin: Box of Sample fabrics???? I think you are looking at the box on the right? Those are the chalboard placemats. They are rolled up and tied. I have the sample layed out open in front of it to see and test. Pillowcases: Yes, not all will be displayed or out. This photo only shows half of my cosmetic bags (I made two of each),

[Former_Member]

Jean, I hear you. I've heard it before. I don't doubt that you're right too. I price things but I don't like signs saying what the prices are. Too me it's tacky. If that means people don't buy...so be it.

At the shows I do; maybe %10 will have signs. So if you don't see prices and move on here, your missing %90 of booths and I don't see how women could do that if they are really shopping.

The flip side of that is those who put up signs don't seem to last long. I know of only one vendor that continually does it. She's been selling for about 3 years now. Oddly enough she does the very thing I abhor...flourescent poster board cut into 'firework' stars with earrings as low as $5 to a high of $8 on the corners of her earring displays. Forgive my flippancy but I suspect she hasn't done the math.

If price is your only concern then buy from her and the others who set up but once and then give up.

Lastly, no price you move on...too high you move on...better I get you to pause, so I can just smile and say aloha. Then you may find I'm not high pressure and actually hang a little.

[Former_Member]

Tricia, yes that's what I was referring to. Giving people something to dig into, root around in is what I see that really works at shows. Think treasure hunt.

[botanicalatelieretsy]

Tricialee, have you seen the chalk board signs that are painted? I found that the chalk faded really fast (ten minutes or so) but the ppl. I know who use the chalk board paint or who paint on the chalk boards, it looks really professional and stays that way, when I get to it I am leaving a couple blank for seasonal products and specials but painting most of them.

This list has craft fair prep lists linked and is super helpful http://www.handmadeology.com/the-ultimate-craft-show-preparation-link-list/

You going to use table covers yes? I would love to see your table covers coordinate with your items, like the carpets in your basement do with the walls.

What is written on your chalk boards? I cannot tell, I assume its prices and sizes right?

people here will not buy without prices we can see, somehow people think the prices will change according to the buyer.

If you check out my pinterest page of ideas for booths at shows, there are some pics that might give you inspiration. http://www.pinterest.com/mayamade/booth-ideas-for-festivals/

I love the colors you chose for everything. Very nice job!

[KidEssence]

Maya: If your talking about using the "chalk Ink" pens on the the sign you painted with Chalk board paint, you will ruin the chalkboard paint. It says so on the paint can. You aren't supposed to use the pens with them. They imprint and you will have to paint over then again. The chalk ink pens don't say this though. :( I wanted to originally use them because it is cleaner, but because of that, I'm not so sure. I painted these boards with chalkboard paint so I can use them in a versatile manner. I guess it doesn't hurt to repaint them though? It would be cleaner and clearer writing.

I will be using white table covers. I was thinking of doing a different color, but I didn't want the colors of my display drown out the colors of my items.

I have prices and more written on the signs. For the art books and placemats sign it says, "Art Time!" Art books :$45 Placemats:$18-20. (there are different sizes) at the bottom, it says, "TRY ME!" so kids and others can try out the sample art book and placemat I have out.

The pillowcases sign says: "Keep your home in style" and lists the two prices (small: $25, large $40)

The cosmetic bags: "Because Mom is worth it too" Cosmetic Bags $25-30.

Coffee Sleeves: "Give your cup personality" Coffee Sleeves: $10.

There is also a sign that says : We take custom orders