If you participate in enough craft shows, you’ll end up at a slow craft show that desperately needs to attract shoppers. It doesn’t matter how well the event organizer or you, the vendor, prepare, some things are out of everyone’s control. Whether the lack of attendance is due to poor marketing by the organizer or…
The brands that grow the quickest are the ones that get people talking. When your shoppers and customers become raving fans, they help promote your products and your handmade business. Here are a few ways to get your customers to share your business and its products. 1) Capture your Business Card Information It’s much…
We’ve all signed up for a craft show with high hopes, thinking the event’s proven track record or our products will bring tons of sales, but we end up walking away a little disappointed. So many factors can throw off craft show sales, but these are the most common reasons for low sales. REASON…
When you’re given a business card at a craft fair, what do you do with it? Over 80% of people toss the business cards they’ve been handed. And if that business card was found in a swag bag, it’s even more likely to end up in the trash. *I don’t suggest contributing business cards to craft…
You’ll see a much bigger return on investment from craft shows if you’re able to generate sales after an event. But if shoppers don’t remember your business a day or two after seeing your booth at a craft show, they’re not going to buy. Handing out business cards isn’t enough to stay top of mind…
There are situations, out of our control, that get in the way of us sticking to our commitments. Although leaving a craft show early or cancelling last minute is frowned upon, if you find a way to do it properly, you can leave your good reputation intact. Below are some ideas to make the most of the…
If you have a product that will sell well at craft shows, it’s time to start applying to events. Juried craft shows are preferred by handmade business owners because they tend to have more elements in place that ensure success. One of the downsides of juried craft shows (over non-juried) is that each vendor must…
If you have a product you know will sell well at craft shows, it’s time to start applying to the best ones. But you want to take the necessary steps on your application form to ensure it doesn’t get tossed. Craft Show organizers are friendly people and would probably never physically or electronically trash your…
Craft shows require a lot of work to prepare for. So the weeks leading up to an event can be hectic. During the event you’re also kept busy chatting with shoppers, making connections, and making sales. Leading up to a craft show, I had a clear direction; make lots of stock and plan an amazing…
I’ve sold at dozens of craft shows and learned from my mistakes. But I thought I’d put this article together for people getting ready for their first craft show, not knowing what to expect. Your first craft show won’t be perfect, but neither will your hundredth. There’s always something new to learn or something to…