1.  Stock Up!  Create lots of inventory with a little something for everyone. 

People are there to shop, so give them lots to look at! 

Please don’t show up with a small amount or one of each item and plan to take custom orders. 

The craft show vendors with lots of inventory get the customers.

2.  Awesome Tags!  Make an impact with well designed tags for all your items including the price and your contact information.  Many items are purchased for gifts and you’ll want everyone to know how to order more.

3.  Make sure you have a wide price range of items available.  If you make custom bags someone might buy a wallet to try today and decide to contact you in a month for a custom bag order.  Offering items from key chains to a travel duffel bag will help bring in those sales.

4.  Business cards are a must!  Shoppers might not be able to purchase from you right now, but you need to make it easy for them to order later.  They could share your card with a friend that runs a little boutique…you never know how far that little card could go!

5.  If you enjoy custom orders make sure you have photos of past custom orders, color selections and more for them to choose from during the show. Make it easy for them to place their order.

6.  Give them something!  A little sample or coupon can work wonders breaking the ice with shoppers. 

I know you work hard for your money and sometimes it’s hard to part with samples without a  guaranteed return…but try it!

7.  Design your booth ahead of time to make sure it will display all your items and it’s not too heavy or hard to set up. 

Don’t forget a nice sign or banner with your logo.  Just setting up a card table won’t attract buyers.

8.  Add a splash of color and vary your height in your display.  This will get their attention and make it easy for them see all your items.  Pretty displays will make them stop and take notice…trust me!

9.  Have a sign up sheet for your mailing list.  A list of potential customers during the holidays could be priceless!

10.  Don’t sit way in the back.  Get out there and introduce yourself. 

They want to know you!  Share your ideas behind your work or hidden features that make your handmade items awesome!

11.  Wrap up purchases in pretty paper or bags with business cards.  Buying handmade is better…make them feel special.

12.  Have fun with it!  You get to talk about your beautiful handmade items all day and meet loads of nice people!

There’s always more to learn, but these tips should help you get started.

I’ll have another post on craft shows next week, so don’t miss it!

Please share your craft show tips in the comments…I know you have some!