Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

Hi All,

I believe Craft Show season is among us! I am planning on doing about four craft shows between now and Christmas. Only thing is I've NEVER DONE ONE before! I'm super excited and have been googling tips and tricks and booth displays most of the day but would love tips and tricks from any of you that have done one before! Im sure this can help a bunch of other people on this team that are new to this like me!

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!
Carolyn
Gray Wine Design
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Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

Ooooohhh, I think that your items would be successful.

You can find some ideas in this Team by doing a search for Craft Shows. Also, you may wish to check this other Team out. They are all about craft shows:

https://www.etsy.com/teams/8070/craft-fairs-its-a-living

I have done a couple of shows. The last one, on the street, under a canopy and the wind knocking down my earring cards, was by far the best. I was very nervous when I did my first show - I even ask members of my family to be there for moral support (it helps a lot if you have a person with you). Now I can do it alone.

I have a cute little apron that has pockets. It is a great asset as if fits pens, change, small calculator and money. One pocket is zippered. Make sure your items are all priced or have a sign indicating the price.

Good luck to you!
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Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

Awesome thank you so much! Those are great tips and I will definitely join the the team for more information!

Thank you for taking the time to help me out and calm my nerves a bit!
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StuckOnSilver
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

At my first "show" I shared a edge of a friend's table. It was fun and I've participated in shows ever since.

I use elevated tables and a high chair and introduce my pieces to people who stop buy. I love to compliment people stop by wearing jewelry I've made and say what good taste they have! And ask them if the would like to see my latest designs.

I share my process of replicating botanical items, etc. but gently decline to share all my proprietary secrets.

I note designs or items requested but not yet in my line so I can find a way to make them!

Most of all, make shopping at your booth fun--props, flowers, raffle give-a-ways so you can email share new designs and upcoming shows...

Good luck--have fun and sell lots!
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Former_Member
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Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

I am doing a show in November. First one ever! It's a library fundraiser. Expecting to sell mainly lower priced items and other bookmarks that are not listed on etsy
Any suggestions for how to best display my blankets? Thanks
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Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

How about a folding clothes drying rack? Maybe wood over plastic -- sturdier, I believe. Good luck!

A general tip: make a detailed list of what you need to take.
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Former_Member
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Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

Alison, thanks for the suggestion. My husband suggested the same. We are hoping to make the blankets the main focus (they are why I started the shop to begin with). Your jewelry is beautiful! I also added one of the vase magnets to my "Unique and Unusual" list on my profile. Great idea!
Bev, you have also given me some ideas to think about as well. Love your jewelry also.
Thanks!
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kidsstore
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Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

How about taking a couple folding chairs with arms, and some sort of small folding tables to go with them. Then drape blankets over the corner of each chair, and add a couple of books or magazines, a mug, etc. on each table to make your displays look cozy and homey. Another thing to take for display is a small, wooden ladder to lean against something solid. The ladders are so simple to make and great for displaying blankets, either at shows, at home or as a photo prop. If you could make a few, you could possibly sell them at your show as a way to display/store the customer's blankets at home.

One thing I had heard from other sellers and definitely noticed at my last sale was to group small, inexpensive items in a ziplock bag or have a group of items hooked together as one unit. Then put a inexpensive price on the group. People love to buy a bag or group of things for a cheap price. Every thing I had bagged sold out. Even things I was sure would not sell. I had a friend who used to have fantastic success at craft shows with customers following her around to the different craft fairs. She would average at least $1,800 per show (she sold mainly country style floral décor). When the financial crises hit a few years ago, she got where she could barely make enough to cover her show expenses. Then she tried putting together small bags of potpourri for $5.00 a bag. At ever show, she would sell out of those bags. She learned to make up at least enough of those bags to cover the cost of her booth fees. It really helped during those lean years. Not everyone makes items that they can afford to sell for such a low amount, but if you can, it may be worth it to include something in that line with your other items.

One other thing. If you don't have one at home, it will be worth the expense to get one of the dolly/cart/hand trucks to use to haul your tables, display items, and tubs. The cart I am talking about has a handle that can be attached to the wheel part where the cart can be used standing upright as an appliance cart or horizontal where you can lay the items across it. Those are extremely useful when carrying your items into the show, and very practical to have for home use. It really cuts down on the number of trips from your vehicle to your booth space and saves your back and arms from having to carry everything that distance. When it comes to setting up and taking down your booth display items, you never know what distance you will have to haul everything. Good luck.
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Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

Hi, I have done quite a few shows and I feel that one of the most important advice I could share is this: Make sure you put weights on your tent. I know this isn't very glamours but very important. Also I have found that having a pricing tier is helpful -high, medium and low. Good luck
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StuckOnSilver
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Help! - Craft Show Tips and Tricks

Send a clear photo of what you are selling to the people organizing the show--one of my photos is on the flier for the largest outdoor show I do. I am thrilled!

Also, add shopping local to your etsy shop. this feature gives prospective shoppers a map, times and a description of the show and what you will feature. I put "...wear jewelry I've made and get a 10% discount!"
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