My Top Tips for Selling More at Craft Shows

If you’re anything like me, you know that craft shows are more than just a place to showcase your creations – they’re an opportunity to connect with customers, build your brand, and, of course, make some sales.

But let’s face it, standing out in a sea of talented vendors isn’t always easy. I’m here to help by sharing my top tips for selling more at craft shows.

So grab your favorite crafting beverage (mine’s a pumpkin spice coffee, in case you were wondering), and let’s dive in!

My Top Tip for Selling More: Know Your Perfect Customer

You may think that the more people you market to, the more sales you’ll make. But this thinking can have the opposite effect on your sales.

Trying to market to everyone dilutes your message. And the simple truth is your creations are NOT for everyone. That’s why it’s so important to know your Perfect Customer.

Your “PC” is the person that is your biggest fan. The customer that LOVES what you make. Once you know who this person is, your marketing and message will be talking directly to them.

The more focused and precise you are with your perfect customer, the more you will find them – and the more sales you can make.

Read more about finding and marketing to your perfect customer here.

Before you even set foot in the craft show venue, take some time to research the event and its attendees. What kinds of products are popular? What’s the demographic like? 

Understanding your audience will help you tailor your products and marketing efforts to better meet their needs and preferences.

Create Eye-Catching Displays

Presentation is key when it comes to craft shows. Your booth should be visually appealing and inviting, drawing customers in from across the room.

Invest in high-quality displays, signage, and lighting to showcase your products in the best possible light. 

The more items you can display at eye level, the easier shopping (and purchasing) will be for passers-by. Use boxes, racks and other displays to lift your products off the tables.

And don’t forget to add some personal touches that reflect your brand’s personality!

Get inspiration for your booth from my Pinterest board.

Engage with Customers

Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with customers as they browse your booth. I know this can be hard for many of us, but it will definitely result in more sales.

Ask them about their interests, offer product recommendations, and share stories about your creative process. 

Building a personal connection with customers can go a long way toward building brand loyalty and driving sales.

Even if they don’t purchase from you that day, they’ll walk away with a connection that may lead them to your website or get them searching for you at the next show.

Offer Special Deals or Discounts

Everyone loves a good bargain, so consider offering special deals or discounts to customers who make a purchase at the craft show.

Whether it’s a buy-one-get-one-free offer, a percentage off their total purchase, or a free gift with purchase, incentives like these can help incentivize customers to buy on the spot.

Price your items to cover discounts, and you won’t lose profits by offering these deals. Make them available only during the show, as scarcity is a great incentive for customers to make purchases in the moment.

Selling More Means Collecting Email Addresses

Don’t let potential leads slip through the cracks – be sure to collect customer email addresses so you can follow up with them after the craft show.

Consider hosting a raffle or giveaway and require attendees to provide their contact information to enter. This way, you can continue to market to them long after the event is over.

Promote Your Participation

Spread the word about your participation in the craft show leading up to the event. Post about the show on your social media accounts. If you know where your booth will be, make sure to include that information.

Don’t forget email campaigns! Send emails to your list about your shows, and follow up afterwards. Tell them about any “show only” discounts or promotions you’ll be offering as well.

Consider offering sneak peeks of the products you’ll be selling or hosting a countdown to the event to drum up excitement.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something unexpected will come up during the craft show. 

Maybe you run out of a popular product sooner than expected, or perhaps the weather takes a turn for the worse. 

Whatever the case may be, be prepared to adapt and roll with the punches.

Be sure to download my free guide, Market Must-Haves for Makers, to make sure you’ve got everything you need.

Evaluate and Learn

After each craft show, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved upon.

Did certain products sell better than others? Were there any aspects of your booth setup that could be tweaked for next time? 

Take notes on the show itself. Did the traffic compare to what the show had told you it would be? Did you sell as much as you had hoped? What information did you get from other sellers? These notes, taken while fresh, will help you next year when you decide where to sell.

By continually evaluating and learning from your experiences, you can refine your craft show strategy and set yourself up for even greater success in the future.

My Top Tips for Selling More at Craft Shows

Whether you’re a seasoned vendor or a newbie just dipping your toes into the world of craft shows, I hope these tips help you take your sales to the next level. 

Remember, success at craft shows isn’t just about selling more – it’s about building connections, sharing your passion, and spreading joy through your handmade creations. 

Don’t forget to download my free guide, Market Must-Haves for Makers. The guide will give you everything you need to know before you start selling this craft show season!