|
SOAPMAKING101 CO-OPS/FAST BUYS Cold Process
ADDITIVES CRAFT SHOWS |
|
||
How do you prepare mentally for a 2, 3 or longer craft show? Everyone has different routines, the best thing I can do is explain mine to you. I know I talk a lot about list, but in the course of the day things happen and important things do not get done. If things do not get done, we worry over them, nag ourselves and by the time the show starts we are angry at ourselves. So let's say I have a show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And it is Monday before the show. I make a list of anything that needs to be finished or labeled, or restocked (this will include paper products, everything from bags to business cards to display signs). Tuesday, more packaging and labeling and checking inventory, washing show cloths (starting to pack if it is on away show). What this starts to do, is to focus your mind on the show. Greeting customers, making impressions etc. Wednesday, finish to pack suitcase, pack inventory in containers, get out application. You should always reveiw the application and/or information you were sent about the show. This way you know what to expect and what is expected of you. Thursday (day before show) go to bank, pack van, leave. By doing a little every day you are slowly building up to the show, both mentally and physically. The lists have allowed you stay calm because you know everything is done. Then you can start to enjoy the whole experience. Yes, that's right you can enjoy doing craft shows. (With that said, craft shows are not for everyone, some people feel more comfortable selling other ways and that's great. That's why we all work for ourselves so we can create the environment that is best for us). Now, you are at the show, setting up, realize that you are now here at the show and if you forgot something or something didn't get done, let it go. Start to think about the people who will come and see your soaps and love them. Keeping happy thoughts creates a good environment to talk to customers and they are more relaxed to buy. I can tell you about zillions of times a crafter sat (first mistake) in their booth. They were miserable from the beginning, and they never worked at feeling better. Their sales were down, and that just made them worse. Now we all have bad days, but smack a smile on your face and just say "Good Morning" to everyone who stops. Even if they don't buy keep that silly smile on your face. Because you are changing the atmosphere around your booth and they will start to buy! The art of selling is in your mental attitude and your body language. Both must be up, happy, ready to talk. Think of the craft show as play. Once the display and inventory is up, it's time to play. Talk to everyone, smile, tell stories about your soaps (oh, now come on, we all know we have stories for some of those scent combos!!!) Let the customer get to know you a little, this makes a world of difference in a sale and a maybe. Set, your mind that this is the fun part and it will become fun! And don't forget to introduce your self to your neighbors (the crafters to either side of you). Be a good neighbor, offer help if needed, be pleasant, because what comes around goes around and you maybe in need of help one day and crafters are always there to help. If you want good shows you will have to set your mind, that the fun starts when the customers show up! Just think about all the new supplies you can buy with the money from the sales!!!!! Happy Soaping! |
Back to Topic Index