Artisans event tips

1) Read through all information sent to you regarding the show making note of set-up time and procedures.

Make sure you understand all show requirements and obligations.
Keep a copy of all related paperwork so that you can refer to it just before the show.
Do Not contact the show coordinators right before the show. It is extremely inconvenient for them as they’re very busy liaising with the venue, setting up tables, etc. If you do have legitimate questions make a list of them so that you only call or email them once.

2) Always stay open until the very end of the show.

Packing up your booth early sends the message to customers that the show is over and shopping is done.
It also irritates your fellow artisans. Just because you think you may not make a last-minute sale doesn’t mean that other artisans won’t. I can’t count the number of sales I’ve had at the 11th hour because someone saw something in my booth earlier in the day and had to have my doodad before they left the show.
As tired as you are and as anxious as you may be to be on your way… wait.

3) Keep a positive attitude at all times

Settle any disagreements, whether with the show organizers, a customer or your spouse, away from the booth.
Be positive with your fellow artisans (even if you aren’t a big fan of them or what they are selling) and customers. A positive attitude sets the tone in your booth and surrounding areas making shopping much more pleasant.
You may not be the only one selling purple doodads but you can be the NICEST person selling purple doodads.

4) Create a booth that is inviting and pleasing to the eye.

5) Do your own marketing for the show in advance.

If every vendor reached out to their friends, family, social media circles etc., it would benefit every vendor at the show.
If you received flyers be sure to hand them out.

6) Stay focused on what you are doing – selling and tending to customers.

Give your shoppers 100% of your attention.
Visit with family and friends in the food court, leave your children with a babysitter, etc.
Shoppers don’t want to interrupt your conversation or your breakfast to purchase an item.

7) Be professional

Dress nicely and keep advertising, political or off-color humor on your clothing, buttons, etc. to a minimum. Dressing nicely lends an air of quality to the items you sell.

8) Talk to people in a friendly manner – no “hard sells”.

Comment on their clothing, jewelry, the weather, etc.
Don’t sit in the back corner of your space and expect customers to hunt for you.
Be present and pay attention to the people around you.

9) Be respectful of your neighboring artisans.

Keep smells to a minimum. If you are selling candles you don’t have to light all of them. One will do.
If you must play music, keep it quiet so that only people in your booth will hear it.
Stay within your defined space
Be aware of what neighbors are selling
Be willing to “spell” them if they need a bathroom break. This helps everyone’s sales and creates goodwill among fellow creatives.

10) Networking

Use the time before the show opens or after the show closes to network with fellow crafters.
Other crafters can offer you valuable information … shows you didn’t know about before, find a better hotel rate, find out where the best food is, etc.

11) Giving your work away:

We’re not talking about a freebie to draw customers in; we’re referencing low prices and “these aren’t selling so just take one”.

If you don’t put value on your own work, how can you expect others to? We understand how frustrating a slow craft show can be but don’t use that as an opportunity to mark down prices or give items away.
Shoppers will remember that next time they see you at a craft show & wonder why pay full price if you’re willing to give handouts when times are slower.
Treat your work in the way you want people to perceive it.

12) Price it properly

Set your price points to what they’re worth, not what you think people are willing to pay.
Slapping low prices on your pieces to increase sales will hurt you and other vendors in the long run.
Craft Show shoppers generally understand that they’re buying one of a kind, handmade pieces and with that comes a higher price tag than they may find at the mall. If your pieces are half the price of a similar piece at another booth, they may wonder if you’ve cut corners in your craftsmanship or materials.

13) Display it with pride

Imagine seeing a necklace lying flat on a table with 10 more of the exact item thrown down and tangled together.
Now imagine that same necklace, displayed on a crisp white bust form, sparkling under the lights, looking like the only one available.
Which necklace would you perceive as having more value?

14) Handle it with care

Nicks, snags & wear and tear will bring the value of your work down.
Store your work properly at home and take the time to wrap each piece so it doesn’t get damaged.
When you wrap a purchase for a customer, put that same care in; handle the item gently, snip off price tags & wrap it in a pretty little package for them to take home.

15) You just never know

If you do several many shows, people will remember you and recognize you from show to show.
Play your cards well, create products your customers love and treat them well and it won’t be long before they will be searching for your business name on the vendor list.
If you travel to shows you are likely part of a group of vendors who see one another from event to event.
Being kind, going out of your way to be helpful and having a positive attitude makes life easier for everyone.

You just never know… where a new client, customer or friend might come from.