Using scent in your booth?

[ElunaJewelry]

Ok I know scent can be a turnoff if it is really strong. But I am NOT thinking putting overpowered smells in the booth. Just lite and elusive scents.

Here is what I am thinking. I found some cinnamon sticks, that give off a very lite scent. I was thinking about adding a couple of those to my booth, to provide more ambiance to my holiday booth.

I want to create an elusive scent in the booth that reminds you of warm holiday baking on a snowy day.

Have you used scents in your booth?

[stringnstone]

April, I sell soaps so scents are what we are all about.. but I worry when we do indoor shows that we are stinking up the place..but love to walk into a store or booth that has a light cinnamon scent ...emphasis on light.. the display of cinnamon cones at the entrance to Joann's is a bit much.

[ElunaJewelry]

Margret,

I can confirm that the entire set of cinnamon sticks together are not even close I that level.

:)

[khmetalwork]

There is a Seller at one of my shows that sells Lavender products, I LOVE the scent, and would be happy to be next to her. However, I've heard many complaints from other Sellers about ever present smell. Like music, scent is subjective and your show neighbors may not appreciate smelling cinnamon all day.

[RachelleStrackeArt]

Light scent is okay, I think and especially at this time of year for the cinnamon scent. I do soap as well and people approach and say it smells so good - all the scents are pretty light and they blend very well since they are all natural. I can barely smell it anymore as I am so used to it. I do have to say that I have a hard time with one booth near mine that sells cranberry everything. The smell is very overpowering - you can smell it from a block away and I am not exaggerating.

I also cannot handle walking through the mall near the Bath & Body Works store. A huge difference in scents (to me anyway) from all natural to synthetic.

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

Yeah, I would be careful to use any scents in your booth. If its indoors, ask your neighbors if it would be ok with them if you have it. Some people might have super sensitive to stuff like that.

I haven't used scents in my booth, primarily cause I don't want my knits to start smelling what I'm using.

[ElunaJewelry]

My husband is one of those that is super sensitive to smells. And I have had asthma attacks from perfume before. So I get the too much = bad.

That is why I am asking about light elusive scents. Not something you can smell a block away.

[khmetalwork]

*too much* is subjective, I would skip adding a scent to your space.

[Former_Member]

It may vary with any audience. While something may be light to your nose, could be overwhelming for someone else. It may be safe to pass.

[WhimsyBits]

I don't like the cinnamon smell - I can tolerate it but everyone's tolerance level is different. If the scent was too strong for me I wouldn't come into your booth.

[ElunaJewelry]

Has anyone who is against these ideas actually tried them in you booth or am I just hearing from those who would not do it, therefore no one else should either?

Because I am hearing "no don't do it!" from the same people in each idea thread I post lately.

I asked for advice from people who have actually tried this, and what their experiences are.

[Former_Member]

April, I currently have a small bowl of cinnamon sticks tucked under my small Christmas tree... you can only smell it if you are really close but it's at the front of the booth so it draws folks in... Memory invoking scents are good this time of year if they are subtle.

[khmetalwork]

it's not about, 'I don't and you shouldn't either', it's experienced art/craft sellers extending their experience to you as it relates to your question. I don't have to add a fragrance to my selling space to know some people will like it and some won't, it's your paid for space - do as you see fit (and contract allows).

Personally, my mantra is never to give people an excuse not to shop/buy at your table e.g., no music, no scents (including lunch), no politics, no religion, etc.

[ElunaJewelry]

But if you've never tried it how can you claim to have experience in it?

[Former_Member]

Well, as a natural skincare seller my whole setup is about smells. I have never had a complaint from my neighbors and I do ask. So either they are truthful or don't want to cause any problems. I say it's your booth, do whatever you want but always consider your neighbors.

[Former_Member]

I did a quick Google search for "using scent in retail" and Scent Marketing is a common practice and a part of the brand for many companies. This WSJ article focuses on the intention behind the scents we associate with Cinnabon, Panera, and other restaurants, as well as high-end retailers and hotels. Other retailers purposely exclude scents to focus on product and not "distracting smells." Scent Marketing is regulated in some spaces (like malls) and can determine where these stores can set up shop. I thought it was interesting! If you Google around, you can find out more.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303468704579573953132979382

[PJCRAFTSWORLD]

Do you realize there are people allergic to scents of all kinds? Just like there are those who are allergic to or don't clike the smell of cigarettes. I hope you are never next to me with your smells.

Can you product not stand on it's own? Do you need smells or other artificial measures to make your product enticing? As for me my product stands on it's own.

BTW I do not go into stores that smell as it clogs my sinuses immediately and gives me a headache that it takes the rest of the day to recover from. My doctor tells me this type of sensitivity is getting more and more prevalent as people use more and more scents.

[ElunaJewelry]

Do you realize that marketing study after study have proved that a light subtle scent can increase sales purchases by over 20%? I am doing craft shows to sell my work and I am not afraid to create a selling enviroment.

Yes I understand people have sensitives and I also understand from your post that you probably failed to read my earlier posts saying my husband is one of those people.

and I really do not appreciate being attacked just because this is a sales method you would not be open to trying in your booth. And the backhanded comment on my work because you do not like the idea is not professional.

I thought this team was about being open to ways that increase sale revenue at craft shows. Not attacking those who may decide to sale in a different manner than you do.

I am sorry that you do not like the idea. I am working on creating a holiday experience for my customers, from your time and attack I seriously doubt you would be my target customer.

[MemoriestoYou]

A lot of people complain about the Abercrombie smell but that marketing works for them. Personally, I love their smell and since ours closed, I miss it when I walk in the mall. Yes, people can be allergic to smells but they can also be allergic to the dust on the floor, the pollen in the trees or the plastic in the shopping bags. You are not going to please everyone. Give it a try and if people complain than stop. A small bowl of real cinnamon sticks will not be as overpowering as those damn brooms they have in my grocery store!

[ElunaJewelry]

I was never a fan of Abercrombie's smell, but by the time they came to my area I was already too old for them anyway. So I was not their target customer.

But if I walk by a Cinnabon......,, what can I say. Yum!!!!!
I understand that sometimes they will bake a sheet of brown sugar and cinnamon just to keep the smell lingering in their store. And it works. People are drawn in by the smell.

But it also works in other situations as well. Though natural scents, like cinnamon or orange oil, are less likely to cause headaches than artificial scents like perfume.

[LizArti]

I love the Abercrombie smell, but it never made me want to buy anything there, not even their perfume or cologne!

As someone who helps organize shows, I can tell you that many vendors request NOT to be near a booth that might smell, be it food or soap.

OH, just thought of something. A couple of years ago I was next to the nicest soap seller. I don't use soap a lot, but bought 1/2 dozen bars to give as gifts. i never gave them to anyone, but now I have some sitting under my yarn as I knit, and others in the plastic bins with my finished product. It leaves a nice, subtle, natural, fresh scent that I like.

[LizArti]

This discussion makes me think of realtors advising clients to bake chocolate chip cookies before a showing!

[ElunaJewelry]

Same concept, using good scents to establish a positive emotional feeling.

[Former_Member]

Sorry but it's not about the 'I wouldn't do it and neither should you'.

Its a matter of the thousands of people out there who have allergies and reactions to scents of any kind.

A simple whiff of some scents is enough to set off a severe reaction in some people.

And in 90% of the cases you won't even know because the person won't tell you.

I've taken part in many shows and put together a few and its rather interesting to see how many people request NOT to be near anyone selling scented items.

[HoldsIt]

I was just thinking of the realtors... they always advise you to have something baking during a showing... cookies, bread... anything that makes the house feel like home to someone.