Craft Show Tips from Wholesale Supplies Plus

Contacting Craft Show Organizers

In preparing to sell your product at craft shows, it is a wise idea to find out which craft shows are well attended and have many booths of quality crafts. The following places are good locations for craft shows: public high schools, private high schools, public middle and elementary schools. Indoor shows tend to attract more buyers than outdoor shows. You can contact PTA Presidents about their upcoming shows in May of the prior year after the new President has been chosen. Contact the organizer early enough to fill out an application.

Things to ask the craft show organizer:

- Size of tables.

- Are tables and chairs included in price.

- Are there runners available for the crafters. Runners are used for change, food and bathroom breaks.

- Do they advertise and how do they advertise.

- What is the historical attendance. What do they expect this year.

- Is there an admission price for customers? (Free shows are better attended)

- Is it a juried show where each crafter must submit product to for acceptance and for competition. (Juried shows tend to have better products)

- What is the availability of unfilled tables and where are these tables located. Ideally, you want to be in a busy area away from others with crafts like yours.

Pricing your products

Many people make the mistake of setting their prices after they have determined their final cost. I feel this is a grave mistake. First determine how much your craft will retail for in a store. This will vary from region to region. For example, a store in a trendy part of California may successfully sell a bar of soap for $8.00 while a store in Michigan may struggle to sell the same bar of soap for $5.00. You have to spend some time and shop around. See how much money retail stores are selling soaps for and then find out if they are actually selling much soap at that price or do they have to depend on sales, such as 2 for $1.00, to move their inventory. Consider giving a price break for more than 1 bar. For example: one bar of soap for $4.00 or 3 for $10.00. If you plan on packaging your bath and skin products in baskets, the general rule of thumb is that those that sell between $5.00 and $10.00 tend to be better sellers than over $10.00.

Your Display

You will want to display your products in a way that will be appealing to the shoppers. You will need to take into consideration the size of the space that you will be renting, if you need to provide the table or if you need to be bringing your own table/displays. If you are just starting out, you may want to attend a few craft shows to look at the type of displays that other crafters have. Wood crates are an easy way to display items as you will be able to have different levels of products. One way to attract customers is to have a bright, such as red, tablecloth. Felt, which comes as wide as 72", is perfect as it will cover the top of the table as well as the front. Tables are 6-8 feet in length, so if you buy long enough for an 8 foot table, you can use it for both. Use a piece of cut lace on top to add a touch of elegance!

Amount of Product

The general rule of thumb for those starting out is to bring 10% of attendance. Therefore, if they expect 5,000 people....you would bring 500 pieces to sell.

Common Questions

How much money/change should I bring to the craft show?

$50 in small bills and change should be enough for you to start as long as there are runners available to get change for you. Make sure you have a cash box for your change and a place to keep larger amounts of money as the day goes on.
How do you get all of your products there yourself?

I LOVE collapsible crates. They are easy to organize and store prodcut. They collapse to flat when empty.

I LOVE this hand dolly on wheels. It is perfect for working a craftshow alone. Getting product from car to your table will be a breeze.

Should I bring food or drink?

It is good to bring something to drink and snack type food. If it is a good show you will have people at your booth all day. I personally think it is rude to eat in front of anyone so I eat a big breakfast. A cheese-it cracker is easy to sneak here and there. Bring breath mints for bad breath. Chewing gum can be offensive to some customers.

Should I bring a book?

Never bring a book. Never read the paper.

When someone approaches your table stand and ask them if they have any questions. Look interested with a SMILE on your face. Be happy. Make happy small talk and NEVER complain about anything.

When there isn't anyone at your table, come around the front and see how it looks to a potential customer. Fidget with your display. It is amazing how customers are attracted to tables with people in front of them...even if it is you!

What do I say to people?

A very seasoned crafter once told me "Don't talk too much. It will only show that you know nothing about their wants because you have not listened." Here are quick common phrases that are good ice breakers.

- "It is not chocolate...although it smells as good.

- If you eat it you get bubbles in your mouth".

- "Come on over and take a sniffy...sniffing is free and there is not muchfree at the show."

- "Do you have kids? These make great teachers gifts...a nice way for ateacher to pamper themselves after a day of work."

- "These make great inexpensive stocking stuffers for teens....they are sointo this stuff."

- "These are great for secret Santa exchanges or last minute hostess gifts. I leave 10 or so bars in my closet with some small gift bags because you never know when you need something special."

- "This is a great gift idea. It is something that people will want toactually use and not re-gift to someone else."

- "Have you ever noticed how some retail bars lose their scent after a while?This is because the majority of fragrance is sprayed on top of the bar to help reduce costs. I make my soap with extra scent throughout the bar so even the last little nub of soap will smell outstanding."

- "This is made with shea butter. Shea butter is an outstanding moisturizerfor the skin. I then give them a small test of the goat’s milk lotion."

Source: http://wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/2007/10/craftshow-tips.html