Don't let your craft display scare them away!

by Beth
(USA)

Being an avid crafter, I frequent craft shows, fairs, raffles, just about anything related to crafts. I prefer to buy things that people make, it just makes me feel better than buying something from a big chain store. It feels good to support another worker who puts so much love into their craft. That being said, there have been many displays that are just complete turn offs and have me running the other way.

First, have ample space to display your work. There is nothing worse than someone with a small table or booth and everything is just piled on top of each other or stuck in bowls. You can't expect someone to sit and dig through everything looking for something they like. You have to catch their eye right away or they will keep walking. It also states to a customer that you don't value your product very well if you're willing to just heap it onto a table with no care.

Next, always display your business cards and specials where they are easily reached. It can be hard to get the attention of a busy craft display operator and if you're in a hurry, you're not going to wait around to ask them any questions. If they know you're having a special, it may just make it worth their while however to wait. Worst come to worst, they can always grab a business card and connect with you later. This also goes for pricing. Always have everything clearly labeled. Nothing more annoying than asking every five seconds what the price of something is.

Lastly, get creative. This is very helpful if you have a small space and a lot of products. Put items at different levels, such as placing some items on top of small boxes so they are higher up. This creates not only an eye catching display but will maximize your space. Don't place everything at a right angle, mix it up and make it appealing. Take a moment to stop and look at your display from a customer's point of view, if it looks boring than that's what others will think. Look around at how others are displaying their items and try to be different.

If you look at your display and it doesn't catch your eye, then you need to work on it. I know it can be hard to be objective but ask yourself if you would stop and look at your items, based soley on how your display looks.