So you're looking to set up a booth ata craft show or fair?
Good for you!
There's something really exciting aboutsellingin person. You get to meet your customersface-to-face and find out exactly what they like about your products.You can answer any questions they have, and persuade them to buy –something that's harder to do online!
But if you're new to selling at a craftshow then how do you go about it? We're about to show you in thisblog...
#1. Check out thecompetition
Firststep is to visit some trade shows and see what people are selling.See which booths are getting the most foot traffic. If you alreadyhave products - in mind - to sell, then find booths that are sellingsimilar products and see how they compare.
Youshould visit as many fairs as possible and make note of:
- Thetype of products being sold - will yours fit in? Stand out?
- Thequality of the products - will yours offer the same or betterquality?
- Theprice of other products - have you priced yours competitively?
#2.Find the right show for your product
Let's be honest, if your trade isselling vintage jewelry and you're at an RV show then your not goingto be moving much product! Finding the right fair is important to thesuccess of your overall profits.
Check out these listing websites belowwhere you can search for different types of fairs to suit all sortsof products. You can search by state, join communities and discoverthe right audience to suit what you're selling:
#3.Decide your budget
Next it's time to work on that budget.Depending on the fair you're attending, typically a booth is going tocost you from $25 to $200. But then you've also got to factor inother important costs such as:
- Marketing and promotions
- Materials
- Travel
- Inventory
- A permit (if needed)
- Shipping costs (if needed)
Once you've worked out how much you canspend, you can then decide how much you should price your productsat. You may get people trying to bargain you down for a price on theday, so make sure you take into account the above costs so that youcan make a profit rather than simply breaking even.
Top tip: If this is your firstshow and you're still not sure about what to expect then see if youcan share a booth, or seek the advice from another seller. If youjoin the Etsycommunity, you'll be able to speak to othersellers within your marketplace and ask them any questions you mayhave!
#4.Brand your booth
So you may be new to this, but you sellproducts so you have a brand – and your booth needs to be arepresentation of that. It's true what they say, you'll never get asecond chance to make a good first impression so your booth needs tolook perfect, to help you make those sales!
So you need to ask yourself: What is mybrand?
That is, what do you want to tell yourcustomers about yourself and the products you sell? Are they handmade? Are the materials ethically sourced? Are your productshigh-end?
The design of your booth should be afull representation of your brand, so take time to think about themessage that you want to convey to your customers.
Ifyou already have a logo for your business, you can go to a local Signshop and have a large vinyl banner printed for less than $50.
Youcan also have business cards printed with your logo and contactinformation. Gotprint is agreat online source of business cards and printed materials.
Ifyou don't have time to wait on ordered materials, you can buy blankbusiness cards at Staples; and print them at home.
Top tip: Give away promotionalitems like badges, post cards or bags with your branding and logo onso that they can remember who you are.
#5. Be a great seller
When it comes to the day, you need todo everything you can to make that all important sale. So what docustomers want? Well aside from a well-presented booth (and seller)they want you to make it really easy and convenient for them to makea purchase from you...
In this day and age customers don'ttend to carry much cash on them. Bring a mobilecard reader with you so if a customer wants topay using their credit card, you won't lose out on a sale because youcan't provide them with a paying solution to suit them.
Don't forget to learn exactly what itis that your customers need and look for opportunities to up-sell when appropriate. Don't over do the hard sell of course – you'll beable to gage each situation and see if there is room for you to offera more expensive product.
Top tip: If your product issuitable, offer some testers on your booth so that customers can trybefore they buy.
#6. Think about thebigger picture
Your full efforts may go in to makingsure the day runs smooth, but this is also the perfect chance to takeadvantage of future marketing efforts.
You're in the prime place to speak withyour customers, so it would be foolish not to try and turn them intolifelong customers. Ask customers to leave their email address withyou so you can send them updates, offers and new products.
If you're struggling to get people toleave their contact details then think about running a giveaway sothey have reason to leave you their email address.
Top tip: Whileyou're at the fair, take photos of your booth, products and customersso that you can use them for marketing purposes on your social pagesand your website.
#7.Offercustomized merchandise
Thereis a wide range of hand crafted merchandise or vintage collectiblesthat sell very well at craft shows. But there is some heightenedlevel of interest in products that can be customized with apersonalized initial or name.
A great number of trade showvisitors always have their eye open for special occasion giftsincluding birthdays and Christmas. This opens the door to a muchlarger set of potential customers who are looking for that perfectsomething for a new baby, or a house-warming gift with the familyname.
Toptip: Thisis also applies to Etsy stores, where monogrammed bibs and customartwork are big sellers.
Over to you
So those are our top tips on how to sell at craft shows and fairs.Don't be disheartened if you don't make a huge profit from your firstfair. Do your research, learn from your experience and make thechanges you need for your next one – good luck!
Andif you want to find out more about our MobileCard Readerto offer a convenient way for customers to buy from you then contactus today!
