1. Money – I have forgotten to get money and gone scrambling the night before a show to find small bills for my show. That is a nightmare! Remember to get money from the bank before you have a show. I usually get about $100 in small bills. So far that has been plenty for my shows.
2. Credit Card Machine - If you take credit cards they are a must. If you are using an electronic processor, be sure you can get a signal at your show. I have been to some shows as a customer where I could not purchase what I wanted because they were unable to get a signal and had no backup.
3. Tents/Tables/Chairs – Tables and shelves, you need something to display your work on.
Chairs: Chairs are optional. Some people feel that sitting down in a booth gives the wrong impression. Others could care less one way or another. I do bring chairs with me since I sometimes create new items while at a show.
Tents: I love my tent. Most people who work in outdoor craft shows will tell you a tent is a must. It provides protection for you and your product from the elements. You can get even more protection if you invest in walls for your tent as well. Be careful with walls though, on hot summer days they will bake you by not allowing a breeze through.
4. Displays – Laying your items flat on a table will not bring in customers as well as displaying your products on shelves or displays will. Prop your items up with displays to catch the eye of your customers.
5. Packaging – Customers want to easily transport their purchases home. Make sure you have some bags and boxes available if your customers ask. You may also wish to consider gift wrap or gift boxes during the holiday seasons.
6. Signs and Business Cards – Always have plenty of business cards available for your customers. Also make sure all your signs are typed in large print to make it easy for your customer to read.
7. Promotional Items – Any promotional items you have that will advertise your business like pens, key chains, bookmarks, notepads, ect.
8. Products – No products, no show. Nuff said.
9. Snacks and Drinks – I have attended a few shows where there were not any food vendors, so I always pack a cooler with snacks and drinks. Be careful to only pack items that are mess free (like goldfish crackers), you don’t want to wear a mustard stain on your outfit during a show. It will not look good to your customers.
10. Misc Items: Any items you may need to set up and keep up your booth. Items like
A.Tape,
B.Velcro (a biggie),
C. String,
D. Weights to tie down your displays (I prefer fishing weights)
E. Pens
F. Tags (Price tags or promo tags)
G. Camera (Especially if you have updated your booth look lately)
H. Calculator
And any other items you may need to run your booth during the day.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
I needed a laugh this morning!
So I thought I would share!
Children's Science Exam Questions and Answers
Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.
Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.
Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.
Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?
A: Keep it in the cow.
Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.
Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get inter-continental.
Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.
Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.
Q: What is artificial insemination?
A: When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow.
Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (e.go., abdomen.)
A: The body is consisted into three parts--- the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, A, E, I, O, and U.
Q: What is the fibula?
A: A small lie.
Q: What does "varicose" mean?
A: Nearby.
Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section"
A: The Caesarean Section is a district in Rome.
Q: What does the word "benign" mean?'
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.
I heard this on my local radio station this morning, and found the posting at this site: http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/34248
I hope you enjoyed the laugh today :)
Children's Science Exam Questions and Answers
Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.
Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.
Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.
Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?
A: Keep it in the cow.
Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.
Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get inter-continental.
Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.
Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.
Q: What is artificial insemination?
A: When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow.
Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (e.go., abdomen.)
A: The body is consisted into three parts--- the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, A, E, I, O, and U.
Q: What is the fibula?
A: A small lie.
Q: What does "varicose" mean?
A: Nearby.
Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section"
A: The Caesarean Section is a district in Rome.
Q: What does the word "benign" mean?'
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.
I heard this on my local radio station this morning, and found the posting at this site: http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/34248
I hope you enjoyed the laugh today :)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ever had this happen?
I applied to a show in mid July and have still not heard anything from the promoters. The deadline has passed for them to let me know whether I was accepted or not (it was stated on the application). What have you done in this situation?
I asked for my application to be withdrawn. I don’t know how comfortable I feel with a show that does not get back to me when they say they will. I sent the withdraw email several days ago, and have still not heard a peep from them. It just feels very unprofessional.
On other notes, I have been making loads of my Reversi Hoops. I am getting ready for three or four other shows I have coming up. I make these hoops in several sizes; extra small, small, medium, and large. They range in price from $8.00 USD to $23.00 USD (depending on size, style, and the metal used.) So far these hoops are my best seller. Stop by and take a quick look!
As far a promotions go, a friend of mine is working on a new banner for me. It will be 2.5 ft tall by 6 ft wide and it will include photos of my work. Yippee! I am so excited! I hope the banner will attract more people to my booth at craft shows.
I asked for my application to be withdrawn. I don’t know how comfortable I feel with a show that does not get back to me when they say they will. I sent the withdraw email several days ago, and have still not heard a peep from them. It just feels very unprofessional.
On other notes, I have been making loads of my Reversi Hoops. I am getting ready for three or four other shows I have coming up. I make these hoops in several sizes; extra small, small, medium, and large. They range in price from $8.00 USD to $23.00 USD (depending on size, style, and the metal used.) So far these hoops are my best seller. Stop by and take a quick look!
As far a promotions go, a friend of mine is working on a new banner for me. It will be 2.5 ft tall by 6 ft wide and it will include photos of my work. Yippee! I am so excited! I hope the banner will attract more people to my booth at craft shows.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Two new ideas for promoting your shop while at craft shows
We have all heard the mantra: Business cards, Business Cards, BUSINESS CARDS.
They are a must to promote your business. But lets face it, what do we really do when someone gives us a business card. If you are anything like me, they probably end up in the trash sooner or later. So here are two great ideas to put your name in your customer’s hands and not head for the trashcan.
Matchbook notepads
I just bought these great customized notepads from CardsandNotes on Etsy. They are wonderful! Plus since they are designed like a matchbook, most people will slip them into their purse for future use. It is a great practical item to get your name in your customer’s hands and keep it there.
Bookmarks
Quick, inexpensive to make, and highly practical. I just got through creating a promotional bookmark for my Etsy store. Not only does it have pictures of my work, but it also has my store address. I placed the address on the back of my bookmark with an address label. The label says “Don’t forget to bookmark. www.Elunajewelry.etsy.com.”
Hopefully I will be able to find some more cool ideas to post soon!
They are a must to promote your business. But lets face it, what do we really do when someone gives us a business card. If you are anything like me, they probably end up in the trash sooner or later. So here are two great ideas to put your name in your customer’s hands and not head for the trashcan.
Matchbook notepads
I just bought these great customized notepads from CardsandNotes on Etsy. They are wonderful! Plus since they are designed like a matchbook, most people will slip them into their purse for future use. It is a great practical item to get your name in your customer’s hands and keep it there.
Bookmarks
Quick, inexpensive to make, and highly practical. I just got through creating a promotional bookmark for my Etsy store. Not only does it have pictures of my work, but it also has my store address. I placed the address on the back of my bookmark with an address label. The label says “Don’t forget to bookmark. www.Elunajewelry.etsy.com.”
Hopefully I will be able to find some more cool ideas to post soon!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Two Comments that Drive Every Artist Batty!
If you have ever done a craft show, I am sure at one point or another you have heard these.
“WHO would wear that (or pay that price, ect)”
This phrase or variation of this phrase pops up at every craft show. I sure all of us, at one point or another, has even thought it. Hopefully we, as artists, have had the tact not to say this out loud.
But it does get said, and if it is said about your work, how should you deal with it.
Well you have a couple of options.
You can ignore the comment, and hope the patron goes away. But keep in mind, if you heard the comment, someone else may have as well. Your bad patron’s judgment of your work, could cost you a sale if it was overheard.
You other option is to deal with the patron up front. I do not mean to be confrontational, but instead politely point out to the patron, how well that type of item sales in your booth, or reasons you prefer that item over other types of similar items (without calling out, that would be unprofessional). In Bruce Baker’s CD “Dynamic Sales”, he suggests using one-liners in this type of situation. Perhaps make a comment like, “This item is one of my best sellers, but it’s not for everyone.”
Ok now the comment that makes every artist want to scream!
“ I could make that.”
Ok, we have all thought it. One or two of us has probably even said it. Before I started selling my work, I know I uttered it once or twice, but I did try to be discreet and only whisper it to my pal (insert shameful blushing here.)
I know I have heard it once or twice in my booth since I have been selling. So what is the best way to handle this problem?
Ask when and where their show is (politely) because you would love to see their work as well. 90% of the people making this comment with have no comment to your request, silently killing the comment where other patrons are concerned. For that other 10%, you may make a new crafting buddy or learn about new shows.
What other comments drive you batty at craft shows?
“WHO would wear that (or pay that price, ect)”
This phrase or variation of this phrase pops up at every craft show. I sure all of us, at one point or another, has even thought it. Hopefully we, as artists, have had the tact not to say this out loud.
But it does get said, and if it is said about your work, how should you deal with it.
Well you have a couple of options.
You can ignore the comment, and hope the patron goes away. But keep in mind, if you heard the comment, someone else may have as well. Your bad patron’s judgment of your work, could cost you a sale if it was overheard.
You other option is to deal with the patron up front. I do not mean to be confrontational, but instead politely point out to the patron, how well that type of item sales in your booth, or reasons you prefer that item over other types of similar items (without calling out, that would be unprofessional). In Bruce Baker’s CD “Dynamic Sales”, he suggests using one-liners in this type of situation. Perhaps make a comment like, “This item is one of my best sellers, but it’s not for everyone.”
Ok now the comment that makes every artist want to scream!
“ I could make that.”
Ok, we have all thought it. One or two of us has probably even said it. Before I started selling my work, I know I uttered it once or twice, but I did try to be discreet and only whisper it to my pal (insert shameful blushing here.)
I know I have heard it once or twice in my booth since I have been selling. So what is the best way to handle this problem?
Ask when and where their show is (politely) because you would love to see their work as well. 90% of the people making this comment with have no comment to your request, silently killing the comment where other patrons are concerned. For that other 10%, you may make a new crafting buddy or learn about new shows.
What other comments drive you batty at craft shows?
Monday, August 10, 2009
WOW!!!/New Listings!
It has been a great weekend! Saturday, we had a birthday party for my son. He turned 1 last Thursday. We had a great time, even got to watch him tear apart a cupcake.
Saturday night I recieved an email that I made it into a treasury. I decided to head out to craftcult to look at item hearts. (If you have not checked out Craftcult.com please do, I have found it to be a great resource for keeping check of favorites!) While I was there, on a whim, I decided to check out the featured section. I found out I had made it onto the Weekend Discount Gift Guide. OMG!!!!! I was sooooo happy.
On Sunday I finished working on photos for my new listings. Since the photos were done, I went ahead and listed my items. Within an hour, I had a sale! Wow what a weekend!
Here are my new listings so you can see them too!
Textured Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29054662
Medium Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29036657
Large Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29036839
Small Gold Fill Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29037681
Small Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29035983
Thanks for taking a peek at my new listings.
Have a great week!
Saturday night I recieved an email that I made it into a treasury. I decided to head out to craftcult to look at item hearts. (If you have not checked out Craftcult.com please do, I have found it to be a great resource for keeping check of favorites!) While I was there, on a whim, I decided to check out the featured section. I found out I had made it onto the Weekend Discount Gift Guide. OMG!!!!! I was sooooo happy.
On Sunday I finished working on photos for my new listings. Since the photos were done, I went ahead and listed my items. Within an hour, I had a sale! Wow what a weekend!
Here are my new listings so you can see them too!
Textured Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29054662
Medium Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29036657
Large Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29036839
Small Gold Fill Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29037681
Small Sterling Silver Reversi Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29035983
Thanks for taking a peek at my new listings.
Have a great week!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Gift Guides
Just a quick weekend update: Today we had my son's birthday party (he turned one last Thursday.) He was inudated with lots of toys and clothes. My parents even managed to find him a John Deer Sit and Scoot ATV. Lots of lights and noise, of course. Right now my inlaws have him, they are keeping him for the night so my husband and I can catch our breath.
Other news:
I was surfing earlier and decided the take a quick peek at Craftcult (great website if you have not see it.) While I was there I checked the gift guide database. Lo and behold, I made it into the weekend discount gift guide. You can view the listing that made it in here!
Needless to say I have dancing around tonight :) Sometimes when you are at a low point, the clouds open up, and the sun shines right on you. I think this is one of those times for me :)
Have a great weekend!
Other news:
I was surfing earlier and decided the take a quick peek at Craftcult (great website if you have not see it.) While I was there I checked the gift guide database. Lo and behold, I made it into the weekend discount gift guide. You can view the listing that made it in here!
Needless to say I have dancing around tonight :) Sometimes when you are at a low point, the clouds open up, and the sun shines right on you. I think this is one of those times for me :)
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Saying No to “Can I Help You?”
First a quick piece of good news before I start. My son Connor is a year old today. Connor is my first baby and this past year has definitely been a learning experience. Anywho, just wanted to share that brightness today :)
Ok Monday we talked about Saying No to Thank You. Today I want to look at how saying “Can I help you?” may harm your sales.
When a customer first walks into your booth, what is the first thing you say to them? For the longest time I would say “Can I help you?” After listening to Bruce Baker, I realized that I was being a bit presumptuous. By using the phrase “Can I help you?” or “How can I help you today?” we are making ourselves more important than our customers. Think about it for a sec “can I help you?” It sounds like our customers are not capable of helping themselves so obviously they NEED our help.
We all know this is not true, and it is not what we are trying to convey. How often have you asked a customer if you can help them only to hear “No thank you, I am just looking.” By asking if we can help, we have turned a potential customer into a browser. How often do you get a sale after hearing “I am just looking?”
So how can we get our message across without looking like we are more important? According to Bruce Baker, it takes only two small letters. You heard me right, letters. So what are these magic letters? I and F….
IF.
Think about it. Which is a friendlier approach, which one gives you (as a customer) a better feeling? Which phrase makes the customer dominant? “Can I help you?” or “If I can help you?”
IF provides us with a respectful distance in conversation. Our customers do not feel like we are trying to cram our products down their throats. Instead they feel welcome and relaxed. We have made them the center of our conversation; we are there for them IF they need anything.
This little technique is much easier than saying No to Thank you, and it does work wonders. I hope my ramblings are coherent today for you. Anyway, have a great day filled with sunshine.
Ok Monday we talked about Saying No to Thank You. Today I want to look at how saying “Can I help you?” may harm your sales.
When a customer first walks into your booth, what is the first thing you say to them? For the longest time I would say “Can I help you?” After listening to Bruce Baker, I realized that I was being a bit presumptuous. By using the phrase “Can I help you?” or “How can I help you today?” we are making ourselves more important than our customers. Think about it for a sec “can I help you?” It sounds like our customers are not capable of helping themselves so obviously they NEED our help.
We all know this is not true, and it is not what we are trying to convey. How often have you asked a customer if you can help them only to hear “No thank you, I am just looking.” By asking if we can help, we have turned a potential customer into a browser. How often do you get a sale after hearing “I am just looking?”
So how can we get our message across without looking like we are more important? According to Bruce Baker, it takes only two small letters. You heard me right, letters. So what are these magic letters? I and F….
IF.
Think about it. Which is a friendlier approach, which one gives you (as a customer) a better feeling? Which phrase makes the customer dominant? “Can I help you?” or “If I can help you?”
IF provides us with a respectful distance in conversation. Our customers do not feel like we are trying to cram our products down their throats. Instead they feel welcome and relaxed. We have made them the center of our conversation; we are there for them IF they need anything.
This little technique is much easier than saying No to Thank you, and it does work wonders. I hope my ramblings are coherent today for you. Anyway, have a great day filled with sunshine.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Say No to Thank You?
I have been reviewing some of my selling manuals and tapes over the past few weeks. One reference that I have been looking at is my Bruce Baker CDs. In his Sales CD, he suggests that an artist NEVER says thank you when someone compliments their work, unless a sale is underway.
That sounds really counterintuitive to me. But if you think about it, it does make sense. If you have done any craft shows, think back at what happens when you say thank you to a compliment. Does that person typically pick up some of your work to purchase, or do they walk off to the next booth?
On rare occasions, I have had someone compliment my work and then buy something after I accepted their compliment. Most times however, I have seen a customer compliment me, I said thank you, and they went to the next booth down the line.
Bruce Baker suggests that instead of saying thank you, that we use that opportunity to sell our work. It might go something like this:
Customer: This is such a great design.
Artist: I am so glad you like my work, let me tell you what makes this unique…..
By saying No to the Thank you, we now have a chance to create a more intriguing conversation about our work. We have a chance to tell the story behind our creations.
Just some food for thought. Enjoy your day!
That sounds really counterintuitive to me. But if you think about it, it does make sense. If you have done any craft shows, think back at what happens when you say thank you to a compliment. Does that person typically pick up some of your work to purchase, or do they walk off to the next booth?
On rare occasions, I have had someone compliment my work and then buy something after I accepted their compliment. Most times however, I have seen a customer compliment me, I said thank you, and they went to the next booth down the line.
Bruce Baker suggests that instead of saying thank you, that we use that opportunity to sell our work. It might go something like this:
Customer: This is such a great design.
Artist: I am so glad you like my work, let me tell you what makes this unique…..
By saying No to the Thank you, we now have a chance to create a more intriguing conversation about our work. We have a chance to tell the story behind our creations.
Just some food for thought. Enjoy your day!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
I got a treasury!!/ SHARK WEEK
I actually managed to grab a treasury last night. Please stop by and click the treasury :)
Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=63036
Also just to let you know I am having a sale for Shark Week! I am offering Free Shipping on all of my Reclaimed Stained Glass Pendants. Plus the following five items have free shipping and are 20% off their original price!
Evening in the Desert
One of a Kind - White Moonstone Pendant Necklace
Exqusite Red and Blue African Pietersite Pendant Necklace
Topsail Island Emerald Green Sea Glass Necklace
Katherine's Cross
Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=63036
Also just to let you know I am having a sale for Shark Week! I am offering Free Shipping on all of my Reclaimed Stained Glass Pendants. Plus the following five items have free shipping and are 20% off their original price!
Evening in the Desert
One of a Kind - White Moonstone Pendant Necklace
Exqusite Red and Blue African Pietersite Pendant Necklace
Topsail Island Emerald Green Sea Glass Necklace
Katherine's Cross
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