6 Ways to Stand Out from Craft Show Competitors

Most craft show vendors will deal with other vendors selling something similar at the same event.

Even if you’re selling a unique product that doesn’t have any direct competition, you’re still “competing” to get shoppers to spend their money with you.

To build a business and booth that stands out at a craft show, attracts a steady stream of shoppers, and produces the top sales, consider the following tips.

1) Nail your brand

A brand will take a business from average to amazing.

It’s the difference between “a vendor selling jewelry” (for example) to “THAT jewelry vendor”.

Start by defining your brand.

>> Why did you start your business? Why does it need to exist when there are so many other businesses selling the same product?

>> How do you want to make people feel (when they shop with you, when they wear/display/use your products)?

>> How would you define the look or style of your products?

Then find ways to communicate that information through your booth.

For example, if I started my apron business because I couldn’t find elegant and feminine aprons, “elegant” and “feminine” should come through in my tablecloth, fixtures, signage, attire, etc.

>> How To Brand a Craft Show Display Without a Logo

>> 3 (Easy) Steps to Define your Craft Business’s Brand

 

2) Keep it cohesive

If you try to take your craft show booth in too many directions, it won’t stand out.

Meaning, if I want to sell aprons and be known as an apron business, then I should fill the majority of my space with aprons. If I add any other items, they should be related to and work with aprons (e.g. tea towels, oven mitts, and hot pads).

And if I want to communicate “elegant” and “feminine”, then I shouldn’t have some fixtures that are rustic wood while others are gold metal.

Stick to one message (e.g. Elegant and feminine aprons) and let that be the focus of your booth.

 

3) Be present and welcoming

How you feel will be reflected in how you act. If you’re excited for the day and are looking forward to sharing your work with people, you’re going to stand taller, have a smile on your face, and have good energy.

Shoppers will feel that.

The same is true if you’re feeling anxious, unsure, or like you don’t really want to be there.

Creating a welcoming space that shoppers want to stop in starts with you.

Be sure that your attitude, energy, and body language catch shoppers’ attention (in a good way).

 

4) Add an interactive element

Whether you’re working on your craft, have a fun game (e.g. prize spin wheel) or giveaway, or are offering samples, finding ways to get shoppers to engage with you or your display can make your booth stand out.

Even you interacting with shoppers and showing them how your products work, or pointing out features and explaining their benefits can be eye-catching and pique other shoppers’ interest.

Craft shows can be long days, but try to stay engaged and find ways to get shoppers to interact with your booth and products.

 

5) Bold signage

To stand out in a room full of vendors, you need to grab shoppers’ attention from a distance.

Strong signage is one impactful way to do that.

Point out key benefits in a clear, concise way.

It’s important to know your target market so you know what will catch their attention.

For example, is my target market wearing aprons while they’re baking with their kids or cooking a dinner for guests?

If I’m selling elegant aprons, it’s most likely that my target audience is hosting a dinner party and wants to keep their outfit clean, but look nice while doing so.

Instead of a sign that reads “Handmade aprons” or “Aprons for every occasion”, I might have a large sign that reads:

Elegant Aprons for Hosts Who Dress the Part

That would catch the attention of my target market and instantly communicate how my aprons are different from most.

 

6) Indulge all the senses

Although it’s not always possible, when you can engage all (or most) of the 5 senses, it creates a more memorable experience that will make your business stand out while people are at your booth and help them remember it afterward.

Sight – your booth starts with “sight”, so be sure it makes a strong visual statement (color is a great way to do that). Think about every visual detail, from your tablecloth to your attire.

Sound – this can be the way you speak (e.g. in an elegant manner) or you might have music quietly playing (e.g. I could have Classical music playing in my space to communicate “elegant”).

Touch – this is another one that’s important for every vendor to incorporate. Consider your brand and the message you want to send to shoppers. Then think about how that might be communicated through touch. For example, I might focus on soft/smooth fabrics for my elegant aprons, as well as display elements such as my tablecloth. Even the way I touch my products can communicate “elegance”; instead of quickly grabbing aprons to show people, I would softly handle them and gently glide my hands over details.

Smell – scent marketing uses subtle fragrances to shape how shoppers perceive and remember a brand. Spritzing your tablecloth or shopping bag tissue paper with a signature scent will help shoppers remember your business and create a unique experience. You could also add a bouquet of fresh flowers to your display, sprigs of rosemary, eucalyptus, or lavender, or use a small reed diffuser. Be sure to keep these scents light, not overpowering, so they’re subtly experienced in your space and not outside of it. And you may also want to mention your use of scents to the event organizer so they can keep your booth away from any vendor who has scent sensitivities.

Taste – this can be harder to incorporate when you don’t sell food or drink items, but you can get creative. For example, I might get shoppers imagining a taste by having an image of an elegant meal incorporated into my signs. Even a bowl of candies (I would go with chocolate mint for “elegance”) can add to the shopping experience.

 

Keep things simple, consistent, and unique to your craft business.