Tips for a Successful Show

Vendor to Vendor Tip

I asked a few vendors, who do all or most of our shows and who are always doing well, what they would tell others to help them succeed. The answer was, "TALK TO EVERYONE WALKING BY YOUR BOOTH, OR HAND THEM A SAMPLE. EVERY PERSON WHO YOU DON'T TALK TO, COULD BE A LOST SALE!!!" It does not mean you are pushy, but it shows you're passionate about your creations.

Not knowing what to expect when doing a show during a pandemic makes this a bit hard for all of us. It is crucial to stay positive and make the best of it.

 

Here are some tips that work for all shows.

Quick tips:


Engage with all people and share your passion as that IS what WILL sell your product. Turning to your neighbor or to social media and complaining that you don't sell is NOT going to sell you anything, but just spreads negativity and may get you removed from upcoming shows.

 

If you don't sell, re-evaluate the following:

 

1) Is your display inviting, does it have heights, colors, does it pop? Putting items flat on the table is not appealing.

 

2) Are you standing and interacting with EVERYONE?

 

3) Are you too busy on the phone??? (Yes, we hear it all the time from vendors and guests that some vendors are on the phone, even with crowds walking by).

 

4) Are your items priced, and is the price right? We want you to make money, but if you are charging too much, will it sell??

 

5) Are you too busy chatting away, ignoring the people walking by?


6) Are you smiling? Or is your head down and arms folded?

 

7) Are you at your booth? Or are you walking around, chatting, shopping, leaving your booth unattended?

It does not matter if 20, 100, 500 or 2000 guests walk through...

It is YOU and your products that sells!!! ONLY YOU can make the best of this!!


Our best-selling vendors NEVER sit down!! They talk to EVERY single person walking by. They smile at everyone. Do you? – Now, we know that due to injuries some may need to sit down, but try standing up when a guest comes to your booth to be at eye-level.

 

During the show, it is important that you engage with customers and be as helpful as possible. You worked hard on your creations and business and deserve to get the most out of it.

 

Remember you are not only a reflection of your own business, but a reflection of LV Craft Shows® and the venue. One of the saddest comments I heard was guests saying that they felt some vendors did not want to be there. That is not good!

If you need to leave your booth and you are by yourself, please ask your neighbor to watch it. Or let us know and we will either send a volunteer or sit in ourselves to help you out. An empty booth is disappointment to customers and they may not wait for you and you may lose a sale.

We do a lot of advertising for this show, but we do not know what people are looking for the day of the event.

Here are some ideas to make your event the best it can be:

Preparation!

    • Avoid waiting until the last minute to pack everything. You do need some rest the night before the show.

    • Allow plenty of time for loading and set up. Be ready when the door opens. Take some time to mingle with other vendors - they may end up becoming your next customers and they will refer people to you.

    • Explore the venue beforehand. Know where bathrooms, food, and ATM’s are.

    • Have plenty of change. DO NOT ACCEPT $100 or $50 BILLS! There are many counterfeit bills circulating. Post a sign on your table, so people know.

     • Accept credit & debit cards. Get a Square, Shopify, or PayPal reader. Square has a promo where you can get $1000 in free processing. Use squareup.com/i/SUSIENGL00 to get this special offer.

      • Bring snacks & beverages. However, there is often a food vendor or food court at the event, and or several food options inside the casino (if event is at casino). REMINDER: Due to Covid and the SNHD rules, you may NOT consume food inside the showroom. Only at designated areas, i.e. food court.  

  • Your Appearance!

    • Dress professionally, put on some make-up, wear fun masks - We have been getting some comments that some vendors seem to not really care about their appearance. Ouch! 


    • Be visible, friendly & approachable. No Hiding! 


    • Have fun! Smile! Enjoy! Be happy! Love our customers! 


    • Stay off the phone! This includes talking, texting, and surfing the net. 


    • Avoid sitting in the back of your booth. 


    • Pay attention! Be of service to your customer. You will succeed and do well at the show if you talk to everyone who walks by. 


  • Communication:

    • Absolutely no political remarks or profanity. We are a positive family event!! 


    • We all have problems at home from time to time, trouble at work, losses, and not to forget our current difficult times, etc.. Please leave those issues in the car. Once you are at the venue, put on your best smile and make the best of it. 


    • Stay positive - being at the show is great exposure and sales vary each show. Not everyone buys, but you never know what comes out of it after the event. Some guests often just want to see what's available. We have a lot of people who come back looking for vendors at future events or order from vendors months later. You just never know. 


    • Ask yourself this: When you visit a show as a guest, do you buy from everyone?? 


    • Please no drama! If you have any problems with anyone, call for Roseann or Susi and let us handle it. We are a fun show and we want to keep it that way. 


    • Talk to everyone and share your passion - they want to know your story. Imagine that they do not know what you're selling (a bag is not a bag is not a bag). Ask everyone if they have seen your product before...it's a great way to start conversation, which often leads to sales. Or give them a compliment: i.e. ”I love your hair!” “What a great shirt!” 


  • Display:

    • Create an open & inviting set-up. Consider pushing your table back and put yourself out front. Guests love to walk into a booth (plus, it gives you more room to move if the space is tight). We do know that it may not work for all set ups, but just consider it at least and try different ways and then you’ll know what works best for you. 


    • Be creative, use layers, lighting, colors, draw attention to yourself. Exhibit how your product works. 


    • Be prepared. Bring supplies, sales slips, shopping bags, tape, scissors, pens, paper, etc. AND HAND SANITIZER, extra masks, gloves (if needed). 


    • Price your items visibly. Many guests dislike to ask about pricing. Offer some show specials. 


  • Marketing/Advertising:

    • Have take-away promo items available. Business cards/catalogs, fliers, etc., so shoppers can contact you.

     

    • ALWAYS add your card or contact information to any items sold (put it in the bag or give them a receipt and add your number), so people can contact you later to order more, or just in case that they need assistance. It happened many times that people call us trying to locate vendors who they bought from because they didn’t get their information. 


    • Promote events you are participating in. If you are in other shows or future shows with us, let customers know where you will be next. This builds up a following. Hand out fliers, or little notes with your upcoming events. Email your customers, share on social media. Promote yourself! 


    • Invite shoppers to sign up for your mailing list and email those that you already have in your database. Offer a free sample or gift to sign up. You may also offer a drawing for merchandise to encourage sign ups. 


    • Bring a camera/phone. Take pictures. Share your photos on Facebook/Instagram on your own profile, fan page, and also on our events page (there you can invite all your contacts to come see us). 


    • Prior to opening of the doors, post a picture on FB and check-in at the venue’s FB page to show everyone that you're here. Or better yet, do a quick live feed from the event. 



A positive attitude will help you succeed...a negative attitude will make you fail.

If you have any questions, need assistance, anything, please let us know.

HAVE FUN and have a GREAT Show!

Susi @ LV Craft Shows®