Standout Worthy: 7 Tips for Making a Profit at Craft Shows – Guest Post by Naomi Shaw

If you are a craft maker who has turned your passion for creativity into a business, chances are that you spend a great deal of time at craft shows trying to sell your products. While turning something that you love into a profitable business is certainly worth your efforts, in this industry, it is always a bit difficult to stand out amongst the crowd.

In order to make your craft making endeavors as lucrative as possible, it is imperative that people notice you and your products above everyone else’s. It sounds daunting, especially when there are hundreds of other like-minded crafters, looking to make a return. If you’re wondering how to step up your business and boost your profits, then read on. With a healthy amount of ingenuity, you’ll be raking in the profit, one craft at a time.

Make your name stand out.

Your name is the most important part of your brand – it is how people will remember your products. And when they remember your products, they’ll be looking for you at the next craft fair they attend.

That said, make sure that your name stands out. Create an attractive, eye-catching banner. Pick bold colors and vibrant patterns. Use an easy-to-read, yet interesting font for your name. If possible, incorporate an image that others will easily associate with your name. And, of course, make sure you place your banner in an area where everyone can see it, even when your booth is packed out.

The sky’s the limit.

Certainly, tables are one of the easiest ways to display your crafts, but are they the most effective? A unique display instantly creates attention among all the other humdrum vendors around you.

Another key tip is to move your displays up higher than you think. Items displayed at eye level catch the eyes of your browsers and make it easier to look at, rather than having to crouch down on your knees. Use shelves, baskets, or even crates to display your items.

Invite interaction.

The more shoppers have the ability to interact with your products, the more likely they’ll be to make a purchase. In light of this, make it easy for them to do so! If you sell crocheted blankets, hang them up and invite shoppers to touch them. If necklaces are your forte, set them out with a mirror and encourage shoppers to try them on.

Use backdrops.

Your shoppers will feel more like they are entering a real store when you incorporate backdrops into your boot. Set up backdrops that coordinate with your products, or that you simply think are attractive. Pleasant backdrops will make the shopping experience more enjoyable, and when shopping is more enjoyable, customers tend to buy more.

Be mindful.

While an eye-catching display should be your goal, keep in mind that going too overboard will likely drive business away. Flashing lights or obnoxious music screams to customers to “stay away!” Never let your display outshine your products – if the set-up is causing products to get lost, or blend in, it’s time to rethink your layout.

Use a theme.

A theme helps create a cohesive look, and cohesiveness makes things look neat, tidy, and grabs attention. Whatever the overall feel of your products, choose a theme that works with them. Take it a step further by coordinating your theme with the seasons or an upcoming holiday, giving your booth a festive feel.

Make it flow.

Of course, you want to include as much as you can in your display area, but you don’t want to make the space overly congested. An abundance of tables, baskets, and shelves increases the difficulty of getting around, which then makes it hard for customers to access your products and can even drive them away. Make sure there is a good traffic flow inside your space and rearrange as needed.

Employ these tips into your next craft fair and you will be amazed by the impact that they will have. You will make shopping in your booth a more enjoyable experience, translating to more sales and greater success for you.

Naomi Shaw is a freelance writer in Southern California. She enjoys crafting at home and would love to someday turn her hobby into a business venture.