Selling at Craft Shows
It’s really not a simple task to man a booth at a craft show. You could decide to set up your booth and that’s that; hoping that the simple presentation you’ve set up will be enough to attract customers like flies to honey. I must say that this attitude is similar to a disinterested hired help.
Obviously, that’s not what you do when you set up at a craft show. This is real work, and you’ll need to be on your feet for this. Selling your crafts is not the same as fishing; it’s rather akin to slowly enticing a pet to trust you. Get their attention first via bait, and build up their trust by ensuring going after that bait will be to their benefit.
What am I talking about? That’s simple. Be on the lookout for potential customers, and when they do show interest by lingering in your booth, that is your cue to act. Approach them, give them a warm smile, and talk about your product.
This is why it’s always best if you showcase your work yourself. If it’s something you’ve made yourself, chances are you’ll have a special bond with it, and you will find you’ll be able to take about it with enthusiasm. Let the customers see how special your craft is. This will really help in convincing would-be buyers to purchase your items in the end.
Of course, it is only fair to warn you about overdoing any of this. What should you avoid saying when talking to your customers?
*One, don’t confuse them with technical jargon. You want them to appreciate your art, not mimic it, so don’t bother them with it.
*Don’t just go on and on about how awesome you are. The quality and skill that you invest in your work is not what matters, not your own ego. And lastly,
*It’s a conversation, not a speech. Ask them questions, and see what exactly piqued their interest in your work. This way you can have a dynamic conversation with them, which would lead to them being more favorably disposed to buying your product.