Articles

Five Booth Makeover Tips for Craft Shows & Art Festivals

April 2012
Five Expert Tips for a Booth Makeover

Photo courtesy: PDPhoto.orgPhoto courtesy: PDPhoto.org

You’ve used the best possible materials and put loads of effort into your crafts; now, it’s time to give your booth what is probably a much-needed makeover, in hopes of attracting more customers and increasing sales dramatically. While your booth may not be an outright mess, and while it may even look attractive, there are some things marketing experts know that can help you make over your booth without spending loads of money. By following these five simple tips, you can renew your booth quickly and easily.

Tip #1: Ditch the Fake Flowers

Getting rid of fake greenery and fake flowers in a booth that does not specialize in items such as floral wreathes and centerpieces made from silk blooms helps customers focus on the items you are selling instead of on the fake flowers that might be everywhere. Use luxurious fabrics instead, and if you love the look of a floral arrangement, go for the real thing. Be careful with other accessories too, and make sure that they do not detract from the items you have for sale.

Tip #2: Use Floor Coverings

While you may be adept at displaying your art or your crafts, and while you may have thought of everything else, one of the worst mistakes many people make is failing to use some kind of floor covering to define the interior space of the booth better. Try foam flooring: not only is it lightweight and easy to transport, it is a snap to clean, and it helps to give the booth a completely finished look. Add an inexpensive but decorative carpet for an even lovelier presentation.

Tip #3: Display Items at Eye Level

No matter what you are selling, displaying your wares at eye level is a fantastic way to engage and excite customers, as well as to draw them in for a closer look. If you are at a busy craft show or fair, you are much less likely to find yourself wandering into sparsely decorated booths with nothing displayed at eye level than you are to seek out the booths that look most visually stimulating. Use floor space for storing extra stock, and space from the waist up to add secondary displays.

Tip #4: Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Customers need to feel welcome to try on wearable items, and they should be encouraged to try samples of consumable items. By placing a large mirror in your booth, you tell people to try things on without saying a word; and by allowing people to sample things, you are creating an instant connection. If you are selling candles and permitting allows, be sure to burn one or two candles inside your booth. Make the booth appeal to as many senses as possible, and you will see your sales skyrocket.

Tip #5: You Are Part of the Booth

Believe it or not, you, yourself, are part of the booth – a very important part! You should not be sitting in a chair looking bored while customers are in the booth; instead, you should be friendly and engage them in conversation. Compliment the jewelry they are wearing if you like it, or find other ways to make them feel comfortable. Remember to “decorate” yourself so you fit in with your booth, too.

Comments

This was very helpful!

By Carol O on April 18, 2012

I visit alot of flea markets and as a buyer I too notice vendors who look bored.. and I stay away! Appreciate your tips!!! Send me more tips!

By Maria on April 18, 2012

Thank you so much for your Great tips.. I love them. I am a vendor at different craft fairs and festivals, and I always try to interact with my customers. I have found that it helps with the sales. Sure I may get bored, but I try to not let that show to those who are seeing me.

By Melissa N. on April 19, 2012

Thanks, they are great tips~

By Mary Bare on April 19, 2012

Great article. Thank you to tell us more useful information. I am looking forward to reading more of your articles in the future.

By Exaltaci on April 20, 2012

Thank you very much for your tips, I’m getting ready for the season and last thing I work all the time is my booth. This year I decide to work on it, so your article is very helpful.

By Lula Castillo on April 23, 2012

Having a floor cover for the tent is not always wise.  I have seen several
women in high heels have an accident.  In addition, those in wheel chairs can get hung up on the edge and cause damage to your booth - not intentional.  Floor covering do look great - just remember your audience

By Robbin Wren on April 24, 2012

I I use a bamboo rug that rolls to next to nothing, it is heavy enough to stay down and fairly good in the rain.  I call it my sushi rug.

    I am a bug about display and am happy to read above all the tips I too give newbies, my pet peeve is tables and table clothes that are not fitted.  So bad in the wind which is always around.  It also screams rookie.

By Bonnie Eastwood on October 25, 2012

Love the articles!

By fatavonlady on November 2, 2012

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