Craft Fair Tips from Tiffany

10 Craft Show Tips

• Create Visual Interest with Organization
  • This is what draws people in - an unorganized or unprofessional looking display/table/booth can deter potential customers.
  • Have 2-3 focal items that draw attention. These should be items that you feel would separate you from other exhibitors. For example, jewelry making is big right now. Why should someone stop at your booth?
  • Display items at different levels using risers.
  • Make use of all available space - i.e. walls, floor, counter, etc - you pay for a # x # space, utilize it as best you can!
• Displaying Art
  • There are many ways to display art at a craft fair. If you have counter space, consider propping your paintings on easels.
  • Place large collections of your art on an art grid to make the best use out of your booth's vertical space.
  • Handmade greeting cards look great on rotating racks that allow customers to easily browse your unique designs.
• Colors
  • Choose 2-3 colors for what you're using to display your merchandise. Displays should coordinate with crafts without too much contrast.
• Pricing & Payment Methods
  • Items should be clearly priced to avoid too much haggling. Use price tags or placecard holders to label your products.
  • Price them right! Include material, labor, and other costs. Prices too cheap or too high = no business.
  • Use signage to tell attendees how they can pay before they even approach your booth. This is less confrontational for everyone.
• Packing & Transport
  • Be sure to safely wrap and pack all items for transport.
  • Bring extra supplies for repairs with you in case anything gets broken or damaged
• Try Making Something While AT the Show
  • People take comfort in knowing who made their item, especially when it's not a brand name. They will also trust that what is on display was made locally by hand.
  • The demonstration will pull in those who want to watch!
• Be Sure to Bring Enough Change!
  • You'd hate to turn away customers just because you can't break their twenty.
• Bring Assistance
  • Whether you're working on seting up your booth in a timely fashion (most shows give you 1 hour to set up before it opens!), running to the restroom, or assisting with orders/payments, having some additional helping hands will take the pressure off allowing you to focus on what matters most!
• Build a Mailing List
  • Take down emails & customer info for future marketing efforts, or for special orders!
• Brand It!
  • Even if you don't have a legitimate company name, providing people with a means to identify you in the future is key!
  • Be sure to offer a way for shoppers to contact you in the future including a website or social media page for them to learn more about you.
• Snacks & Drinks!
  • To sustain the energy you'll need for the event, be sure to pack a lunch or snacks to munch on, and plenty of water.
  • Also, everyone loves free food — you may want to consider bringing some fresh baked goods to share with visitors to keep them shopping longer.

Now, take Tiffany's expert advice to your next craft show and you're sure to be more prepared than ever!