Exhibitions have been my favorite means of marketing my work since day one. These days they are known with ‘fancier’ names such as Flea Markets, Popup shops etc.
Here are a few experiences and tips to keep in mind if you are planning your first craft market.
Pic Courtesy: Sunday Soul Sante
- Up your stocks: You need to make sure you have enough stock and varieties in your stall to keep it looking freshly stocked. Start preparing well in advance and book your stall only if you are sure you have enough.
- Do your homework: Know the organizer or other participants of the event. Make sure you check the success rate of their previous events. Understand what is being provided in the stall – i.e. tables, chairs, plug points etc.
- Be early: This is where I fail always so I know how important it is. Avoid exhausting traffic and the sun while you set up your stall. Be sure to have your stall set up before At some events, being early gives you a better stall location.
- Checklist: Create an exhaustive list of things to carry along with you. This varies depending on your product but here is a list that has helped me:
- Packaging Materials
- Visiting cards and handouts
- Banners
- Table cloth
- Display stands / chains / ropes etc.
- Rain / Sun covers
- Extra lighting
- Food, snacks and water
- Lots of change (cash)
- Pricing: You know how much your work is worth so make sure to reward yourself adequately without overpricing you product. Its also important to price your product right for every event without your prices fluctuating depending on the venues.
- Packing: This includes how you pack your goods for transportation and how you package what sells. Having them packed neatly will help you carry your stuff from home to car and car to stall and to unpack quickly. Packaging breakable items takes a lot of care and attention. Materials used to pack for transportation can be reused when the products sell.
- Perfect Display: What you are setting up is a temporary store front, so make sure it is attractive enough to grab the attention of the customers. There is no need to spend much to create a nice stall, just use items lying around your house to decorate. Place the items categorized neatly to ensure that each item gets the attention it deserves.
- Record your sales: No matter how much you enjoy your work, at the end of the day, it is a business. Keep track of the sales, inquiries and customer feedback.
- Enjoy! You are at a beautiful setting so don’t forget to relax, enjoy and network!
World o’ Ceramica
World o' Cerámica 