Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Simple Craft Show Tricks

I’ve been doing A LOT of outdoor shows this season, and I thought I'd share a couple of tips I’ve picked up along the way. None of these are rocket science, but if you’re new to this crazy business of setting up shop in a 10x10 outdoor booth, they might help you out.

TUB TALK

Try to consolidate the items you carry to shows into containers, like these storage tubs. Before you go to your show, while you have them all neat and organized, take a picture of what goes inside each tub & tape it to the inside of the box lid. Really helpful when you’re tired & packing-up at the end of a long day.  Also great if other people are trying to help you and don’t know your system.
IMG_3269

RISE ABOVE

If you’re selling small items, like jewelry, you’ll want to raise your tables higher than standard height so customers have a better view. (Also helps to deter curious little fingers!) I’ve tried several methods to raise my tables and these bed risers are the easiest to use and transport. Pick them up at any retailer that sells home goods, Target, Bed Bath Beyond, Wal-Mart, etc.
IMG_3287

HOLD ‘EM DOWN

If you’re doing outdoor shows, the wind is your enemy. Actually, even a light breeze can even wreck havoc on your display. Behold the table cloth weights! These beauties are nice looking, inexpensive and HEAVY. I clip them on my displays, table covers, side walls…I might clip them on you if you stand still too long! I bought these on Amazon. Here’s the link: Amazon, tablecloth weightsIMG_3286
DISPLAY DIVA
A good display really can make the difference between customers stopping or walking right on by. It takes a lot of work to get it looking fantastic. If you’re doing shows frequently, you aren’t going to want to reinvent the wheel every time. I have a pic in a plastic sleeve of my basic set up, without merchandise:IMG_3284
and with merchandise:IMG_3285
Boy this is helpful. Because sometimes I’m running late, or I’m tired, or I had an extra glass of wine the night before. Or sometimes all three…and I need a little memory crutch. The booth still changes a bit every week, ‘cause I’m kind of a perfectionist. But having the basic framework at hand is fantastic. IMG_3275

Have a great show!