6 Ways To Politely Deal with Tire Kickers at Craft Shows

You don’t want to rush shoppers through your craft show booth.

And chatting with shoppers, finding common interests and making connections can often be what energizes you and reminds you why you started your business.

However, every once and a while, you’ll deal with a tire kicker who blocks others from stopping at your table, takes your time away from potential customers, and ultimately (negatively) impacts your sales.

Types of tire kickers

When I say “tire kickers”, I don’t necessarily mean the people who are interested in your products but aren’t quite ready to buy.

I’m referring to a different type of tire kicker I’ve encountered (many times) at craft shows.

The “I’m never going to buy” tire kicker

You watch them stop at every table, assess every item, ask plenty of questions, and leave every space without buying.

I can appreciate that craft shows are a social event for some people, and they’re there to chat and explore rather than buy. So I don’t mind interacting with these people. But I will use some of the more subtle suggestions in this article if other people are at my table.

The “How did you make this” tire kicker

This is someone who doesn’t want to buy your products but wants to know how you made it so they can make it for themselves or make it to sell.

I don’t mind sharing tips with fellow crafters. However, when potential customers are at my table, I’d rather focus on them and answer questions through email, in my own time.

The “I have unsolicited advice for you” tire kicker

They’re going to offer you their unsolicited advice on what you should make, how you should change your existing products, how you should be charging more or less, etc.

Advice is wonderful, and some of my bestselling products were inspired by customer feedback. But when a craft show is busy, I want to make hay while the sun shines and sell the products I have, as they are, not listen to all the ways someone wishes they were different. 

If you feel as though someone is taking up precious time you could be using to make sales, or is even being rude, here are some ways to politely move them along:

1 – Hand them a business card

If your booth is busy and your “tire kicker” has a lot of questions, you can pass them a business card and ask them to email you with their questions.

Let them know you want to give them your full attention but __________ “your booth is busy/this shoppers needs my help/I’m on my own today and the event is busy”, so emailing you would be best.

 

2 – Redirect your attention

It’s okay to politely excuse yourself and let someone know you need to check on your other shoppers.

You might say something along the lines of:

• “I’m going to let you keep browsing and see if these other people need my help.”

If you’re not worried about them stealing and you have a booth neighbor who can keep an eye on your table for a couple of minutes, you may also step away.

• “I’m just going to go grab a coffee while I have a chance. Here’s my business card; you can email me with any other questions you have.”

 

3 – Ask for the sale

Asking for the sale is a little more aggressive sales technique where you ask someone if they’re ready to buy.

>> How to Ask for the Sale at a Craft Show (without being pushy)

This is effective with tire kickers because it can help remind them that you are running a business and you’re hoping they’re going to buy at some point. They may realize they’ve been “leading you on” and move along.

It can also help you confirm whether or not they’re a tire kicker.

You’d be surprised how many times someone will outright tell you: “Goodness no! I’m not looking to buy.”

Asking for the sale might look like:

• “Did you want to go with that one?”
• “Do you want me to ring that through for you?”
• “Which one are you interested in buying?”

If they give you a clear signal they’re not going to buy, you can go back to tip #1; hand them a business card and say something along the lines of “Here’s my business card so you can shop online later and email me with any questions”.

 

4 – Subtly say “goodbye”

If someone has been at your table for a while and you get the clear sense they’re a craft show tire kicker, you can say something such as:

• “Enjoy the rest of the show!”
• “Nice chatting with you! I’ll let you continue browsing while I check on others.”
• “Thanks for stopping by. Here’s my contact info if you have other questions.”

Then direct your attention to someone or something else.

You may start tidying your stock behind your table, chatting with your booth neighbour, or helping another customer.

 

5 – Use body language

Subtle body language cues such as:

• smiling so they know they’re welcome, but…
  • stepping back from them
  • looking in the opposite direction from them
  • turning your body away from them
  • keeping your hands busy while you answer questions

 

6 – Encourage them to shop online

You can point out the benefits of shopping online or contacting you through email.

For example:

• “I have several more options in my online store, and I offer free local shipping. Here’s my business card with my website information.”
• “If you contact me through my website, I’ll have a lot more time to thoroughly answer your questions.”
• “Here’s a coupon you can use to get a discount through my online store (it’s only applicable online).”

 

6 – Try to find a fit

If it’s a slow show and you do have the time to chat with them, see if you can help them find something they need.

You can take the time to pick their brain. Although they may not be your ideal customer, they may help you think outside the box. 

 

Again, I don’t want this article to suggest that anyone who isn’t going to buy is a nuisance at a craft show.

The majority of craft show shoppers won’t buy from you. Some who don’t buy that day may buy in the future.

So you definitely don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable in your booth.

However, when you’re dealing with someone who clearly will never be your customer and is impeding your ability to make sales, these tactics can be helpful.