|
|
Tell a friend!
Art and Craft
|
Show Tips Finding the Right Shows:
Keep an eye out in your local newspapers and other medias. There are also some magazines that offer show information. Contact the Chamber of Commerce in the city you wish to show for any festival information. You may also visit my "Art and Craft Show Listing ". When you Find a Show, call or write the promoter to get information and the application sent to you. When the information arrives, read it thoroughly to make sure the particular show is right for you. If it states the show will be "hand crafted only", do not bring items that are not hand crafted by you. Doing so may result in your removal from the show without refund, and may also jeopardize your ever returning. Many "real" crafters' businesses have been hurt by vendors claiming to be crafters and selling "Made in China" goods at low prices. If the promoter does not catch it, you can be sure one of these crafters will and turn you in. This also does not leave you with good reputation among those in the business. If you do want to do a show which allows resale, or flea market, be prepared. It is a good idea to take along a few resale goods to keep up with the competition for those customers looking for inexpensive, rather than quality goods. Just remember to keep them as "fillers" and not let them dominate your display. Many shoppers do respect hand crafted products. These are the shoppers you want to recognize you. By maintaining a high standard, you will attract a good following. Apply to Shows: Applying to shows can be much like applying for a job. Fill out all applications neatly and completely, and before the deadlines. Some shows fill up fast, so the sooner you get your application in, the better chance you will haveat getting in and receiving a choice location. Be sure to also send any required photos or slides, s.a.s.e. for confirmation notification, and your payment. Some shows are "grandfathered", meaning past exhibitors will get priority. In many cases someone has to retire or die (sorry, but true) before a new exhibitor will get in. These are usually the best shows, and worth getting your foot in the door. Just keep sending in your application and think positive! Setting Up: Be sure to arrive at the proper set-up time! If the time set is not good for you, many promoters will allow you to make prior special arrangements. If you have not done so, and are late, you could lose your spot without refund. Empty spaces are not attractive to show-goers, so promoters like to have them filled. If you are unavoidably late, take the time to call and let the promoter know you're coming. There is usually a waiting list of vendors who would love to get a last-minute call to show. Once this call is made, your spot is gone- don't argue. No-shows are rarely allowed to re-apply. Ask someone where you can find the person in charge if there is not a designated check-in booth. Introduce yourself to him/her and they will direct you to your space. Your space will often be marked with stakes or spray paint. Be sure to set up promptly within your space only. Be curtious to your neighbors. You would not want a big sign or something blocking the veiw of your booth, so don't do it to others. Shows are alot of fun, and you can learn alot, IF you can get along with your neighbors. During the Show: Again, you can learn alot from your neighbors. Many vendors will exchange show information, displays, and even great stories. Some of us actually like to meet at the same shows or travel together. If you do the shows alone, the vendor next to you may even be willing to watch your booth if you need to visit the restroom or get food. We are all in the same boat, so you will find the most respect and honesty between vendors. Occaisionally, you may find a vendor that is not as curtious. This may be due to the fact that this person is new to the scene as well. Most of the time, problems can be worked out simply by being polite and talking. Other times, it is best just to leave it alone. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved between you, then it may be necessary to talk to the promoter or person in charge. NEVER take your problems outside of the individual show management, as this could jeopardize the entire show's return. Selling: An attractive display, cheerful greetings, and just plain being helpful are the keys to selling. Keep your display area neat and easy to shop. Remember, your display is the first thing people will notice. Shoppers like to visit booths where someone else is looking. They want to see what the attraction is! Sometimes you can even attract visitors by simply straightening from the front of your booth, but be sure to move out of the way for them, as they may come in groups. Demonstrating is a great way to attract visitors as well. People love demonstrations, and will appreciate your work even more.This will also help you to keep busy and not look bored. When demonstrating, be sure to look up often and aknowledge your visitors. If you look too busy, potential customers may feel they are disturbing you when they have questions. Let your visitors look around a bit on their own at first. If they look like they have a question, offer your assistance, but don't pounce on them before they have a chance to look. Nobody likes a pushy salesperson. A simple "hello" with a smile is a nice way to acknowledge you are there to help them if they need it. If they are there for a bit, and really seem to be looking for something in particular, ask them if there is anything in particular you can help them find, or point out a piece you are exceptionally proud of (among the pieces that seem to interest them most) and tell them why. Even if they do not buy, thank them for taking the time to visit and offer them your card. Listen to your visitors. Sometimes you can pick out what the customers are looking for and have it at your next show. You may also hear comments on how they feel you could improve your products. The things you hear may bring important ideas. On the other hand, be selective with your hearing. There are going to be some comments you do not like to hear. You know your products and the work that goes into them. Don't take everything to heart- just smile and greet the next visitor! Tearing Down: Be sure to take down at the proper time! When you applied for the show, you made a committment to be there through it. Remember: Empty spaces are not good for a show, and signs of tearing down send a message to potential customers that the show is closing.You will have some bad shows and some good shows- it's just a fact. Even if it was a bad show for you, you don't want to jeopardize it for the rest of the group. Besides, if you tear down early, you most likely will not get back in to shows with that promoter. Be sure to leave the space in the condition it was before you set up. Take any trash to the right place, and leave nothing behind. You could also be responsible for any damage or cleaning expenses after you've gone. Back to page 1: Selling
Your Art and Crafts
Back to page 2: Places to Show and Sell Back to page 3: The Paper End Please show your appreciation for this valuable information by referring your friends to this site , visiting our sponsors, or placing a link to us from your site .
The
HempLady
*Links posted here have either placed
our banner on their site,
or pay a monthly fee/commission for inclusion.
|
