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Posted by Shasta McLaughlin on February 17, 2012 at 3:11 PM under
• 0 commentsLooking at it from both the perspective of a show promoter and artist the one thing that other vendors at shows do that bothers me the most is not including the legs of their displays into the size of their booth.
Having the legs of their display sticking into the aisles and into the booths next to them is hard for show promoters, as well as dangerous for customers and also inconveniences the vendors in booths nearby. Show promoters are then pressed to find an acceptable compromise for everyone.
Keeping all parts of your display in the footprint of your booth keeps everyone happy.
Also read Attending Craft Shows Isn't Just About Selling Arts and Crafts.
What is one thing other art & craft vendors do that tick you off at craft shows?
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Posted by Shasta McLaughlin on December 16, 2011 at 11:10 AM under
• 0 commentsOn January 7, 2011 I received this message from electric fence wire:
“Thanks admin for sharing this and link back to
http://www.xxxxxxxxxx.net website that can help people to know about an
advantage of electric fence wire.”
Why am I posting about this message? I am posting about this message
because it is the kind of comment I get on my art and craft blog all the
time. It proves that people are destroying their business reputations
because they don’t know how to use blogs to draw attention to their
business.
What did they do wrong?
- Their business had nothing to do with the purpose of my blog?
- Their post had nothing to do with the post or blog? They obviously didn’t even read the original post.
- They gave no information that was relevant to my blog, post or customer.
Frankly I find it conceited and rude that they think I would just
link to their site. I have no reason to recommend electric fence wire
to my art and craft customers, they wouldn’t find it relevant to them. I
have no reason to trust them or do business with them, so why would I
risk the reputation of my business to link to them? The only thing I
know about their business is that they treated me like a fool assuming I
would just post such a link.
Comment correctly to build links and drive traffic to your site.
- Visit blogs and communities that are related to your craft business.
Visit sites where people are looking for the best fencing solutions
if you are selling electric fence wire. Handcrafted jewelry businesses
might visit sites where people talk about the best jewelry to go with
an outfit or face shape. Woodworkers visit places where people are
talking about styles of furniture or decorations, or about furniture
repairs. Knitters might visit sites that make blankets for charity, or
knitting guilds.
- Keep your comments relevant to the purpose of the blog and the individual post.
People looking for information to make their art and craft
businesses more profitable are not looking for electric fence wire.
Comments that are irrelevant waste everyone’s time and damage both
business’s reputations. Every business should find blogs and posts that
are related to them to comment on.
- Share information that will be useful and valuable to the customers of the blog and to the original poster.
I wouldn’t have been offended by electric fence wires post if they
had shared information that would be useful and valuable to my
customers. I would have happily shared a link to their site despite the
fact it wasn’t likely something my customers would be looking for
because it would have been accompanied by information that my customer
could use.
Use good commenting etiquette to build traffic to your craft business.
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Posted by Admin on November 18, 2011 at 11:54 PM under Art & Craft Show Booth Display, Art Fair Booth Etiquette, Canopies Tents for Art Shows, Craft Show Booth Supplies, Craft Show Vendors, Craft Shows, Handmade Arts and Crafts, Homemade Trade Show Displays, Improve Sales of Arts and Crafts, Increasing Profits from Handcrafted Arts & Crafts, Jewelry Booth Displays, Weights for Canopies & Tents for Outdoor Shows
• 0 commentsBy Amrendra Singh
If you have decided to try your hand at setting up at craft shows, festivals, or flea markets, then you’ll need to have the right craft show display to make your wares stand apart from the rest. This is especially important if you are selling something like jewelry or any other staple craft show item. Having a great craft show display can make a big difference between having someone walk right by you or stop for a look and hopefully a sale. Here are some great ways to create an eye-catching craft show display.
Craft Show Display Basics
When you first get started you will have to purchase the right equipment and this can be a bit of an investment, but if you think you will continue doing shows then you’ll need the following:
- Canopy or tent – The proper canopy or tent will protect your goods from rain and sun. Delicate crafts made from fabric, paper or handmade clothing can become damaged from just a few hours of direct sunlight.
- Tables – Most craft show displays require at least table or two for their set up. Buy the lightest, easiest thing to carry around. You can find many aluminum models that fold up with ease and can be tucked away in almost any vehicle. Don’t forget a small chair for yourself.
- Weights – Make sure you carry weights, large water bottles that can be filled, or small sand bags. You will need to tether these to your tables or tent with bungee cords in case of a windy day.
- Display cases – No matter what you are selling you can find the right craft show display case for your items. Look at retails suppliers or ask other vendors. A thrift store can give you some great items on the cheap.
- Quality fabric – Cover your tables in bright fabric. Take your time to come up with a great color scheme for your craft show display. Work your tent color, table covers, and products into a harmonious craft show display.
Beyond The Basics
Once you have the basic equipment that you’ll need for your craft show display then you’ll need a few creative ideas to get people into your booth.
- The set up – Make sure that your tables are positioned in a way that is easy for customers to see. Keep your tables near the front of the tent so people can walk by casually. Don’t expect people to walk to the back of your booth, it may seem obvious, but people want to keep going unless something really interests them.
- Height – Try hanging things from the tent to catch people’s eye from afar. This can work for a lot of items. If you can’t do that, make sure you vary the height on your tables. Use small shelves, boxes, or other display items to give the tables a richer feel.
- Mirrors – Always bring a mirror for people to look at things they may want to try on.
- Signage – Have a banner or business cards on display is a great idea. Even if someone doesn’t want something today, they can come back and find you or email you.
- Pricing – For many people seeing clear price tags on items is very helpful. Lots of shoppers don’t feel comfortable engaging in chitchat over every item in the booth. If you are getting really busy, this will save you lots of time from answering questions.
Hints To Keep You Ahead
If you are a newcomer to the festival scene then you may not yet realize what an ally other vendors can be for you. Although they may seem like the competition and in some cases they are, they can also help give you invaluable advice. Remember to always respect your boundaries with your craft show display. Most arguments between vendors center around just an inch or two! When space is at a premium people can become very territorial, just remember to take care with your craft show display and stay on your neighbor’s good side. He’ll be the guy you entrust with your craft show display when it’s time for a bathroom break. Follow these tips to have a great craft show display no matter whether you’re a newbie or a festival regular!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amrendra_Singh
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Posted by Shasta McLaughlin on October 17, 2011 at 6:21 PM under
• 0 commentsEveryone probably remembers the artist or crafter who bugged them so much they asked not to be placed near them again… Don’t be that person.
- Don’t put together a professional display. Make sure the legs of your booth stick out into the aisles, don’t use sturdy tables and don’t cover them. Don’t make things secure. Just bring cardboard boxes and let people rummage through them.
An unstable display will not make your business profitable, is dangerous, and might get you and the show promoter sued. Remember to keep all parts of your booth including the legs and storage in the space the show promoter provided, everyone paid for their space and no one is happy when their customers are tripping over the legs of your booth.
On the other hand a professional display will be safe for you, your customers, the artists around you, and the show promoter. It will also increase your sales. Ask show promoters for an extra booth or half booth if you need more space to create a safe display.
- Refuse to hand out fliers, postcards, or to hang posters saying this is the job of the show promoter. When sales are slow go around asking everyone if they made back their booth price. Then accuse the show promoter of taking advantage of the artists and crafters.
OR
Imagine there are 100 artists at an art and craft show, each one mailed 100 postcards to their customers in the area asking them to come see them at the show. They also told everyone they talked to about the show. More than 10,000 people knew about the show before the show promoter did any other advertising. The show promoter also advertised the show in the newspaper, radio, TV, on every bulletin board, and on the internet.
Every artist and crafter at a show benefits from the word of mouth advertising any other vendor does. Being a responsible vendor means doing your part.
- Don’t bring the things you need and then ask everyone around you for them. Don’t bring tools to set up, don’t arrange in advance to rent tables, don’t bring change for customers.
Set up your display at home in advance, as you do make a list of things you need and pack the things you have. Careful planning can make it so you don’t get a reputation as the show pest.
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Block the aisles, stairs, demonstrations, or other displays while visiting with friends, family, and even customers.
Blocking the aisles makes it so customers can’t get to the booths. It also makes it unsafe for the customers if they are in a hurry to get out. Remember, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If you wouldn’t like someone to keep customers from being able to see your merchandise, don’t keep customers from being able to see theirs.
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Leave a mess in your booth.
You’ve worked hard all day at a show and you’re tired, but so is the show promoter. Don’t clean up after yourself and you cost them extra time and money after they already had a long day. Chances are you won’t be asked to come back.
Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Visit http://www.extravaganzacrafts.comto get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.
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