Known as the Sunshine State, Florida is one of the few warm, tropical places in the United States. The atmosphere is sunny with the numerous fairs and festivals that happen all year round. Aside from the regular annual and biannual events, there are a few clandestine organizers that struggle in their first year. To many craftspeople, this is the place to earn a little extra income.
Chances are, you're one of these people. I applaud your notion of making a few extra dollars from selling the items that you make. However, you will need a booth, as well as the ability to attract potential buyers to it. The next few paragraphs will talk about tips I've gotten from a few "fair regulars":
*Make your booth look appealing: Even if you have absolutely beautiful crafts, it won't attract customers if all you do to it is place them on your booth table. You're selling art in a craft show, not fish in a marketplace. Do something as simple as draping a tablecloth over the table, or something as elaborate as having a banner on top of your booth. And if you're selling food, make sure you don't have your not next to the dumpster (and don't let your waste turn the booth into one, either).
*Talk, not intimidate: Basically, your crafts will not sell themselves. Make it an effort to go around your booth and talk to potential customers about your creations. Tell them why they're special, but remember to not ply them with too much information. Be casual! If you notice someone having doubts, try offering them a similar items they might be interested in.
Be prepared for ill weather: We may be the Sunshine State, but a tropical area also receives its fair share of rainfall. And if you've been in Florida long enough, you know that you will never be able to predict when it will drop. Have some thick plastic sheets ready to cover your crafts in the event of a rain, and have some heavy objects as well so they don't fly away. And do bring an umbrella for yourself as well! We don't want you sick, now.
Last, remember to not overdo it: Don't cram so much stuff on your booth that your crafts aren't noticeable. Talk, but not so much as to forget to listen to your customer. And don't bring so much anti-rain equipment , you forego bringing your own crafts.
Chances are, you're one of these people. I applaud your notion of making a few extra dollars from selling the items that you make. However, you will need a booth, as well as the ability to attract potential buyers to it. The next few paragraphs will talk about tips I've gotten from a few "fair regulars":
*Make your booth look appealing: Even if you have absolutely beautiful crafts, it won't attract customers if all you do to it is place them on your booth table. You're selling art in a craft show, not fish in a marketplace. Do something as simple as draping a tablecloth over the table, or something as elaborate as having a banner on top of your booth. And if you're selling food, make sure you don't have your not next to the dumpster (and don't let your waste turn the booth into one, either).
*Talk, not intimidate: Basically, your crafts will not sell themselves. Make it an effort to go around your booth and talk to potential customers about your creations. Tell them why they're special, but remember to not ply them with too much information. Be casual! If you notice someone having doubts, try offering them a similar items they might be interested in.
Be prepared for ill weather: We may be the Sunshine State, but a tropical area also receives its fair share of rainfall. And if you've been in Florida long enough, you know that you will never be able to predict when it will drop. Have some thick plastic sheets ready to cover your crafts in the event of a rain, and have some heavy objects as well so they don't fly away. And do bring an umbrella for yourself as well! We don't want you sick, now.
Last, remember to not overdo it: Don't cram so much stuff on your booth that your crafts aren't noticeable. Talk, but not so much as to forget to listen to your customer. And don't bring so much anti-rain equipment , you forego bringing your own crafts.
About the Author:
Sam Weyland is a big fan of Florida Craft Shows. She heartily suggests Florida Craft Fairs to find the closest Florida Fair near you!
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