How to Successfully Sell at Craft Shows

Selling at your first craft fair can be overwhelming, and you may feel lucky if you remember just to bring all of your products to sell! But with a little careful planning, your day will go a lot more smoothly if you’ve prepared ahead of time.

 

Tips for Selling at Craft Shows, Part 4: The Big Day

Today we’re going to cover what to do on the day of the craft show. First up, a list of tips on being a good salesperson and making a strong connection with your customers. Keep reading to the bottom, where we’ve got a PDF checklist for you to help you pack for the big day, too!

Tips for selling in person:

If you’ve never worked retail before, it can be rough selling at your first craft show! Selling in person is a great way to get direct feedback from your customers and learn what they’re looking for – but the flip side of that scenario is that sometimes you may hear more than you wanted to! Here are some tips for how to keep your sanity and sell in style:

• Be friendly and welcoming; don’t ignore people but also don’t follow them around the booth. Let them know you’re there and happy to help answer any questions, and then let them shop!
• Give yourself a break – sit down when you’re not busy, drink PLENTY of water, ask the booth owner next to you if she’s willing to swap out “booth sitting” duties for restroom breaks (or, even better, bring your own booth partner or helper!).
• Have something to work on during the show. If you can be MAKING the products that you sell, right there in front of the customers, it emphasizes the handmade quality of what you’re selling and it also shows them your creative process, which is a good conversation starter.
• Be prepared for people who don’t agree with your prices or who don’t like your stuff – they may even say so to your face. Just smile and tell them, “well, to each her own!” (Or come up with some other reply, but try to keep it polite and don’t take it personally!)
• Dress in layers, and match your brand mood & colors! If possible, wear something that you’ve made (and that is similar or identical to the items you’re selling). Wear clothing that you can easily add on or take off layers if it gets too hot or cold in the selling area. Remember, it will get warmer as the event gets more crowded!

And don’t forget to pack accordingly! We’ve got a handy PDF checklist of Things to Bring to a Craft Show – download it here, and then you’ll be prepared with everything you need.

With our tips, you’ll be well on your way to WOW-ing them at your next craft fair!

Wishing you much success at your next craft show!  Please leave a comment if you have any questions or tips about selling at craft shows. If you have missed any part of this Craft Show Success Series be sure to click here to start from the beginning.

 

Want More Craft Show Insider Tips?

Grab my Craft Show Success 30 page ebook with over 120 actionable tips to help you prepare, sell and make money at craft shows. It includes the world of both Juried and Non-Juried shows, the application process and even special downloadable templates.

 

 

 

 

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