Your Craft Show Booth - How it can make you more money!
by Natalie Goyette
The requirements for your booth will be spelled out in your contract for each
show. This includes set up and break down times and policies to which you must
adhere. In order to avoid having to have different displays for different shows,
it makes sense to create a moveable display that will work well in the majority
of situations - both for indoor and outdoor events.
Even if the promoter supplies a backdrop, a rug or tables, you can bring your
whole set-up and use it instead. Your display is your portable store, and since
it reflects you and your product, you want it to be outstanding! A display that
creates the best presentation for your crafts can make a huge difference in how
well you sell your crafts.
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make customers feel welcome enough to cross over the threshold that separates the lookers from the buyers
”
Because you and your booth will be constant traveling companions, make sure
it's light yet sturdy, easily collapsible and just as easy to erect. You need to
be prepared for wind, rain and bratty children running around knocking into display
poles! Your booth may continuously evolve, and it may take years to find the
best set up, only to find colors and trends changing, or your products
developing and the whole look of your booth needing a facelift.
As a creative person, have fun with your booth and allow your skills as a
craftsperson to spill over into booth creation and display. If you need help
with the construction, ask male friends or family members for assistance--and
ask female friends for help with display ideas. (Or vice versa as the case may be.)
A professional display marks you as a professional and enhances your products
to promote optimum sales. Basically you want the space to be comfortable for you
and customers. You want it to be inviting, making customers feel welcome enough
to cross over the threshold that separates the lookers from the buyers.
It should be comfortable for you too, as you will be in it for days on end. It
also needs to be attractive, yet well organized for a 10 X 10 space (or slightly
larger in some cases). Use of colorful signs, banners and accessories attract
people and enhance your craft items, hopefully encouraging visitors to pick them up.
Use colors that follow a theme or complement the predominant colors or style of
your products. Red, white and blue would be a good theme for country items, while
black and silver would be a more contemporary look. Each craft style will dictate
the best overall look for your display.
You also need to have an area for doing business - taking money, wrapping and
writing receipts - as well as a space for storage. If that sounds like a tall
order, it is! That's why it may take a while to get it right. Observe other
booths and record what you like and don't like. Then take the best of the best
and incorporate those ideas into your booth.
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