Craft Show Tips

Get That Contact Info by Using Craft Shows Part 3

One of the greatest benefits to setting up at craft shows is that you are exposed to all those potential customers within your target market. What an awesome opportunity to reach out and expand you customer base!

A lot of Direct Sellers use contact cards to capture the information of those that are potentially interested in the business or the products, fundraisers or hosting a party. But how are you going to get the potential client to fill out that card?

One of the easiest methods is to have a drawing for a prize that you donate. You are asking them in a non threatening manner to sign up to win that prize. You are, in turn, able to talk to that person about the products and more while they are filling out the card.

Another method of getting people to stop at your booth is to have something to hand out. A flyer, a mini catalog, a business card with a sample attached. As they accept the item you are giving out, you can ask about filling out a card to enter the drawing. You can also use a simple sign up sheet for future mailings or if they want to be on your sale notification list or to receive a catalog. Talk to the people walking by and do not forget about the other vendors!

Whatever method of obtaining their information is used, you want to make sure that you are using it. Don’t let those hard earned leads go to waste! You worked hard to get them now you must follow up within one week of the show. Send a postcard or email, depending on their preference marked, thanking them for coming to the show; that is was great meeting them. You want to offer a discount on their next purchase.

Follow up with everyone you have contact information for. And don’t just contact them one time. Every time you have a sale or a mailer going out, include these people. This is your warm list. They have been interested in your products, so include them as potential new customers. It is important to keep your name and business in the fore front. This leads to long term customer service and potentially great customers and That is what we work so hard for.

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Copyright Chris Carroll All Rights Reserved
Chris Carroll is a sales professional that has made direct sales her business of choice and enjoys sharing with others. You can sign up for tips on managing and increasing your business at her site DirectSalesTalk. You can also find her at her business site ShopOnYourSeat If you would like to use this article for your newsletters or website, all links must be live and clickable.

Making the Most of your Craft Show Display Part 2

So you have decided to promote your business doing craft shows but now you are wondering “how do I make the most out of my precious 10 X 10 area?” The key to this is to attract attention and bring those customers into your booth!

Planning out your booth before hand is a key factor to the successful layout of your booth. Using items found at home is an inexpensive method. Look for unique pieces to incorporate into your display; furniture pieces, shelving, Items with visual interest. Layers and stacking product keep interest high.

Color plays a big factor as well. What decorations are you using? Is it holiday themed? Tie decorations around that. Harvest time? Easter, Valentines, Bridal? All of these have certain colors associated with them. Of course you do not have to go that route. Complete opposite decorations are attractive as well. Shocking pink or bright yellow would definitely set you apart from the crowd. Make sure that you incorporate your products however and pick up color schemes from them.

Interesting fabrics are a great tool to use as well. Be careful of clashing prints though. You do not any busy displays. People cannot focus on any one thing and will walk away.

The flow of traffic in and out of your booth is important. You don’t want it to seem crowded but you do want to utilize your space completely. You want to be able to have someone come in and talk with you, see your merchandise easily, fill out information sheets. Comfortable and inviting is the ambience that you are striving for.

Your mix of product is equally important as all of the above. You do not have to bring your whole inventory, just a representation of your line or the products geared to the event theme. Taking orders is definitely ok to do at these shows. Don’t feel you have to bring everything. That will be too much work for you and you will be less inclined to want to continue these types of shows.

Keeping your event set up simple yet attractive will ensure interest from your potential customers. Being a unique vendor in set up and display will encourage a great shopping experience for them as well. Above all, Have Fun!

Copyright Chris Carroll All Rights Reserved
Chris Carroll is a sales professional that has made direct sales her business of choice and enjoys sharing with others. You can sign up for tips on managing and increasing your business at her site DirectSalesTalk. You can also find her at her business site ShopOnYourSeat If you would like to use this article for your newsletters or website, all links must be live and clickable.