Need input on arranging booth displays and tables. aaack......

[Former_Member]

I set up differently every time, partly because each fair is different as far as size and exposed sides, indoors or out, but also because I haven't settled on a way I like.

Mainly I struggle with how to display my two 3ft wide x 3ft tall table top card displays in relation to my multiple baskets of sock monkeys (which I have a varying heights). The tall racks sometimes seem to hide the monkeys but if I totally separate them they may not be noticed. At this point I would be happy with a setup that has a balanced uncluttered look.

I have several tables from 4ft to 6ft to choose from (and a 8X8 tent) but as another thread discussed, it's hard to decide whether to have a walk in booth or one where the tables are on the outside edge. Weather wise walk in is better so the sun won't beat down on my cards although I have been known to pull the tables in a bit as needed to avoid it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm so unsatisfied with my booth that I don't even want to show a photo of it although I do have new tablecloths that help tone down the chaotic look.

[Former_Member]

I haven't done an outside fair yet but I'm planning one for August. I haven't done a set up but here is how I imagine my table set up, assuming just the front side is open (but with a 10 x 10)

Looking in as if I were a customer I will put my 8ft table along the right edge, 6ft table along the left edge. I have a 4ft table that adjusts in height that I will put at the back touching the 8 ft table which will leave the back left corner for a directors chair and "check out". Of course this is imaginary right now and if I have a corner that won't work, but this is how I see it in my mind.

[Former_Member]

Sorry I forgot about the display part. I have two large hanging displays for my aprons and totes, probably about the size of yours. So far I find that if I seperate them I have a better time of things. Perhaps one on each long table, color coordinated maybe?

[Former_Member]

I do a square table and a round table at the front corners of the booth and then either one or two tables in the back (middle) of the booth. These I either set up horizontally across the booth if one or in a "V" shape if two.

I use a lot of baskets for my displays. I just purchased a two-tier basket at a market and painted it what will now be my signature blue. I also have some very nice rope baskets that I use for height.

I will post a picture of my setup as soon as I am able.

[LizArti]

It's hard to picture it without a photo. Go ahead and show it - we'll be gentle :)

[Former_Member]

Ok, here is a link to my Facebook page. All of the pictures are now in albums. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the new setup at my markets now, except for the boat, where I have a saingle table. Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacific-Northwest-Bath-Essentials/230832810267190

My markets are starting for the week tomorrow. I will take some new pictures of the booths. I will probably need them for my applications for next year anyway.

[Former_Member]

Thanks all for the input & encouragement!

And I love the whole idea of a Farmboat Floating Market! I took the crazy Ducks ride tour once just to get to float around Seattle's lake as well as the roads.

As you can see on my FB page my set up keeps changing. My next fair gives everyone a corner so I'm experimenting with that.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atomicgrandma/237778776234538

[Former_Member]

All my festivals are outdoors so I always opt for the booth that a potential customer can walk right into.

I've found that its easier that way to keep an eye on the merchandise when its busy and it also helps with sales!

[StudioRoseBoutique]

I've got nothin' to help...just wanted to pop in and tell Peggy how much I love the roadkill sock monkey! ROFL!!!

[Former_Member]

The farmboat is fun. Unfortunately, there is not too much traffic yet. It is in Lake Union aboard the historic Virginia V, and it is surrounded by a park. Not too many people in the park yet. It should pick up if the weather improves.

[MemoriestoYou]

I would do it open so that people can walk in and look around without feeling like they are stopping traffic. What about a small bookcase for your sock monkeys that would allow more room on your table for the card rack? The monkeys are so cute!

[LizArti]

IMO your booth is very welcoming.

I think it looks "cleaner" when you have the cards on one side and the monkeys on the other. And I love the monkey that's hanging from the rafters :)

Are you worried about the monkeys or the cards not being noticed? If the monkeys, I'd say hang a few more from the rafters, especially towards the side near the cards to get people's attention. If you're worried about the cards not being noticed, I have no suggestions.

[HipViolet]

I think your booth looks great already! I don't think you need to worry too much about one thing overpowering the other - especially since they are all of sock monkeys!

A friend of mine made little "ugly dolls" and she displayed them in a vintage suitcase - we would set it out on a little table where you have your card stand, and TONS of people would stop to see them! Plus the suitcase doubles as an easy way to carry them from your car to the booth space :) I would also think it would be fun, since you do have a few different kinds of monkeys in different themes, what if you did the mommy/baby ones in something baby related (baby bathtub? vintage high chair?) too?

I also think because your products are all related, you could definitely alternate on your tables with one side having the cards up front and monkeys behind, and the other side having the monkeys up front, cards further back.

Hope that helps!
jesi

[Former_Member]

If the customer actually comes in, they stay longer in your booth. The longer they stay, the more sales you make. I'd say the one thing vendors neglect is vertical space. Think "up." You've got more space above the table than on top of it. Hang some monkeys from the supports - add some fake palm branches! Make, buy or re-purpose a multi-tier display & get twice as much merchandise for the same footprint. It also adds visual interest. I can't tell you how many booths I've simply walked by because they just had stuff laid out on a table. BO-ring! Go to an upscale store with a housewares department & look at how they merchandise essentially ho-hum stuff like pots, pans & plates. Good luck & good selling!

[Former_Member]

Thanks again for all the helpful tips & kind words. :(])

I'm going to experiment at home with the vertical ideas because my baskets can be at different heights. Also hanging monkeys from the canopy is something I definitely should do more of to catch people's eye from a distance and make them more appealing.

I have two fairs coming up with corner booth spaces so I'll be experimenting with a walk in setup that works with two open sides. hmmm