Drawings at Craft Venues? Good Marketing?
I have seen many, many crafters use drawings at their shows to get the contact info on people that may be interested in their product. I have, in fact, used this tactic myself a few times. But over the years I have come to realize that I am throwing my money away.
So many people are taught this marketing ploy, but lets face facts. How many things have you signed up for with no intention of ever buying anything? How many times have you signed up for something just to win a prize?
Well the same thing goes for the drawing usage at a show. Are you really capturing the info of a potential customer or are you literally giving away your product to someone whom you will never hear from again?
Chances are it is the latter.
While I agree that asking for someones contact info is a great idea at these venues, but using a ploy for free product is not the way to get the potential, new client. What is wrong with talking to those that come into your booth because they like what they see? Why not simply ask them to fill out a sheet if they are truly interested in your product line. Why throw away hard earned profit on giving product to someone you most likely will never see or sell to again?
Yes, you may get fewer leads overall, but the ones you are getting by conversing with them will be quality leads who are honestly interested in what you sell and want more information from time to time. Not someone looking for free goods.
Next time you set up at a show, tweak your info sheet and get good, solid leads from customers. We are in business to make a profit and to grow our business, not give it away.
Excellent question! I have tried this, but not to “raffle” something off. My craft business is all about botanicals - potpourri, reed diffusers, etc. My thought was to capture some names by doing a “vote or our next potpourri fragrance”. Those who wanted to vote and do so - don’t have to add any information. However if their vote wins, and they provide a mailing address, I would send them a sachet of their pick which they helped in voting for. This actually got a huge response! What I like about capturing people email addresses and mailing addresses, is to use them to spread the word about my business. I ask them to join my facebook page, offer them discount coupons at future show - as a customer appreciation “thank you”, and so much more. While there may be some you never hear from again, it are those who RAVE about your products that make it all worth while. While some drawings may work, and others don’t, there are some out of the box ideas (liking having a nice guest book to get testimonials or use for getting email address) that might work even better. It would be neat to see what others think on this topic. Good topic!
Michelle
http://www.bythebaybotanicals.com
Comment by Michelle — December 2, 2009 @ 12:53 pm