Are you getting your handmade jewelry business ready for summer or fall craft shows? You might want to browse this list of Craft Show Etiquette to help keep from stepping on any toes. 

1) Read through all information sent to you regarding the show making note of set-up times and procedures. Make sure you understand all requirements and obligations regarding the show. File all related paperwork in one place so that you can refer to it again just before the craft show.

 

For help locating shows to participate in be sure to check out Locating Art Shows.

2) Always stay open until the very end of the show. Packing your booth early sends the message to customers that the show is over and shopping is done. It irritates your fellow vendors. As tired as you are and as anxious as you may be to be on your way… wait.

Business Books for the Creative Crafter

3) Keep a positive attitude at all times. Settle any disagreements, whether with the show organizers, a customer or your spouse, away from the booth.  Be positive with your fellow vendors and customers. A positive attitude sets the tone in your booth and surrounding areas making shopping much more pleasant.

Prepare Now for Holiday Jewelry Sales

4) Create a booth that is inviting and pleasing to the eye. Keep boxes and packaging out of view and keep your space clean and tidy – including during set up.  Make sure all table coverings are laundered before the show if needed. Make sure your tent is clean and in good repair.

Visit retail stores while designing your booth set-up or a visit with a friend who is an interior designer for inspiration.

Tips for Selling Jewelry at Shows

5) Do some of your own marketing for the show in advance. If every vendor reached out to their friends, family, social media circles etc. it would benefit every vendor at the show. If you received flyers be sure to hand them out.

6) Stay focused on what you are doing – selling and tending to customers. Visit with family and friends in the food court, leave your children with a babysitter, eat your meals away from the booth and give your shoppers 100% of your attention. Shoppers don’t want to interrupt your conversation or your breakfast to purchase an item.

7) Be professional. Dress nicely and keep advertising, political or off color humor to a minimum on your clothing, buttons, etc. Unless it’s that kind of show. Dressing nicely lends and air of quality to the items you sell.

Tips for Enjoying Jewelry Events

8) Talk to people in a general, friendly manner. Comment on their clothing, jewelry, or the weather. Don’t sit in the back corner of your space and expect customers to hunt for you. Be present.Pay attention to the people around you.

9) Be respectful of your neighboring vendors. If you must play music keep it quiet so that only the people in your booth with hear it. Stay within your defined space, be aware of what neighbors are selling and be willing to “spell” them if they need a bathroom break. This helps everyone's sales and creates goodwill among fellow creatives.

If a customer doesn't see something she likes offer to share your Digital Jewelry Portfolio.

10) Network. Use set up time, the time before the show opens or just after the show closes to network with fellow crafters. You might learn of another show you did not know about before, find a better hotel rate, or find out where the best bathrooms are. Hand out business cards or flyers to anyone interested. After the show, send out emails, visit blogs and leave comments and promote artists or crafters that you connected with in your social media circles.

Not all shows are rainbows and unicorns. Eventually you will have a show that, for one reason or 10 reasons, just does not go well. It will pay to keep this list in mind no matter what happens.

 

Vicki O'Dell

The Creative Goddess Delight in a Creative Life!™

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