It’s your first time at a bead fair and you’re very excited. But how do you stand out if you’re new? How can your booth look distinct amongst a sea of competition?
Every beader needs to sell. There’s no satisfying feeling than getting your art out in the market and having customers pay good money for it. So, to make the most of your experience at a bead fair, here are our tips below.
A Booth That Tells Your “Story”
If you want to lure potential buyers to your booth, make sure your set-up looks good. Your logo should stand out and your booth has to look aesthetically pleasing from the inside out —lots of colors and lovely decors. Put your best pieces at the front of the booth to catch people’s attention. If you already have beading certifications, put them on display to impress onlookers.
Professionalism is Key
Always be professional (can’t stress that enough!) –from asking customers to sign your log book (for future marketing purposes) to staying calm and confident in any situation. While some customers will fill their shopping bags with your products, there are others who are merely lookers and researchers who leave without a purchase. Whatever happens, remain composed and treat everyone with respect.
Look Approachable
Apart from being professional, look friendly and approachable. Be ready to greet buyers and lead them inside the booth pleasantly. Make them feel comfortable in your little space. If some buyers stay a bit longer, you can do a short demo on how to piece together a simple beading design.
Always Engage
Saying thank you isn’t enough. Engage in a conversation with customers, and tell them a bit about your business and your story behind your art. They will greatly appreciate the gesture and remember you for future transactions.
Limit Time with Friends and Family
While you have your friends and family’s support, don’t let them overcrowd your booth. If any of your loved-ones will drop by for a visit, limit your time with them. Yes, you may allow them to hang around for a bit, but make sure they don’t disturb you when you’re entertaining customers.
Take Breaks
Since you need to eat in between fair hours, do it at the right time. If you need a quick bite, step outside and let your booth partner/assistant take charge. Don’t forget to pack your own lunch/snacks so you don’t have to waste time looking for the nearest cafe/restaurant.
Participating in a bead fair lets you connect with the beading community, meet fellow beaders, and introduce yourself to an array of customers. With our tips above, we hope that your booth won’t feel like a needle in a haystack, but a brand that will entice and capture the attention of potential customers. More importantly, we hope you have fun and make the most of your experience in your first-ever bead fair!