does my display really matter?

[AnnieJoCreations]

So... ive been reading all these threads about people worrying about their displays not looking good enough. I am a total newbie and it seems odd to me that the way you display your items would be such a big deal. do i really need to go all out? Or would something simple be ok... i just feel like an extravagant display would take away from what im selling. My first show is in june so im trying to figure this out ... any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Former_Member]

I don't think it's about "extravagance" but more about having levels that are pleasing to the eye and make the viewing flow. A bunch of jewelry laid out on a table looks like it's kind of cheap and like you didn't put much effort into it. You don't want them to think you didn't put effort into your jewelry.

[TheEnchantedWren]

For me, it's about having a booth that draws people in. I want be different than the other booths around me and make them want to walk in for more. So, it's not about extravagance but more about... curb appeal...

[ecarlateboutique]

I agree. I am constantly tweaking my display to make it more pleasing to the eye while having enough product on display. It is the same as what I would expect in a store or boutique.

[deltamoonsoap]

I agree with all of them, sounds like it's not their first rodeos! You want to do something to make them come in and look, and the longer they linger the better! You don't have to spend a ton of money either, you can look at Flickr to get inspiration, or even Pinterest. I am always tweaking my table too, it's really fun! Good luck to you :-)

[PrairiePrimitives]

Well, try a simple display ... and count the number of shoppers who glance in your direction and keep on walking.

You only have 2 items in your shop, so I'm not sure what you'd be selling.

[TigersandDragons]

The point of display is to draw people's eye towards your items, to draw them into your booth, and make them want to stay there. There's so much to look at at craft shows, do you want customers to pass you by?
Sure you can start with a simple display, but the point of doing a craft show is to make money, and a good display will increase sales.

Years ago I worked in a major department store doing window, floor, fashion mannequin, and home decor displays. What I suggest is that you go into some stores that sell your type of item, look at their displays. What draws you in? What makes the products stand out? What makes them easy to find (how are they organized?). If you can attend some craft shows before June, you will find more display ideas there too.

Your booth won't be perfect the first time around, even when you have a good display, it will continue to evolve through the years.

[MemoriestoYou]

What Nicole P said! Something that is cohesive and pleasing to the eye. Look at what you are selling, your price points and your target market... if you are selling $200 pieces of jewelry, you want your booth to reflect that! There needs to be a balance between extravagant and flea market because too far in either direction will turn people off.

[Former_Member]

I agree with all of the above. Having a well-organized display is definitely the place to start, but as you move on, you'll notice things like, "hey, nobody even looked at these hats, it might be because they're laying flat, not hanging up," or the like.

Often at craft shows, you won't be the only one selling the type of product you make. Having your booth look aesthetically pleasing will be the first step in making you stand out from the competition.

Like tigersanddragons said, it won't be perfect the first time, and that's ok! You'll always find something to tweak, and you'll always be making it better.

[Former_Member]

Frankly it all depends. My display generally has 4 tables, 2 table top shelves, baskets, spinners, and hanging elements. I've been doing a reoccurring market that has been under performing for me so i cut it back to 2 tables, shelves, spinners, and baskets...i sold more with the smaller display than the larger.

I suspect this crowd likes less professional displays, i think they like the mystic of the poor artist, seems the less professional a display looks the more they like to look. Its a odd show with an eclectic crowd of shoppers.

[Former_Member]

I suggest walking through a few shows that you're not in. Look at what catches your eye (positive and negative) and then take a look at how the crowd reacts to different displays.

Personally, I prefer the minimalist approach. But I don't want to feel like I'm buying the only item in stock.

[AnnieJoCreations]

Thanks everyone. This really helps a ton!

[Former_Member]

Simply put, if you see an item in a second hand store, or see the same item in a high end retailer, where would you spend the most money for that item?

Same item, different display.

it makes a difference in how people see value.

[Former_Member]

I agree with much of what has been said...but I wanted to add a practical point too.

I only do indoor shows with one table. I need to be very creative with my space to display all of my work. My display reminds me of a college dorm room...at least ones years ago. There isn't enough space for all the stuff you *need* so people got very creative and building lofts, shelving, etc to jam it all in!

So, sometimes the "extravagance" is more of a necessity for you to have enough products to display/sell!

[TigersandDragons]

"Simply put, if you see an item in a second hand store, or see the same item in a high end retailer, where would you spend the most money for that item?
Same item, different display.
it makes a difference in how people see value."

This is so true! I've seen beautiful items that look diminished because they are not displayed well. Also jewellery pieces that IMO were not well made or particularly interesting, on displays that were fun, eye-catching, and dynamic...sometimes the displays were more creative than the jewellery.

[2CraftyChix]

Look on Pinterest for booth ideas.

[Former_Member]

I want people to look across the room and think "oh, I have to get over there and see what is in that booth" - it may be easier for me to design a primitive booth than other sellers, but first impressions are very important in my opinion.

[NaturelMistik]

Excellent question and very good answers! It boils down to what someone posted earlier - curb appeal. We like to think our awesome, incredible, lovingly made-by-hand products are what bring people into our booth. Alas, the vast majority of people will decide within 5 seconds of looking at your booth whether or not they want to go in. That means they are looking at the overall 'vibe' of your booth/colors/etc - not your product. Same with buying a house. A large percentage of buyers base their decision on what they see when they pull up to the curb - regardless of what they find inside (speaking as a former realtor). Of course, once you attract them into your booth, your product does the talking. Good luck with your first show!

[Former_Member]

Yes, your display matters more that I can even say. It doesn't have to be extravagent, but it does need to be organized and showcase your items in the most appealing way possible. My display has evolved over the years and I have noticed that my sales increase as my display improves. The investment that I made in tablecloths, shelves and grid has more than paid for itself over the years.

[LizArti]

A good display isn't necessarily extravagant, but is thoughtfully designed to show your work off at it's best.

Yes - it's VERY important!

Good luck with your first show. If you want the team to help with your booth design, post a pic and we'll be happy to critique it.

[Former_Member]

Yes, it matters! If your table doesn't catch the attention of lookers, you'll be standing at your booth & watching people pass by!

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make a display that is visually interesting.

You can start with a super cheap dollar store plastic table cover, and use cardboard boxes or plastic containers for height. Just get a plain tablecloth to drape over the top.

Spend some time looking at other people's displays, and see what grabs your attention, and what distracts from the products they are selling.

Set up your table at home and play around with the arrangement until you are happy with it. Ask a friend to help if it's not your "thing".

[loominationstudio]

Annie, I think it really depends on the person, with the idea of "extravagance." I have a tiny car that needs to fit my tent, weights, tables, displays and all my work. I'd like to have 4 or 5 dress forms to bring with me everywhere, but I just don't have the space, so I've had to to get creative. I bring one with me and use wooden hangars to display my cowls, which really don't sell flat, because you can't tell what they are or how awesome they will look on.

My display is really minimal, but I do have work at lots of visual "levels." With textiles, it's important to keep my display simple, so that the work stands out. If you have smaller items, your display itself needs to be seen from several paces away. You also need to show your own aesthetic when designing your booth. Your work and your booth design need to make sense as a whole. It's a mini boutique just for your work.