SEAHORSE Vintage brass cuff bracelet

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uniqueartpendants says:

Craft/Art shows are SO MUCH FUN!!

Here’s a couple tips that work for me:

The key to success at craft shows is being outgoing and having confidence! It has a lot to do with psychology. If you seem confident people will take you and your products seriously. If you seem mousy and shy it will effect how people view your items.

No matter what – don’t bring a book. It looks plain unprofessional to have your nose in a book during craft/art shows.

I always greet everyone with a cheery “Hi there! Feel free to pick anything up, try anything on, or ask any questions.”
Then I back off. The greeting lets them know you know they are there and gives them permission to pick things up from your booth without overwhelming them.

People LOVE when you compliment their babies! When I see someone carrying a baby I always say:
“Oooh! What a cute baby! What booth did you buy her at?!” Yes – I know it’s totally cheesy – but that dang phrase has made so many people stop and laugh and, more importantly, look/buy.

Try to use lots of levels on your table. It gives displays dimension and adds interest. I use a lot of overturned boxes (that I bring my stuff in) and put tablecloths on top of them.

Have a plan BEFORE HAND on what you will do if somebody breaks something. Usually the person says they will buy what they broke. My personal policy is to not let a broken item leave my booth. If something breaks the convo usually goes like this:

Breaker: “OH YIKES! I just broke this! I’m so sorry – please let me pay for it – I’m so embarrassed.”

Me with a smile still on my face (even if their unattended kid smashed it or something like that. Grrrr!): “Don’t be embarrassed – these things happen. Let me put it back here.” (then put it behind the booth & out of sight ASAP – you don’t want people to think your things easily break). “Rather than make you pay for a broken item, I would be more than happy to sell you something of the same value. Do you see anything you like?”

That way – if you have your items prices correctly you will still end up making a profit even with the broken thing factored in, you’ll appear professional, & you won’t “harsh out” all the other gawkers who have now gathered to see what you do about the situation.

If you sell someone a piece of jewelry – don’t automatically put it in a bag. Ask them if they want to wear it now – you’d be surprised how many people say “Sure!”. Now they’ve become your live models walking around at the show. I usually say: “Wow! That looks awesome on you. Now be sure to point people my way when you get compliments! Send ‘em right here by the ____ (insert location spot: band shell, big tree, exit door, etc. Where ever there is a good landmark by where you are at that your buyer will remember).

Those are a few tips that work for me :)

MONARCH BUTTERFLY Small Pendant