Hi guys,
On Saturday I went to the local art college to attend a day long class by a local jeweller and metalsmith who is very successful with his work. He has been able to support himself with his work over the past ten years and even produced work for wholesale. Only four people including myself showed up for the class, so it was really nice and personal. There was so much advice, that it would take forever to share it, but here are what I thought were the best tips:
Hi guys, yesterday I went to an all day class with a member of a local craft council on how to create a great looking both. I can't share everything (that would take a ton of space, but I'll share the most helpful bits). I wish something like this had been offered years ago!
- design your booth, don't let it just "happen". Visit your favourite stores for inspiration. Do you want to be Wal-Mart or Harry Rosen (as an example - when he was saying this, all I could think of was what Dr. Sooz said to me...it's so true...this year my table will not "happen")
- your booth creates a perception of your work. If it looks cluttered like a flea market, people will expect flea market prices.
- use risers, or even go the extra step of physically raising the table (or using a custom table at counter height). Tables are made for sitting, not standing, and by raising the product, people don't have to bend to see your work.
- whether you're indoors or outdoors, use lighting to your advantage. Position lights so they don't get in your eyes or the customers eyes, and make sure that they light a product, rather than casting it in shadow. Clamp light or swing arm lights work good.
- use signage boldly. Even though your name may be on the table, people still instinctively look up to see who you are. Let people see you from far away as well.
- use a folding stool instead of a chair. You can still rest by leaning on cheek on it :-) and still be at eye level with a customer. For short folks you can also see over the table too :-D
Part of the class also included asking the vendor tons of questions. For example, if power is provided, how much power (is it just an outlet in a wall that you have to share?), will the tables be all together with no room to get out, etc etc.
Because it was a small class, we also ventured into the business side of things, and we talked about things like accepting credit cards. Apparently some craft councils can get you a discount on credit card fees if you go with their bank, etc.
One of the oddest things that came up is that it has been proven that when most people enter a store, they automatically turn to the right (try to notice next time you go shopping :-D)
Our first sale is on November 4th...not much time left!
Best, Christine