Three Quick Tips for Craft Show Season
Many of our customers are seasoned show veterans, and an equal
number are just starting to get their feet wet. As you're looking at
your pre-Holiday shows, here are some super quick tips.
If
you're a seasoned seller, this blog might not be for you. However, your
wisdom, experience, and input will be invaluable to the fresh faces in
our group, so please share your thoughts in the comments.
1)
Merchandising - Invest in busts and display props. If you can't buy
everything on your wish list, budget for additional pieces throughout
the season or year. If nothing else, invest in a good table covering.
You likely have all sorts of items around your home or studio to place
underneath.
*When buying your display items, devote some
time to price comparing. You'll find that there are online or brick and
mortar stores devoted to merchandising items, and the selection and
price is likely to be best there.
2) Ear Wires - For
most of us, earrings are the highest margin, highest volume seller.
Consider using Niobium, Gold-Filled, Sterling, or Silver-Filled ear
wires so that a metal intolerance isn't the bar to a sale. You could
also bring higher-end ear wires to the show, and offer to change them
out for a small "upgrade" charge,
3) Know Your
Audience - Consider the location and target demographic of the show. If
you regularly focus on higher-end and/or labor intensive pieces, you
want to know you're in a selling environment that's right for it.
4) Always bring business cards!!
If you find yourself at a show where you're not accessibly priced, you
can take the time to curate future customers. Taking the time to build a
relationship not only feels good, it can help convert a potential
customer into a customer or even a regular down the road.
Erin, Dakota Stones
If a customer buys a bracelet or necklace, I inform them that with their purchase they can get $5 off a pair of earrings. I also tell them where I am selling on consignment, so they can get companion pieces in the future. 75% of customers take me up on my earring offer, significantly increasing my average sale.
