1) Bring a Big Variety of Jewelry. Everyone has different tastes. Make sure your bracelets are adjustable for different sizes. Use chain to make it easy and affordable to adjust them. Make sure you bring the supplies you need to adjust necklaces or other pieces.
2) Have 4 Tables with nice table covers and a clean display. However, don't dress up your less expensive items too much. It will turn some shoppers off. Put the tables at the farthest ends of your booth as possible. Shoppers don't want to have to walk into a booth. They prefer to shop at booths where they don't feel trapped.
3) Have your least expensive jewelry in the front and your boldest pieces proudly displayed in the back. High price tags scare off some shoppers. If someone is interested in paying more they will. Pass out nicely printed coupons to everyone who says hi to you or asks you for more information about a piece. Don't force them on shoppers. Many customers want to browse a lot of shops. If you give them a coupon they may come back! Make sure your coupon talks about the quality of materials used and says your jewelry is handmade. This is very important!
4) Have a full table devoted to clearance items that have a big sign advertising "Clearance Items are Half Off". Always have a good selection here. You will be surprised how much attention this table will get!
5) Have easy to see prices on everything. Usually, if someone has to ask for a price they won't.
6) Have lots of signs. Handmade signs, prices for groups of items signs, what your jewelry is made from signs. Shoppers love to read signs. It keeps them in your booth longer which draws more shoppers in. Keep in mind that most craft shows have hundreds of vendors. You want to make sure you are getting attention!
7) Make jewelry while you are there. We cannot emphasize this enough!!! This always gets attention and will usually draw a crowd. Crowds equal more shoppers and more of your jewelry gets sold! However, be ready to put down what you are making when a shopper needs you. Don't neglect your shoppers.
8) Wait for a customer to make eye contact with you before you start talking. Too much talking will turn off some customers. Many think you are trying to force them to make a purchase and they might not be ready yet.
9) Have your most expensive pieces on ramps and busts. Keep your inexpensive pieces off them. This is also very important. People who want a bargain won't consider items on a ramp or bust.
10) Put a business card to your shop with every piece of jewelry you sell. Also have your business cards sitting on the table. Some people who really like your jewelry will come back later to your web store.
Most important is have fun! Take some time to walk around and check out the other shops. You will be amazed at the creativity you see. Be ready to make lots of new friends and enjoy lots of great food!
