Tips for 2009 Vendors
Brandy Agerbeck of Loosetooth.com wrote a great set of tips, tricks, and things to keep in mind for doing craft shows. You can download the full pdf from here or you can read this abbreviated version to help get you over your pre-show jitters.
1--Table arrangement
Figure out how you’ll set up your tables. Think of how to draw people in with the placement. Consider how your setup will flow with your neighbors (yes, hard to
know until you get there).
2--Cover your tables.
Think of the best colors and texture to show off your wares.
3--Displays
Find interesting and relevant containers, boxes, racks, etc. to hold your wares.
4--Think of levels.
Laying your work out on a flat table works, and it also evokes garage sales. Think of stands, bowls, blocks to put your work on. Can you make some items vertical? Some hanging? Some sitting on the ground? A great way to learn is to go to other shows and see what others are doing. Or search on Flickr.com for cool craft show displays.
5--Bring items that support your brand:
banners, business cards, postcards, giveaway items, pricetags, packaging. All of these details make an impression and help people remember you. Think of consistent colors and design across items.
6--Be adaptable.
Bring extra containers to adapt your display.
Additional items you might want to bring
Tape I bring duct, masking Scotch and clear packing tape. Just keep in mind that you can't put anything on the walls that will damage them.
Bulldog Clips are great for hanging banners, clipping down tablecloths.
Aprons Preferred over a cash box, to have what you need at your fingertips. I’ve made mine for holding change, buttons, pens, receipt books.
Cash plenty of singles, fives and tens. If someone hands you a big bill, you can ask if they have anything smaller. Avoid a midshow currency exchange run!
Receipt Books I like the duplicate copy kind.
Ball Point Pens and Markers for impromptu signs and writing receipts.
Bags for purchases. Not many folks need one (ask first), but it's good to have around. Minimum order on bags are high, so consider splitting a order for others.
Other packing materials if you have fragile stuff
Extra price tags
Calculator
Scissors
Mirror for trying on jewelry or accessories
Mailing List Sign-Up
Encourage folks to sign up. Shows are about onsite sales, but they are also good
for future sales and marketing. And so important!
Customer Bait:
Buttons, Business Cards and/or Postcards. Make sure they have your logo, contact info, URL and hopefully a product photo on them.Bring loads to
give away. If people walk out of your booth without a purchase, make sure they have something in their hand with your name on it.
Its so, so good to have a friend to help. Both for the grunt work of setting up and taking down, but also for the company to make the day go faster. Feed your booth
helpers, give them free stuff. Granted, you could pay them, but you can't
guarantee that you'll make money that day, so someone willing to work for stuff or out of friendship is the best!
Remember, enjoy the show! It’s the best way to learn from other vendors, get real feedback on your work, get questions, custom orders, hopefully lots of sales. Keep on open mind and a smile on your face. Best wishes from the Chicago Craft Mafia!
News archive for November 2009
Archives by Month
» August 2010
» November 2009
» October 2009
» July 2009
» June 2009
» March 2009
» November 2008
» October 2008
» September 2008
» August 2008
» July 2008
» November 2007
» October 2007
» August 2007
» July 2007
» June 2007
» May 2007
» April 2007
» March 2007
» November 2006
» October 2006
» September 2006
» August 2006
» July 2006
» June 2006
» May 2006
» April 2006
» February 2006
» November 2005
» October 2005
» September 2005
» August 2005
» July 2005
» June 2005
» May 2005
» March 2005
» January 2005
» November 2004
» October 2004
» September 2004
» August 2004
» July 2004
» June 2004
« Back to News
Sat, Nov 21 2009 — Comments (0) | 
