If you’re an artist of any kind, craft fairs can be an amazing way to get your stock in front of different people and make some really great sales. Especially if you are someone who mainly sells online, getting to meet people in-person is a fantastic way of growing your potential audience and finding people who are interested in crafts like yours. Here are some top tips on how to make the most of selling at a craft fair.
- Offer card payment
How often do you carry cash around with you? So many of us prefer to pay for things via card and save the change for tips or parking meters. If you have a potential customer who can only pay via cash, they are likely to be more reluctant to part with their dollar bills in case they need it for something else later. Investing in an NFC card reader gives your customers more choice in how they pay, which will make them more likely to want to spend money with you. It also saves you scrambling for change!
- Have special offers for on-the-day purchases
Sometimes people will take a business card and say that they’ll look online at your products, but often they just won’t get around to it and the buzz from the craft fair will have long gone. Keep hold of this energy by having some special offers that are only eligible for that day, at that fair. It doesn’t have to be a huge discount or a massive freebie, but something that will let the customers there that day know that they are getting something exclusive.
- Be approachable but not pushy
There are two types of terrible stall-holders at craft fairs: the one that jumps on you the second you look at something, telling you everything about the product and going for the hard sell, or the other who is so cold and ignorant that it makes you feel uncomfortable about asking anything. Try to find a middle ground where the customers enjoy chatting with you about your art but don’t feel pressured into buying something. It’s much more rewarding to know that anyone who buys anything is doing so because they like it, and not because they were scared of you!
- Get visual
Make sure your display is eye-catching without being too busy. A nice sheet on the table and some boxes to create height and levels can make a big difference without costing a huge amount. Make sure things are tidy and everything can easily be seen by passers-by.
There is always a really special atmosphere at a craft fair and it’s a fantastic way to get your business out there. It can feel a little daunting the first time, but once you’ve had one successful craft fair, you’ll find yourself wanting to sign up for them every weekend as they can be addictive! Good luck.
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