How to Make the Most of Craft Fairs
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and for good reason; it is one of the few places in America with a warm, tropical climate, and the ambience is always sunny with all the fairs and festivals occurring all year round. Aside from the tried-and-tested annual festivals that have been running for many years now, there are also fledgling organizers that struggle to take off from their first year. To many people who have talents to show, be it a skill in cooking or an ability for crafts, then this is the place to earn a little extra.
Chances are, you’re one of these people. I applaud your notion of making a few extra dollars from selling the items that you make. However, you will need a booth, as well as the ability to attract potential buyers to it. The next few paragraphs will talk about tips I’ve gotten from a few “fair regulars”:
*Make your booth look appealing: Even if you have absolutely beautiful crafts, it won’t attract customers if all you do to it is place them on your booth table. You’re selling art in a craft show, not fish in a marketplace. Do something as simple as draping a tablecloth over the table, or something as elaborate as having a banner on top of your booth. And if you’re selling food, make sure you don’t have your not next to the dumpster (and don’t let your waste turn the booth into one, either).
*Talk, but do not intimidate, your customers: Your crafts will simply not sell themselves. You have to make an effort to talk about your creations, telling them why you think it’s special. But at the same time, do not flock them with information. Remain casual! And if you notice a potential customer having second doubts about what you are selling, then recommend a similar item that he or she may also consider.
Be prepared for changing weather: We may be the Sunshine State, but Florida receives it’s fair amount of rainfall. You may know that Florida weather may also be unpredictable. Sheets of thick plastic to cover your crafts tucked away nearby will be a necessity once rain decides to drop. Have something heavy at hand to keep them away flying away, too. And bring an umbrella, as getting sick will be a big inconvenience.
Finally, always remember to never overdo it: Don’t fill up your booth with so much appealing paraphernalia that your crafts are no longer noticeable. Don’t talk so much that you forget to listen to your customer, and of course, don’t bring so much anti-rain equipment, that you end up not bringing a lot of your own crafts.
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