Tips for crafty vendors this season!

After doing two festivals last weekend, I picked up some tips for future shows. Here are some Crafty Chica tips for vending this holiday season! Please add your own to the comments section!

2. Have a good variety of prices. Our items range from $5 up to $100. This worked out really good because everyone could afford to buy something. Our $5 items are our wood magnets, they were a great takeaway for those who couldn’t afford to spend more. Average shopper spent about $25., but we did get a several whopper sales too!

3. Take credit cards. It’s OK if you don’t have a merchant account or machine. PayPal now has a virtual terminal, and there are several iPhone apps you can sign up for, like iSwipe.

5. Surprise your repeat customers! If you are vending at a local show you do every year, come up with some NEW offerings. Competition is fierce, if people bought something from you last year and see the same things, they won’t buy again. But if you have all new designs – not just new colors, but totally unexpected items, you’ll keep their interest. That doesn’t mean to copy what other vendors are making, push yourself to be inventive and come up with something totally YOU.

9. Don’t just sit there, share your story! You worked very hard making your art. The big event arrives and you just sit there and softly smile at your potential shoppers? No! Stand up, greet people, throw out a factoid about yourself or your work. For example :”We came up with that idea from a friend of our who loved cats…” or “My designs were featured in XYZ magazine this month…” or my favorite – “I watched two movies while I made that shadow box!” People love to hear the behind-the-scenes. Don’t go into overshare – “See this scar on my arm? I got it from making that item!” Keep it light and happy. Many times that is all it takes to make them say “Oh, I want it even more now!”

12. Come up with special offers. Offer coupons for your online store. Think like Sprinkles cupcakes and Twitter a secret word for a discount or free gift. Have a raffle.

13. Support fellow vendors. Make a swoop around to say hi and introduce yourself. Sometimes you can even do a trade. Remember, we are all part of one big community. The more that ALL of us succeed, the more opportunities there will be, and the longer we will all be able to make and sell our art!

14. Always be thankful. Even if people don’t buy something, thank them for stopping by your booth and let them know about your web site. You want them to remember you fondly to make them a loyal customer!

15. Bring a notepad. Take notes of comments and questions your customers make or ask. Jot down problems and how you solved them. That way you won’t forget at the end of the show.

More:
– Bring plenty of change, lots of ones, fives and tens.
– Allow yourself a certain amount to spend on other booths. I always give myself $20. That way I don’t overspend!
– Always have a mirror if you sell jewelry.
– Make sure all your work is signed, bring a permanent marker just in case you forget.