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 
Craft Show Chalkboard meme sign on UpcycleFever
Craft Booth setup ideas on UpcycleFever
Necklace display bulletin board ideas on UpcycleFever
Egg Carton Ring Display Idea on UpcycleFever
Craft show earring display tips on UpcycleFever
DIY Bracelet display with paper towels on UpcycleFever
Indie craft bazaar booth setup 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



4 Response to "Craft Show.... Success!!"

All Unwound Says:

Congrats!! and thanks for all the details.

Hope you have fun/success at the Pompano show!

Artsy Craftery Design Studio Says:

Congrats! You sound excited. Your tips are great and you re-bounded on the spot from advice that didn't work. You were very observant. I'm not surprised about the PacMan earrings, especially for youth/young adults. I guess you'll be running around so much to markets now that we'll rarely read you. (:
I'm going to share your post at my blog.

Artsy Craftery Design Studio Says:

Shared here w/1 image: http://selfmarketingtoday.blogspot.com/2012/07/what-to-do-as-vendor-at-your-first.html

UpcycleFever Says:

Thanks! And I really appreciate the share!

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