How To Appeal to More Holiday Craft Show Shoppers

Holiday craft shows are almost always the busiest. But that doesn’t guarantee strong sales. Holiday shoppers are often trying to stretch their budgets while buying gifts for everyone on their list.

Although budgets may be tight, many consumers want meaningful handmade gifts.

With a few strategic adjustments, you can appeal to both budget-conscious shoppers and those looking to splurge.

Here’s how to pull in a wider range of customers and make more sales at your holiday markets this year.

1. Create a display that says “Value” 

Value doesn’t have to come from discounts; it can come from how your booth feels.

Emphasize value by:

• Keeping your display tidy, organized, and uncluttered
• Using clear signage (especially for holiday deals or gift ideas)
• Adding small touches like festive décor or warm lighting
• Offering a free, inexpensive perk (gift bag, small candy cane, handwritten tag)

A polished, welcoming booth instantly tells shoppers your products are worth the price — even when budgets are tight.

 

2. Offer more gift options at different price points

It’s always wise to offer products in a range of prices. This time of year, think about gift-worthy products in low, medium, and high price points.

Stock a mix of:

• $5–$15 impulse buys (great for kids, coworkers, Secret Santas)
• $20–$35 mid-range gifts (your likely best-sellers)
• $40+ premium items (for people who still want to splurge)

Clearly separate your price tiers and use bold signage so shoppers can browse according to budget.

Put your “gifts under $20” in a dedicated area, as under $20 is a budget-friendly and craft show shopper-friendly price point.

 

3. Create holiday bundles 

If you want to offer deals without sacrificing profits, bundles are a great option.

For example:

• Buy 2, get a small freebie
• Curated gift sets wrapped and ready
• “Build your own gift” stations (e.g. choose 3 or more items and get 10% off, choose 4 or more items and get 15% off, choose 6 or more items and get 20% off)

Shoppers perceive bundles as great value, and you sell more per transaction while protecting your margins.

 

4. Tell a “gift story” through display

Craft show shoppers are impulsive, undecided, and often overwhelmed. Many don’t walk in knowing what to buy; they need you to guide them.

Use signage to position your products as gifts:

• “Teacher gifts under $15”
• “Perfect for the dad who has everything”
• “Stocking stuffers”
• “Secret Santa gifts”

The clearer you make your gift categories, the faster shoppers can visualize who they’re buying for.

 

5. Offer payment options

Budget-conscious shoppers often use multiple payment methods while spacing out spending.

At minimum, accept:

• Cash
• Credit/debit
• Tap
• Apple Pay / Google Pay

If your average price point is higher, offering payment plans through your POS (Square, Shopify POS, etc.) can make bigger purchases feel more manageable.

 

6. Make buying feel more “safe”

When money is tight, people fear buying the wrong gift.

Reduce buying anxiety by:

• Clearly posting your return/exchange policy
• Offering gift receipts
• Allowing exchanges at your next market or online
• Letting people swap scents, colors, or sizes after the holidays

Even if exchanges are limited, shoppers feel more confident buying when they know there’s a backup plan.

 

7. Lean into repeat buyers

Your past customers are your strongest asset, as they already trust your business.

Ways to encourage repeat buying:

• Offer a returning customer coupon
• Create a simple punch card
• Tell them what new items you brought to this show
• Give VIP early access to limited items

People who bought from you before don’t need convincing; they just need reminding.

 

8. Make your booth festive

Your booth should help shoppers imagine your products as gifts.

Easy upgrades:

• Add greenery, fairy lights, or simple holiday accents
• Use festive gift tags
• Show an example of your gift wrap
• Stage a “holiday bundle” front and center

People shop with their eyes, so give them something festive to gravitate toward.

 

9. Offer low-cost versions

Some shoppers will want to support handmade businesses, but can’t afford bigger, more expensive pieces.

Provide your best-selling products in:

• Smaller versions
• Slightly simplified versions
• Lower-quality material versions (e.g. a cotton version of a best-selling wool scarf; same color and design, more budget-friendly material)

 

10. Reduce costs

If you want to keep prices stable, make adjustments behind the scenes instead of slashing prices.

Try:

• Buying materials in bulk
• Reducing waste (think of smaller stocking stuffer items that can use “scrap” materials/ingredients)
• Pre-prepping components to speed up production
• Switching suppliers for lower costs
• Streamlining your booth setup to reduce packing time

These small operational wins allow you to offer fair, competitive prices without feeling squeezed.

 

With a booth that offers a range of price points, clear value, and gift-friendly options, you’ll attract a wider audience and make holiday shopping easier for them.

And that’s how you turn browsers into buyers, even in a tight economy.