It doesn't matter what you make or where a show is being held, you can create a cohesive display that stands out from other vendors. This can be accomplished in many different ways, but usually an artist/crafter will focus on a particular color or style that’s already present in their work such as rustic, modern or colourful and use that as a starting point. Ensure your business name is visible it's best if you can hang a banner/sign at eye level or higher, often when the banner is hanging off the front of the table shoppers block it when they visit your space. Business cards make great price tags on soft good items such as clothing, pillows, hats etc. it ensures a customer heads home with your business card. Online printers such as vistaprint offer great sales on banners, signs, business cards, brochures and more all with affordable shipping.
2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR ENTIRE SPACE
Whether inside or outside, take advantage of your entire booth space to display your items, think of it as a retail store, boutique or art gallery, you wouldn't just see one display or one table. Studies show that shoppers are lazy, we like things from the waist up and don't like to bend to find items, add height to your display with crates, display racks or shelving. As a vendor at Art in the Barn if your booth is against a wall, feel free to take advantage of it and hang items on the wall, bring s step stool to hang items high and don't forget to bring a hammer and nails, please just remove them when the event is over.
3. STEP BACK
When you're all set up, STEP BACK and take a look, can buyers easily shop your items, are your displays easily accessible, easily seen? Look at your display from a buyers point of view, are items priced? Whether you're in a retail store, craft show or a car dealership, people do not like to ask prices, no price means they are less likely to buy and studies show that we like to touch things if a buyer can touch it and hold it in their hand the odds of a purchase increase dramatically. One last thing.... is all your 'vendor stuff' hidden, totes, boxes, bags, personal items?
4. BE PRESENT
A genuine hello & eye contact goes a long way with your buyers and often at handmade events it's your story that helps sell your items, tell them how you started, how the items works, give suggested ways to use or wear your items, encourage buyers to try items on, hold them or play with the item. Invite our visitors into your booth, so them more merchandise, do you do commision or custom work, offer up this information. Give visitors your business cards, ask them to follow you on Facebook, Etsy, instagram & twitter, encourage them to take a photo of your banner or logo for future reference. Bring a helper, honestly you'll need the help even if it's just for a bathroom break or to grab some lunch or a drink and nothing is worse than being held up with one customer and losing sales because other customers don't want to wait. Stay off your phones... how often have you been at events and the vendor doesn't even look up because they are busy on their mobile device, be present.
5. BE PREPARED
Do you have all your supplies, bags, tape, stapler, business cards, canopy, comfy chairs, your payment device, calculator, pens, wagon or dolly to move items in and out, extra inventory? Everyone's list is different but some items you just can't work without. Don't forget sunscreen & a hat, Art in the Barn is in July and that summer sun can be hard on you.