Craft Show.... Success!!
, 7/06/2012
I have to say my first craft show at the Night Owl Market was a success!! (wooo excitement!) There are so many awesome things I learned. Selling at a show allowed me to realize what works and what doesn't, as well as which items people flock the most to. I will definitely be making more pacman polymer clay earrings :P
My Booth Setup
.jpg "Necklace display bulletin board ideas on UpcycleFever")
Quick Insights
Take all online advice with a grain of salt: Most advice I'd seen online about craft shows were spot on. Like have a mirror if you sell wearables, have plenty of business cards, or wear your own items to your show. But, boy were they all wrong about prices & dealing with people. Several crafters advise you to clearly show your prices, don't haggle your customers, and engage them with light talk and a smile. Well, for me in South Florida that was wrong wrong wrong. I did not make one sale until I removed all my price tags, starting haggling customers (not aggressively, just telling them prices & cutting them deals), and actively engaging anyone that cruised by my area.
It's all about curb appeal: Have a theme with your booth set up that matches your products & brand. As an avid "upcycler", I did not print a banner and instead painted a random piece of wood of chalkboard paint. I didn't buy standard jewelry stands, but made some out of paper towel rolls & used old corkboards. Because of these subtle changes, my booth stood out and caught people's eyes.
TLDR: Do your research, Know your customers, & Match your booth setup to your brand!
By the way, I will be vending at another show in Pompano Beach this Saturday 07/07! The City Wide Market event details can be found here
Congrats!! and thanks for all the details.
Hope you have fun/success at the Pompano show!