5 Reasons Craft Show Shoppers Avoid your Table

There are many reasons craft show shoppers leave a table without buying.

But this article is covering why shoppers will avoid your table altogether.

Craft show shoppers often make split-second decisions about which booths to approach or skip.

Here are the most common reasons they might purposely avoid a table or booth (even if the products are great):

1 – Your body language

You’d be surprised how many people take offence to a craft show vendor not being present.

I used to think I was doing shoppers a favour by not bothering them. But most craft show shoppers want to interact with the maker.

If you’re slumped in a chair behind your table, have your head in a book or your phone, look unenthused to be there, etc., you might be repelling shoppers without knowing it.

Keep your head up and smile as shoppers approach. You don’t have to be overly chatty — just make sure your body language shows you’re happy they stopped by.

 

2 – Lack of commitment

If your craft show table looks like you showed up five minutes before opening and just dropped a few items on the table, shoppers will assume your business was thrown together too.

When your display gives off a “here today, gone tomorrow” vibe, people won’t feel confident buying from you.

Put effort into the details of your business (e.g. product line, packaging, display, etc.) so it looks as though you’re a committed business owner and will be around to offer customer service after the event.

 

3 – Lack of signage

As shoppers are approaching your table, they’ll try to get an indication of your price range.

If your table doesn’t have any signage and your products don’t look like they have price tags, most shoppers will keep walking.

In general, shoppers don’t want to have to ask how much an item is.

Clear, well-designed signage helps shoppers feel informed and confident exploring your table without pressure.

 

4 – Confusing offering

Most craft shows have dozens, if not hundreds of vendors, so shoppers make fast judgments about whether your products are a fit for them.

If you’re selling a little bit of everything and offering your products in too many styles, it will confuse shoppers.

Stick to a niche and nail down your signature style so you attract the right shoppers to your table and people can immediately determine what you sell, who it’s for, and why it’s different.

 

5 – They’ve seen it

Craft show shoppers crave unique finds. If you’re selling the same product style everyone else is — or something they can find at a big-box store — they’ll likely walk past.

Bring something new to the table. Put your own spin on a popular trend or showcase your craftsmanship in a way that makes your work unmistakably yours.

 

You don’t need a massive booth or elaborate setup to attract shoppers — just thoughtfulness and intention. A friendly smile, cohesive display, and clear message can make all the difference between a booth people skip and one they can’t resist stepping into.