7 Things I Learned from Being an Attendee at a Craft Show
Last weekend I was an attendee at a huge craft show in my hometown. I have sold at this craft show as well in the past.It's always interesting (and somewhat weird) to be at a craft show as a buyer instead of a seller because you get a whole different perspective.If you're planning on doing a craft show in the future, I highly recommend you attend it as a buyer first to get a feel for it. It you can't go to the particular show before you're selling at it, go to ANY craft show and take it in. You'll learn a lot.Listen to this week's audio below:[audio mp3="http://kimberliekohler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/CST-From-the-Other-Side.mp3"][/audio]Click to open in new window ~ Click to Download
7 Tips From the Other Side:1. Remember, your customers will get exhausted and irritable as well during a show (especially a big show like this one). I get it. You've been up since before the sun, set up your booth and have been outside selling all day.Your customers have been walking around all day lugging stuff and looking at tons of booths as well. Give them a break and be nice. :)Which leads into . . .2. Great people in a friendly manner.I ran into these basic categories when I walked into tents this weekend:
- Cheerful and friendly people
- Distant and aloof people
- I was ignored completely
- And sellers that were annoyed
Be the first one and not the rest! You don't have to be fake, just say hello.
3. As a buyer, I get that there are certain things you have to do when you're at a booth all day selling and I'm okay with it.I get you may be eating at your booth or may need to pop out to use the restroom. We're forgiving. You don't have to apologize or say anything (Just see #2 above and don't ignore me!)I even saw a stand that put out a note "back in 5 minutes" which I have never done before, but it was great. Usually I would just ask my neighbor to keep an eye on things. The note was good because if I did have specific questions for that seller I knew he would be back shortly and I could come back then.4. Price things.I can't believe that people didn't have things priced, but it's really frustrating as a buyer. If the seller is busy, I might not wait around to ask the price unless I'm really into it. I also am afraid it might be a case of, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it."Give your customers a break and price everything in a place that's easy to see.5. The stands that had a cohesive theme I walked into. The ones that were scattered all over the place I skipped.6. Big blown up photos of your item in use! I saw this in one booth and I loved it!7. Signs are helpful, but cohesive booths are much better. A sign does not make up for the rest of the booth being scatterbrained.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you found these tips helpful? Check out my Craft Show Tips eBook! Be prepared for your first or next craft show!