| Karen Guarino is a self-taught artist who loves decorative painting and stenciling various functional surfaces for home decor. She also has a line of hand made note cards, announcements and framed insightful verse. |
| BOOTH BOOSTERS by karen guarino of Impressions by kg You've just completed setting up the display of your finest hand crafted work and you're ready for the inflow of customers to flock your table with adoration. As the morning passes, you can't help but notice another vendor table just across the way stirring with activity and prospective customers. You're curious and wonder to yourself if she's giving away $100 dollar bills or better yet, chocolate! You ask your neighbor if she wouldn't mind watching your booth for a minute while you check out your fellow crafter's secret. Here's some of what you saw... 1.) Displayed prices ~ Reasonable prices entice people to buy. Have a good range of prices and make them available and easy to see. Some customers turn away if they have to ask you "how much" Hand made tags with a rubberstamped motif add a special touch. Also use enticing signage such as "Handcrafted Gifts for Teachers" or "Great Gifts for under $10" I've actually seen cute signs placed in 31/2 x 4 1/2 wood frames. 2.) Offered a premium or incentive ~ Customers who spend a certain dollar amount $25 ~ $100 would receive a free gift. (candle, stationery, $5~$10 off their next purchase) If you own a website with a shopping cart, you may want to offer a discount for any item purchased on-line. (limit the time frame or direct them to a "specials" page) 3.) Clever accents around products displayed.~ Painted wood boxes filled with candy or potpourri. Silk floral ivy or flowers weaved in between the products and on shelving to bring about a "home" look. If it's allowed, have a burning jar candle going to bring about a comforting scent. Have your display arranged at varying heights and use different textures such a wood, metal and fabric. 4.) Invited guests to indulge in a wrapped treat ~ (It was chocolate!) (kisses, butterscotch, mints) Served on an inviting plate. This makes the booth appear more like an "open house" 5.) Offered a FREE raffle ~ You don't have to give away your best piece, but something simple and reasonable of your work. Not only are you building a great mailing list, but this will allow them to stop at your table long enough to fill out their info. (Name, address, phone #, e-mail ) and invite conversation. Ask them if they'd be interested in being notified when your next exhibit will be. Other conversation prompts: (How are you enjoying the show? Have you been to this show before?, What type of crafts are your favorite? Are you shopping for a gift or yourself?) Your winning entrant may become your best future customer! 6.) Invited customers to sign Guestbook ~ If you want to spare yourself the expense of giving away one of your products or services, bring a stool or TV tray and cover it with cloth. Find an empty scrapbook with a spiral binding or an inexpensive blank journal and make it into an impressive "GuestBook" Stop at a party store and pick up one of those "feathered pens" for flair! 7.) Displayed hand stenciled gift bags and quick gift wrap service ~ There's nothing more shabby than selling your hand crafted artwork and placing it into a plastic second-hand shopping bag. (I've always forgotten this step) Have on hand colored tissue paper, bubble wrap, raffia and gift bags. The next show you're in, take the time to hand stencil a simple floral design on the top of each bag, or jazz up a simple white bag with a rubber stamped design. It really gets noticed. 8.) May We Help You? ~ To give the best service, try to have a partner along to help you with purchases, wrapping, or just to hold the fort while you grab a bite to eat, visit the WC or look around. (Friend, sister, son, daughter, neighbor, school kid, husband (now that's love)) You can't expect to stand all day, but try not to sit behind your table with your nose in a book. Dress appropriately, smile, have your business card visible and accessible. If you have a web site, make sure it's on your card. As we approach the busy fall & holiday season, utilize these tips and work toward building an inviting eye-catching display, be creative, watch for unusual items and surfaces you can use to show off your merchandise and get ready for some wonderful sales! |
| THE ARTISAN ARTICLE Expressions In The Arts Newsletter ~a creative forum~ |
Home Ponderings & Pause Trade Notes Shows & Events Featured Artisan Click 'n Visit Artist & Crafter Links Business Bites Heart & Home Your Say! k.a.r.i.n. SUBSCRIBE! Impressions by kg |
 |
 |
 |