Craft Show Advice Needed!

I am interested in how people do this, as well!

I have done craft shows. I saved up grocery bags to give to my customers; I've noticed many vendors do that. I use a fanny pack for cash so it's always on me. A sign or a book of what you offer and payments accepted always helps. Be friendly and have a little promotion - like a drawing for a free headband. You can use those entries as contacts to promote your items. Hope I'm not too late & good luck!

Hold on, Ladies. I'll get something for you by this evening..........

OK, I'm a little late...............hold on! It's coming!

Hope you have had successful adventures.

I'll be doing a craft show this weekend. Have been doing them for abut 12 years and have learned a lot in that time. There are many publications out there giving all kinds of info on how to do shows. Some are free, some aren't. I make jewelry, knitted scarves, shawls and hats. You can see my displays on my profile and I just posted the show in the bzz group.

You can purchase very nice plastic bags for a small price at any business supply store. Of course, you can always stamp them but I just use small paper bags that say "jewelry of distinction" that I bought from Rio Grand. I put all my knitted hats, scarves and shawls in sealed plastic bags (ziploc) that I get in large amounts from Cosco. That keeps them protected while the customer shops. I display them by hanging them on plastic hangers on a rack made for stores. They blow in the breeze and attract a lot of attention.

It's always a good idea to make a list of what to bring and take it with you so you can add as you go. Stapler, scrap or note paper, scotch tape, calculator, camera, (always take pictures of your table for future shows) order book, business cards, etc. And don't forget easy to eat snacks and drinks. I freeze SlimFast and it's usually thawed just right by lunch time. Bring a straw. I keep money in my pocket in a roll and take out the 20's when they get too bulky. I do not deal in change. All prices are dollar amounts and I tell customers the price includes the tax. That way I don't have to try to figure out change when it gets busy and I'm working alone.

Hope this is helpful. I will try to find specific writings on craft shows. You can look some of the books up on www.CraftersChoice.com

A couple more things. Have business cards on your table in one or more of those card holders. People love to pick them up and you may get a call. Also, put one in every bag. I also tell customers that I have added my business card as all my work is guaranteed and they will know how to reach me. Makes them feel really good knowing that they can get in touch with me and that I will fix/repair anything. Rarely happens but it is good customer service. If you have special items, like you do repairs and special orders, go to Office Max, etc. and buy the plastic sign holders. You can make a great sign and it looks professional. A customer once told me the difference between what she makes and what I make is that her things look "home made" while mine are "hand made". Professionalism counts! So dress accordingly, too. And don't be afraid to wear what you make.