Are you wondering what kills your sales during craft shows?
A craft show is a big event and the excitement focuses on selling at the show. But it takes a lot to do a show and unknowingly you might have done things that are killing your sales and brand.
Here are 7 deadly sins you might be committing at craft shows.
1. Deadly Attitude
People with a negative attitude aren’t friendly or smiling to the customers or other vendors. I don’t mean they are bad people but this is a negative attitude when selling at craft shows. Don’t complain about getting low sales, low ballers or the bad lighting provided by the organizer in front of a customer.
It is also a deadly attitude to quit easily. If you are getting low sales, don’t leave the show too early. Most people at craft shows are on a budget and they want to look at everything before they decide what they want to buy. Positive sellers say they’ve made most of their sales in the last 30 minutes before the show closes.
2. Deadly Light
You surveyed the place before selling, and you were happy because the whole venue have proper and bright lighting.
However, some craft shows, turns down the lights during the event to create a cozy ambiance. If you are not prepared with this situation, your booth might appear like a wall flower. Keep in mind that one of the elements of a great craft show booth is proper lighting as it provides warmth and creates an inviting atmosphere.
3. Deadly Activity
What I have noticed with some sellers, they display the most beautiful products with a good looking craft show display, however, they become so preoccupied with the book they’re reading or on social media with their mobile phones.
They sat behind a table, shoulders bent and head down over a mobile phone making them look unavailable and disinterested.
Sure you will be able to finish reading your book but it will cause a negative impact on your sales. I suggest that if you want to hustle while waiting for your customers, finish your handmade pieces. This is a great way for shoppers to see how your items are made and appreciate handmade.
4. Deadly Approach
So you entered a store to look for new clothes and you were approached by a sales clerk and get asked “Can I help you?” the sales agents asks. You replied, “Just looking around” And now you’re being watched. Situation became awkward for you so you moved out from the store.
Same thing happens at the craft show, but this time you are the sales person.
As the customer enters the booth you watch them. You wanted to talk to them but you don’t want to scare them off like sales clerks do at malls but somehow you don’t have the courage to talk. Are you silent until the customer initiates the conversation? They aren’t going to.
Don’t forget to learn the smart ways to start a conversation with shoppers before the event.
The most effective approach is to ask them with open-ended questions. Questions that aren’t answerable by “yes” or “no”.
5. Deadly Display
Overwhelming the customer is one of the most common mistakes. You need to strike a balance between product availability and choices. Most customers love it when there is proper spacing on the craft show table so they can comfortably browse the products they like and they will not be crowded out by other shoppers. If you have a small booth, adding wooden crates at the bottom for table extension works too.
6. Deadly Fashion
Greeting your customers in a t-shirt and jeans is safe outfit when you are selling at an outdoor market, but it won’t impress them at a Christmas Fair. You don’t need to wear a costume either.
Be reasonable, pressed, clean, and presentable. It is a balancing act between being comfortable and presentable.
Dress to suit your product. Your appearance has a significant impact on your sales. I was surprised at the sales that occurred when I wore a suit and tie to a Christmas Craft Fair. Believe me your appearance matters.
7. Deadly Pricing
There are sellers that price too much and price too low. If you are one of the latter, you should know why your products cost more.
Tell your customers if they question your pricing. Shoppers won’t always contact you via your website with questions or even ask questions at markets until they’re ready to buy.
In both of these situations, good knowledge anticipates questions they might have.
Want to learn more about how to price your handcrafts correctly and easily?
Check out this video here for more information.
So are you guilty of these? Please let us know in the comments.
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