Work it!

Rockin' A Craft Show - Even if it's your first time...

Craft shows are so exciting!  I have done two shows with my MABeInspired items and my SimpleSincerity items.  So yes, I am verrry new to this.  However, both of my shows were successful and super fun.  To work a craft show, you need a super positive attitude.  You have to go in thinking, "even if I don't sell much, I am going to have fun and network".    You may think two shows doesn't qualify me to give advice, but my two shows are still very fresh in my mind and I know what worked and what didn't. 

Best Tip:  BRING A BUDDY!  Luckily, I have a business partner for SimpleSincerity, so she works that side of the booth and I work my MABeInspired side.  We take money separately for the two "shops" within the one booth space.  I hope that makes sense. :)  But really, if you can find someone to share the day with it will make your craft show experience so much more enjoyable.  They can stay with the booth if you need to walk around or use the bathroom, they can help take money, or help sell your product.  And when I say sell, I mean talk up your product!  Get people involved with your booth.  Give them samples, have them try something on, or just spark up a conversation.   If you are excited about your products, they will be too. 


This was my very first show. The MABeInspired Side.

At my booth this past weekend, I started talking to some customers about my love for recycling and before I knew it, they were asking how to find my etsy shop and were very interested in my recycled sweater flowers because they also had a passion for upcycling and recycling.  You have more in common with your customers than you might realize.  They also love to here when you live in and around the same town as they do.  They love finding products made so close to home.  So if you are a bit shy... now is the time to practice being bold.  I am a pretty shy gal... so I really have to work it at craft shows.   I have found, the more I talk to people - the more I sell.  It's true.  I used to think that you should just leave people alone and let them shop... but that is not always the case.  You have to feel people out.  If it looks like maybe you should let them be... then follow your gut.  But 9 times out of 10, you should just break the ice and ask them how they are doing. 



The Simple Sincerity Side.

Now these photos above are from my very first show.  The displays are a little rough, but I was pretty proud of them.   Your display is so important.   You need signs that give prices and simple explanations.  I have found that people will not take the time read much. My main sign in that first photo was just too much. I don't think one person actually read through the sign.  Really, it is kind of sad.  So try to be short and sweet with your signs.   And SURPRISE -  they want a deal!  You may need to lower your prices just a tad from Etsy or your online shop if you can afford to.  Or offer some kind of special deal for buying more than one, or spending more than "x" amount.  You get the picture.  Just make them feel special and like they are getting one heck of a deal.

Another thing I find to be successful is having a "bargain bowl".   People will dig and dig through baskets and bowls to find an amazing deal.  You can have a perfectly beautiful display, and yet, they want to dig through the bowl of sale items.  :) 

MABeInspired Side - Admire the wooden case display!  My dad built that for me.  :)

Simple Sincerity Side!  (we had a much larger space this time around and a lot more product)

 

This second set of photos, is from my second show.  I did two spaces this time to give us more room.  Half for MABeInspired, and half for SimpleSincerity.  This show was a bit slower, but we actually ended up making more money this time.  So it was very successful.  We also had way more product this time.   Tabitha was offering samples of our lotion... and we ended up selling 4-5 bottles of our lotion.  So keep that in mind if you sell something people can sample. 

 

For my next show, I have decided I want to have more visuals.  I noticed that people responded well to the two photos I had displayed of my flowers being worn.  They liked having that visual of what it might look like.  I also wear my products during my show.  I wear a flower in my hair and on a scarf.   So for next time, I think I will display pictures of my flowers on clothing, or on a baby's headband...etc.  Visual aides are a good thing!  Help your customer visualize your products being used or worn. 

 

A helpful list of things to bring:

• Camera (document your displays so you can improve for next time)
• Calculator
• Paper (for last minute signs, recording sales, and write down ideas for your next show as they come to you)
• Clipboard
• Pens & Markers
• Tape
• Clothes Pins or Metal Clips
• Scissors
• Mirror (If your products can be worn... Women like to see what it will look like)
Business cards or little printouts with info and coupons for shopping on Etsy!
Bags for Purchases
Bank Box or Tupperware for Change


• Small Bills for making change (You don't want to be that person begging for change from other booths...)
• Apron for holding your cash
• Tylenol (sometimes headaches come at the worst times)
• Chair (ask if you need to supply your own chairs)
• Comfy shoes and a sweater! 

Have some Craft Show tips to share?  Leave ideas below!  I love hearing advice for craft shows.  If you haven't done a show, give it a shot.  They are so much fun and a chance to spread the word about your products.  Show your customers how much you love your craft and your process, and so will they.