Setup- Tables line inside or outside

[Innov8iveKnits]

I just did my first craft show (which went terrible - absolutely wrong venue) but the real question here is- as far as setup what have you seen works better as far as a table setup works:


A) line the tables along the "inside" of your tent and create a walk-in area
OR
B) line tables alone the outside of the booth and stand behind them kind of like a counter?

Lining them at this particular show around the outside creating a counter worked better- but this was a very small show, bad venue, and did not make much money. I tended to have trouble getting people to walk inside my tent and check out things but when they lined the outside of my tent it was all in their face and easier for them to see, touch etc. What's your opinion on this?

[TheSalvagedEdge]

When I do tables lined inside I hang some colorful scarves in the corners of the tent to catch people's eye.
I find I switch up my setup depending my mood an location of my tent.

[LuluDeuxMillinery]

When I've done shows with my husband, we find it works better to be behind the tables, especially if we have a corner space and can do an "L." Something about seeing the two of us in front of our tables seems intimidating or something.

[Former_Member]

Most of the time lining the table up for outside viewing is impossible as booths are butted up against each other with only the front as an opening. My setup is flexable for either. I never know if when i get to a show what the exact setup will be so i prep for as many as I can think of.

[ElisaAlvarado]

Depends on the location.

On outdoor shows I would only do inside tables here in Texas because even with a cool breeze the heat and sun are brutal after a while. If customers are walking around in the sun it is just dangerous and irresponsible to not have an booth where they can have shelter from the sun. (EMS showed up at our market last week because someone collapsed due to heat.) That being said, I would put something on the front of the booth to draw them in.

For indoor shows it could be either way but remember that if there is a crowd on the aisle, people won't stop. I have done my tables sort of in between where I had room behind for me but there was still plenty of room inside my booth for people to stop and look without blocking the aisle and feeling like they needed to move on.

I always have a spot where I can sit to cashier and not be in the way of people viewing my stuff.

[Mysticglassduo]

I find that even though we line our tables along the sides in a horseshoe shape and stand behind them, if we pull them a few inches out in front (if allowed) that it draws people in.

[Former_Member]

If your stuff works on tables, then it depends on your location.
If you have a corner go for the L shaped set up but not at the edge of the tent, set it back so folks can get out of the flow and stop and look

If you don't have a corner, it is a good idea to at least give folks a place to get out of traffic to look. Even if it is just a foot or two

[Innov8iveKnits]

That's a really good point about having a space to be out of traffic... from my 1 show (it wasn't very crowded and I had 3 open sides) putting them around the edges worked well but a very busy one would have to be done different! Thank you for all of your opinions on this it is very helpful.

[Former_Member]

For me, it all depends on the venue and the amount of space that is available.

I've found that most shows allow only a 10' x 10' space so in that case I'll use an inverted U shape where people can walk in. That way I can display quite an assortment of merchandise so people can see it.

If there is space, I'll set up the booth so that people can shop from 3 sides but ONLY if I have at least 2 other people with me. Things tend to 'walk' if they aren't watched carefully at times.

I've also done shows where I've used one wall as a focal point and then set up the display in a square in the front corner. That usually draws people in as well.

[Mysticglassduo]

Crochetgal, I'm interested in the lay out you are talking about but not really understanding it. Can you explain further??

[FlameOnGlass]

I like my tables at the front so customers are facing me & I can engage them in conversation a bit. I also like a some personal space so that makes a nice barrier. If it rains I pull my tables back a few feet so people can shop out of the rain.

[Former_Member]

Here's what I usually do for sidewalk-type shows: along the inside perimeter of the tent I hang my photographs and jewelry photos/mirrors at eye level or slightly higher. I place my tables, the o's, on the left and right hand sides so that people can browse as they walk in and the ends catch the wandering eye. I sit in the corner (where the x's are) so that I can keep an eye on merchandise and answer questions without being in anyone's face. I also place a browsing bin of photographs right on the edge of the tent. That always makes people stop to browse and then they wander in. Rough sketch below for the more visual people. :)

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[Former_Member]

I always set up in a U shape so people can walk in. I have too much stuff to display on one table across the front of the space. I DO, however, have the table across the back of my space as close as possible to the "aisle" (leaving room for my display pieces on either side. This accomplishes two goals: !. It gets my items closer to people and they don't feel that they have to walk "too far" into my display to look at stuff up close. 2. It gives us a place to sit behind our displays and still be protected from sun and rain.

I also set up this way for indoor shows. I'm a hands-off seller, in that I am not in my customer's faces. It's easy to see where we are at all times and if someone makes eye contact with me I say hi, good morning, or whatever. That's it. I watch (in a very not noticeable way) to see if anyone looks like they want help or is ready to buy something but for the most part, I let them alone. They know where I am if they have a question. I would NEVER park myself in front of my display, ever. I've been to many craft shows as a customer, and I steer clear of those booths whose crafter/artist is standing in the middle of their booth or is looking like they're going to follow me around their booth, telling me about their items. I HATE that. . . . most shoppers do. Nothing, I repeat, nothing makes me leave a booth faster than to be instantly "assaulted" by the crafter who feels she/he needs to tell you everything about their items before you've even had a chance to look at them.

Sorry, seem to have rambled myself right off the subject, but my setup both encompasses my needs as well as what I believe will work best for the customers.