The other day I went to a home show with my wife and two of our friends. It's fun to walk around and see what people have done, and what they are promoting. One thing I noticed as we were walking through the show, was how some vendors were sitting back in their chair, at the back of the display, talking on their cell phone. Needless to say, there were not many customers looking at their products.
Keep this in mind when selling your crafts at craft shows. Don't sit in the back of your booth or display, acting indifferent to those passing by. You need to be up at the front. Looking at people as they go by. Make eye contact with them. Have a pleasant smile. Say 'Hello', or give a nod. This shows people that you want to talk with them. They will find you inviting, instead of feeling like you might be bothered if they stopped.
Something else I found as I was walking through the show. There were some people that would say 'Hello', and that was all. Even though I would respond to their greeting, and look at their product, they dropped the conversation. It was if they didn't know what to say next. They didn't know what to tell me about their product.
Have a list of things that you can say about your craft before you get to the craft show, and are in front of customers. Think of all the good things about your craft that you like. This is what you want to share with others. If you are nervous or shy, practice what you might say out loud. See how it sounds. The more you practice, the more confidence you will have. Even get some input from friends to see how they think it sounds.
If you are struggling a bit with an 'ice-breaker', you could have something to give away at your booth just to make contact. A lot of people were giving away candy. This helped to slow people down and at least get them to look. It gives the opportunity to talk a little more. I think it is best if you could give something away that is associated with your craft in some way.
The lesson to be learned here is, if you are going to sell your crafts, you need to be interacting with people. You need to talk with them, and explain as much to them about your craft as you can. Then people will feel that they have found someone knowledgeable and helpful, and hopefully be attracted to your craft. Remember, your cell phone has a place, but when customers are afoot, it isn't next to your ear.
Author: Shawn Vincent
Author Bio:
Shawn Vincent hosts Craft Show Success.Biz. A site devoted to helping crafters be successful at selling their crafts. You can find more helpful ideas on how to be successful at Craft Show Success.Biz.
