posted on October 17, 2000 05:52:13 AM new
Hi everyone. I've just signed up to do an indoor craft fair. AFTER I paid my 25 bucks, I realized that there's a bunch of stuff I don't know!!!! Acccckkkkk! I do have a couple of weeks to prepare (Nov 4th) ... and I'd really appreciate the advice of people who have been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
In a craft show, do I need to supply boxes or bags?
I'll have the equivalent of a card table ... how do I best display my "wares?"
I don't have ready made shelving, but I already see the need to have different levels to have the items able to be viewed.
Any hints on how to do that with minimal expense?
Oh ... I make candles. Cute stuff ... but they do need to be SEEN!
Thanks in advance for advice ... I know there's somebody here that knows exactly what I should do!!!
posted on October 17, 2000 06:02:59 AM new
You need srfnfshn. She posts here on occasion and does these kind of shows. I'll bet she could help with some good ideas.
posted on October 17, 2000 06:28:37 AM new
Hi! I sold for years on the art fair circuit (baskets primarily, quilts and jewelry as well). I was always on a budget (this was a hobby for me -- not my living) and had to do some creative stuff for displays. The big challenge was creating a display that was attractive -- but functional.
For shelves for small items, Tupperware containers (or the equivalent) with foamboard shelves were used. I covered both the Tupperware and the foamboard with material appropriate for showing off my goods (usually solid black -- but one year I used gold lame to good effect).
I built a "tree" from plastic piping (like for plumbing) -- and painted it forest green -- to look like a skeletal Christmas tree -- to hang baskets from one year (I got more compliments on that tree -- and to think I was SO embarassed when I set it up at first!).
I used milkcrates (borrowed with permission from my local grocery store -- and some purchased from Walmart) and covered them with fabric (felt then fabric for a smooth look) and stacked them for larger selves along the back of my table (and under the table at the front if I needed more storage.
I found that if I brough supplies enough to make some items while I was at the fair, folks were more interested in my booth and would stop to visit a while -- and often buy. This worked particularly well with baskets and jewelry, less well with my quilts. (I did batiking at one show by bringing an extension cord, tape, and my electric skillet for the wax. *smile* That was fun!
I did bring bags and boxes (as available) for both shows. I didn't buy any though -- just used old grocery bags and boxes that I'd picked up over the year.
posted on October 17, 2000 07:41:56 AM new
Another way to build layers of display shelving is to collect cardboard boxes of various heights from the grocery store or WalMart. Arrange them so that the tops of the boxes make a pleasing step-down arrangement, cover the whole thing with a drape made from a length of fabric (black broadcloth is inexpensive and comes in widths up to 110" ), and display your wares on the tops. For added stability, duct-tape the whole thing together before adding the drape, and place a 10-lb bag of kitty litter in the bottom of one of the boxes.
Make sure that your card table is attractively covered as well.
If you will have access to electrical outlets, bring lamps; the lighting in these halls is often abysmal.
A couple of other points:
You don't mention whether or not you will have to pay taxes on your sales. Even if you do, consider pricing your items at even dollar amounts and then calculating the taxes due after the show. It's much easier to make change for an item priced "$18.00 (tax included)" than to have to worry about calculating a weird tax percentage and keeping up with small change.
Take lots of ones and fives (people stop at the ATM just before the show, and you will get LOTS of twenties). Also be sure to take plenty of bottled water and a small snack or two. If you will be standing, also bring a second pair of shoes with a different heel height; your feet will thank you about 3:00.
Wear a name tag. People are more likely to stop and talk if they feel they know you.
And if you have the personality for it, wear something slightly outrageous. One year, I dressed all in purple and wore purple antennae in my hair. Even though I didn't have wings, people remembered the Moth Lady for years afterward!
Edited to add the most important thing: Best wishes for fabulous sales!
--------
not SilkMoth anywhere but here
[ edited by SilkMoth on Oct 17, 2000 07:45 AM ]
posted on October 17, 2000 02:09:53 PM new
Others have covered just about everything, but here are a couple of other things:
Put pretty (but not distracting) cloth over your table before displaying your candies.
Buy little price tags from office supply (Staples carries them--little tags with strings) & attach price to each item.
Do provide bags for buyers.
Be sure to bring a lot of change or the first couple of buyers (who only ever seem to have $20's ) will clean you out.
Put ingredient used in you candies either on a label on each or on a sign at your table--some people may be allergic to something you use.
An idea for display (if your candies are in bags): tinker toys. Not as silly as it sounds--I have used them to build a colorful, interesting display rack (which is easy to break down & put up again) for my Pysanky Xmas ornaments.
posted on October 17, 2000 02:33:46 PM new
Hi Susan,
Congratulations on taking "the plunge"!
I work with my Mom and together we do some fairly large shows in the East.
We usually get a 10X20 Space, but it doesn't sound like you have an area that large to work with. We have a 6' table, shelving and lattice backdrops that we use to hang things. We work from a card table & a cash box. As one of the other posters said, be sure to have plenty of change!
As for your specific questions:
In a craft show, do I need to supply boxes or bags?
Absolutely. You will need bags. Clean re-used grocery bags will be fine unless you plan to do this full time.
I'll have the equivalent of a card table ... how do I best display my "wares?"
Use a table cloth that comes all the way to the floor so you will have space under the table to hide your boxes and extra merchandise. The table cloth should be a solid color. We use navy blue because it doesn't show dirt like white or cream.
I don't have ready made shelving, but I already see the need to have different levels to have the items able to be viewed.
If you have the space you can use 2 step-ladders and boards to make shelving.
If you have an orchard nearby you can do the same thing with crates on top of the table.
wooden crates look great and the orchard here sells them for about $3.00 each.
Keep in mind that things at eye level sell best, normally. The higher you build your display the more you can offer for sale. (within reason though, you want folks to be able to reach your "stuff"
The other thing I would suggest is to make your booth look like a little store. It's better if you are out front and the customers have to step into your "store" rather than reach over your table and display to pay you.
And finally, smile and TALK! It's hard for people to walk away without buying something when you have been so sweet and pleasant to them!
Have a blast and good luck! Let us know how it turns out for you.
posted on October 17, 2000 05:57:54 PM new
make a check list, suggestions for checklist
Pens
stapler
tape
business cards
paper towels
windex
safety pins
note pads
receipt pads
charge slips (if you take charge cards)
extension cord
light bulbs
CASH BOX - with about 50 bucks in it for change
Breath mints
Name tags
Use big CLEAR plastic boxes for transporting inventory
Cooler for snacks, drinks, water
chair for sitting
Bathroom break coverage
Make info cards on your work
Artist bio in a picture frame is a nice touch
Cover your table TO THE FLOOR exposed legs on tables looks awful - use WHITE SHEETS to cover table, put BEIGE sheet over the white -looks elegant like a convention dressing
PRICE ALL THE WORK
PRICE 10% higher than normal so you can give 10% discount if they buy more than one. People love a deal!
FRESH FLOWERS will set you apart and make your table look elegant
Silver dish full of complimentary choclates -buy the cheap kind at the dollar store
Put your business cards in a pretty dish of some sort
Paint your nails and wear nice jewelry, it makes you look professional - People will notice your hands.
BREATH MINTS!
SMILE SMILE SMILE
Stand the entire time unless its really slow. People who sit at craft shows look like they don't need the money. Be professional, GREET EVERYONE as if you are there to make friends, not sell candles (this way you will sell candles)
Never put food on your table or drinks, if you have a drink put it under the table
Do not EAT in front of your customers
Flat mirrors look great on a table to show off your merchandise, gives your table a sparkle effect.
Keep the table simple, don't over do, focus on the merchandise you are selling, although pretty flowers in a nice vase always add an elegant touch.
Put your card in every bag
ARRIVE one hour and a half early to get set up NEVER SET UP AT THE LAST MINUTE
When your booth is slow, start dusting, windexing, tidying, it attracts attention like crazy
Pack your inventory the night before or earlier.
CRAFT SHOWS ARE HARD HARD WORK. Leave nothing to chance. Try to select craft shows that attract a good clientele. There are lots of crappy craft shows and lots of good ones - anything assoicated with ladie's charity organizations usually do well.
Take pictures of your display! In higher end shows, you will need to submit pictures of your display ---good displays make or break getting in a good show
Notice set ups of others you like and make notes for future reference.
posted on October 17, 2000 06:15:59 PM new
I've never sold stuff at a craft show, but I've shopped a few. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to purchase something that is fragile, and having the seller stick it in a too large paper bag with no padding. I've had ornaments crushed, ribbons crimped, you name it. Use tissue paper to wrap your items, and try to use bags that are the correct size. Grocery bags are tacky and too hard to carry!
Have your prices plainly in view. There is a fine line between a nice display and a cluttered one. Offer discounts for multiple purchases.
The ideas in Davidx's post are great, especially the one about taking a helper.
posted on October 18, 2000 05:51:34 AM new
Susan,
You already have the most important thing.
Enthusiasm!
I did want to add, Meya brought up a good point. I should have been more clear. Use plastic grocery bags as opposed to paper and do take something to wrap your candles. If you decide to do this on a more regular basis, then you'll need to invest in specific supplies for selling.
Also, David's suggestions were excellent. Take pictures of your booth. You may need them for a juried show.
We'll be in Winchester, VA for a show this weekend. It's the last of a 3-weekends-in-a-row stretch for us. Whew! Then we have a 2 week break to get ready for the next round of shows.
Sometimes I feel like a Deadhead- traveling around the east coast following the shows. LOL
posted on October 18, 2000 08:08:53 PM new
I have been setting up my booth at craft show for 10 years and I can answer to some of your questions
In a craft show, do I need to supply boxes or bags?
boxes would be nice but the customers will have trouble carrying them around. I would recommend bring several rolls of paper towels to wrap the candles and tape. Then place them into the bags.
I'll have the equivalent of a card table ... how do I best display my "wares?"
look for a clean 10" wide x 2'-3' length board. if you have nice-looking wooden or plastic crates and doilies or shiny material, they would work and display more. Place each crate on each side of the table then place board on top of the crates and place material or doilies on it. OR perhaps if you look for stackable tables (found at hardware section in the stores) they would work also.
I don't have ready made shelving, but I already see the need to have different levels to have the items able to be viewed.
place the smaller items within your line of sight so they will not be pocketed without you knowing. If you have big candles, place them on each side of the table and place the smaller ones in the middle. Make space on the table for the person to write a check on. Plus make good-looking signs stating price for each size candle and how long they last while burning.
Any hints on how to do that with minimal expense? use a nice solid color twin size bed sheet that will make your candles show up better.
Make a list of other shows that you will be doing in the future and pass them out with each purchase
helpful hints: bring your own food and pop. (future hint) a beach umbrella for sunny days (outside shows). a couple of clip-on or swing lamps (inside shows and if you are near electricial outlets) to make your wares more appealing.
you are what you wear. the appearance of the seller is important.
Keep certain amount of money in ones, fives, tens and twenties. Don't forget about the coins too!
(make sure that you have enough ones)
I include the sales tax in the price to avoid the hassle of explaining the sales tax to the children and adults.
BTW, keep your explaination on how the candle simiple to eliminate copycats.
be prepared for the phrases (and my thought answers to them but not said out loud):
"I can do that" (big deal! can you make about over 100 of them in a week?)
"ohhhh... my mother used to make them" (then go knock on her door and ask her to make you one)
"your prices are so cheap!" (would you like me to increase it?)
"your prices are so high!" (I increased it to cover my medical exprenses in making them)
and the final thing: Be creative, continue to learn, and never give up!
edited to add and to correct spelling
[ edited by toomanycomics on Oct 18, 2000 08:15 PM ]
posted on October 20, 2000 04:39:45 PM new
all the advice here has been great. this is the perfect place to come and ask! I am sure you will do well.
When i used to do shows I always needed a scissors. Mom finally got a me a Swiss army knife with a scissors attachment which stayed permanently in the "show setup" box. It saved my butt more times than I could count.
One thing to consider if you're going to do more shows is to have a teeny tiny, cheapie priced version of whatever you sell for those people who want to buy but can't afford it (kids, etc.) Like a tiny candle or a travel candle (tiny bit of wax in a tin, decorated with your web address, etc.) Lots of people want SOMETHING even if they can't buy EVERYTHING....I used to sell jewelry---and I would put a few beads on a leather thong and sell them for a couple bucks to little kids...tie the bracelet on their wrist myself, tell them about beading history etc....NO I did not make money on those sales but many times after the kid went away happy, the parents would come over and sometimes purchase a 75 dollar necklace or bracelet. One lady sent her little girl back with a 100 dollar bill and said "pick out something from the nice lady". You never know when an inexpensive item, offered with *no* catches, can bring you really great rewards.
I also agree with dressing somewhat outrageously! I always used to wear some of my wearable art and sometimes it was bought right off my back.
) will clean you out.
