You’ve prepared for months – planning and creating inventory, building up buzz about the event online, and even your booth display looks fabulous. After all the hard work you’ve done already, your goal is to sell a lot and earn some good money. But you won’t sell very much if you’re not fully committed to having a successful event.
Below you’ll learn tips for how to sell more at craft fairs and markets (even if you’re an introvert) – and you absolutely don’t need to be pushy or annoying!
How to Sell More at Craft Fairs and Markets – The Day of the Event
*Make a special deal for buying multiple products. Once someone’s already decided to buy one item, it’s easier to bump up that sale to include more. (A discount for 2 pieces, or a set that coordinates)
*Rearrange and restock your space when things sell, and every so often if things are not selling. Keep your space looking full and fresh, because shoppers often walk by more than once.
*Be confident in your work, and give more details when asked. When you’re excited about your amazing products, shoppers will sense that in your voice and how you act. Good vibes are contagious!
*Don’t be distracted by your phone (or other chatty vendors) when customers are around. Make eye contact, smile, be present in the moment.
*Make conversation with shoppers, give compliments, ask open-ended questions. This even works if you’re shy – have you heard the phrase “fake it till you make it?” A shopper walking by could be timid, and if you initiate a greeting, that’s breaking the ice and making them feel more comfortable in your space.
*Offer to hold purchased items for awhile or help carry heavy pieces out to their car (if you have a helper). This should be a given, but you’d be surprised how many vendors don’t think to offer it to customers.
*Offer to take custom orders and follow up with customers after the event.
*When someone makes a purchase, consider giving them a discount coupon for a future purchase at another event or your online shop. It’s easier to keep a returning customer happy than to find brand new customers.
How to Sell More at Craft Fairs and Markets – Ongoing Efforts
*Stay ahead of seasons and holidays when planning inventory.
*Keep up with new style trends. Listen to what customers want and be willing to try new things.
*Stay active on social media like Facebook and Instagram – keep people updated on your new products, upcoming events, online promotions (let your followers get to know you a little bit, don’t only make your posts all about selling).
*Start and grow an email list – it’s more important than you think.
*Make friends with other makers/vendors and collaborate, create pop-up events together, special online promotions, etc.
Do you have other tips to share for how to sell more at craft fairs and markets? I’d love to hear them in a comment below. I appreciate you, friend! – Jen
*Doing your first vintage market or craft fair? {Vendor tips and resources}
*Portable display ideas for markets and craft fairs
*How to get accepted as a market or fair vendor
*Creative craft fair and vintage market booth ideas
*And even more articles here: Grow Your Vintage or Handmade Business
margaret Watkins says
I used some of your tips last year at my first event. I had another person a friend in the booth next to me. I sold very well, making a nice profit. She hardly covered the cost of her table. Her display was not interesting. Her product looked shop worn. Her colors were dull.
I created items that were different from everyone else at this really large sale. I did make eye contact and spoke to all those going by.
I am hoping to return this year, if we can have craft fairs again.
Kaye miller says
Your booths all look pretty and inviting! Thanks for the tips!