May 3, 2007

The Basics of Booth Spaces

by Anissa Wardell

The sights and sounds of craft shows, are exciting!
At first glance, we decide which way to go first, then we explore. There are so many things to see. The most enticing booths practically reach out and grab you. There are also those that are passed by with hardly
a glance.

How can one booth be so different from another? They are both at the same show, the items are of equal quality, so why do some booths not have the same traffic as the others?

Invest in decor, items attractively displayed and highly visible, scent, sound, lighting, an enticing layout, signs, all items tagged - they all contribute to make a booth attractive and welcoming.

Booth Display:
Seasonal foliage, fabric, props, crates, baskets, bales of hay …
the ideas for use in displaying items are endless.
Take a look at the window displays in local malls and shops.
Shows can become extremely crowded, if your items are not
visible to the person in the back of the crowd, you may lose a sale.
Place your items up where they can be seen. Use all the space in the booth, hang things, use boxes to create levels be creative !

Scents:
Scents create an atmosphere, and can attract attention. There are also other things to consider, some people are allergic or are very sensitive to smells.

Sounds:
Holiday music in a booth can help to get shoppers in a festive mood, and help sell holiday items. If there is live music being performed, and music in other booths, your music might end up just sounding noisy.

Lighting:
Good lighting is essential, and you should use whatever light is available and use it to your advantage, whether it is seasonal decor lights, display lights, or sunshine.

Booth Layout:
Make it easy for shoppers to move around. Use your booth space to lead shoppers to where you want them to go.
Where you are most comfortable? Do you want to be right up front demonstrating and chatting, or do you prefer to stay out of the way and let shoppers see your work?

Signage:
Rules for signage vary by show. Make your signs visually appealing.

Pricing:
Clearly price all items. If a customer has to wait to ask how much something costs, there is a good chance you will lose that sale.

Your personality has a great deal to do with how well you do.
Not everyone is natural at sales, but there are a few things
that can easily be included in your demeanor, such as a cordial "hello", good manners, and a pleasant attitude.