Five PROVEN Ways to Use Craft Fairs to Increase Your Product Sales

I know you may be thinking but Barb it's cold out! Yes, but it's never too early to start planning now! You can also use these idea's anytime of the year!

Five PROVEN Ways to Use Craft Fairs to Increase Your Product Sales
By Barb Ireland


They say 'Time Flies' & isn't it true? It’s that time of year again -- Spring is right around the corner! I don’t know about you, but spring is one of my favorite times of the year. For some of us the weather gets warmer, the grass begins to turn green again and birds are singing. For many of us, this time of year also marks the calendar with plenty of craft fairs, street fairs and summer fun. For the crafty business owner, Spring can bring in dollars - in fact, there's plenty of potential for many dollars!

Just below you'll discover some great tips for both beginners in this industry and seasoned crafters, as well. For the newcomer, this type of creative selling can help you gain confidence and learn important selling skills by interacting with customers...especially if you'd like to see them return again and again. So read on and find some proven gems to help increase your Sales & Profits.

1. Important! Hand out those business cards and flyers! Totally free advertising for present and future sales. As excellent sources of communication, they also travel fast (your main mission). Business cards and flyers promote word-of-mouth advertising that many marketers believe is one of the best kinds of advertising because it symbolizes a personal endorsement. Never forget the loaded impact word-of-mouth has on your business.

2. Promote custom orders. Have a sign somewhere stating you will do custom orders. This sends a powerful message of personalization and is a wonderful way to develop a relationship with any buyer, which could produce future sales leading to higher profits for you.

3. Do be selective. Not all shows are going to have a lot of traffic so make sure you discuss this with the person in charge of the craft fair. Your time and energy are precious commodities. You are in business with a goal to make extra income. Why involve yourself in an event that doesn't cater to your audience of seekers and buyers?

4. Experiment with the set up of your station or booth. Try different eye-catching designs, lighting, banners and so on. Raise the curiosity factor! If you're not creative, don't hesitate to ask a family member or friend to put together an interesting, crowd-pleasing poster for you. How about an attractive seasonal floral arrangement? It can draw potential customers to your booth. You can easily find pretty plastic arrangements that you can use in any type weather. If allowed, upbeat music draws attention. Go mainstream with selections unless the fair dictates more flexibility. Balloons often attract people, but be conservative instead of over-to-top. See if you can get something original that stands out.

5. Survey your market. Obtain consumers’ reactions to your products. People love to engage in conversations where their opinions seem to count. Ask them for suggestions or comments on your items and really show you're listening to what they say. Perhaps you could have a box on your table (or one set up close) asking people to leave a comment/suggestion. How about a raffle for the best one? Simply have them fill out an index card asking for names/addresses so you can notify the winner? This will peak their interest in what you're selling, help you discover what they are looking for and what the buying trends are for the season. Here again, the bonus of word-of-mouth advertising will come into play as people relay their daily experiences.

Most of all have fun and interact with buyers, greeting them with a smile. This will always leave a good impression and help build a lasting buying relationship...as well as attract on-lookers. And, as a final reminder, Don't Let Them Leave Without Your Business Card and/or Flyer!

About the Author This article is by the crafty diva chick- Founder of http://www.makeadiapercake.com/ Barb Ireland has taught well over 20,000 women on how to make diaper and towels cakes for fun and/or profit.Article may be reprinted as long as the authors bio remains intact.