Many beaders make a living selling shows every weekend. Some say it’s a lot of fun and they make a living, but it’s hard work!
It involves getting up early, driving hundreds of miles, setting up your screen, selling at lightning speed and then taking it apart again, traveling back, and often repeating everything the next day in a different part of the country. It is also much more expensive than a craft fair to rent the space. However, despite the cost of a few hundred dollars (£ 80 to £ 180) for a 6-foot table, it is possible to take US $ 1,500 a day with adequate stock.
How to participate in shows
Reservation
Google where the shows are and email the organizers for availability.
As with the smaller craft fairs, visit first to see if your jewelry fits and can compete with the other sellers. Take note of which stalls have the largest audience and what people are buying. Talk to some of the providers to get an idea of the success of the program. Sellers are very nice people, so don’t be shy!
You must reserve a few months or even more time to participate in the best shows; all require a deposit, and the balance must be paid at least one month in advance.
Lighting and extras
Some shows charge electricity, tables and chairs, and others are supplied free. You need display lights to attract customers to your booth and display jewelry at its best. Larger shows rent lighting for around $ 100, but most of the time you’ll need to bring your own. Halogen lamps in a builder’s merchant strand are cheap to buy and very powerful. Or use spotlights with a clamp so they can be fixed anywhere; take as many as you can.
Prepare
It’s also a good idea to price tag most of your items to encourage shoppers. And don’t forget a sturdy cart on wheels to transport your stock from your car to the show, plus a calculator for adding prices.
How to Exhibit at Jewelry Fairs
Since it is expensive to display, you should make the most of the space. This means increasing the area in every possible way, such as creating a screen behind the table. Some people even show off under the table. To create more space, we occasionally use a Perspex case on the table top with beads inside.
Gridwall
To display behind your table, use a rack with hooks and holders. Gridwall can be purchased from any store fixture supplier and is generally 2ft x 4ft or 6ft tall. It is economical, versatile and quick to assemble and disassemble. The metal hooks simply hook onto the rack between the gaps.
If you have a small car, get a 4-foot grid wall. However, if you can transport it, 6 feet is best because it can stand on its own stand with legs. You will need to make a wooden stand to hold the clamps and attach them to the table (see picture), for the shorter rack. If you rent an enclosed cabin with walls, it is possible to hang the grid wall with long metal S-hooks purchased from a hardware store.
Tablecloth
Cover your table with black velvet, this looks best for jewelry. Tables are typically 6 x 2 feet, so you would need fabric around 8 x 3 feet, allowing more of it to protrude from the sides.
Roll up banners
Roll-up banners are affordable, lightweight freestanding stands that easily assemble in seconds. The image shows two banners together. Most are 6ft x 2ft standing, but only a 2ft roll when closed. One of these posters displayed on your booth will attract everyone to look at your jewelry. You can order online for around US $ 100.
When designing your roll up banner, keep in mind that the 6 feet will allow for a large number of copies and photos. Make sure all images are at least 3 megabytes in size; otherwise they will not appear sharp. You may want a black background instead of white as it generally looks better. If you only have room for the rolling banner behind a table, design one with the bottom third blank (since that part will be hidden).
Bargain box
Have you noticed how many trade show exhibitors have a bargain box? It is common because it is not only an easy way to sell your antique jewelry, but it also attracts visitors to your other items. Place one in a corner farthest from your screen, away from where you are standing. It should protect your most valuable jewelry.
Price items in your bargain box low and in a way that encourages customers to spend more. For example, you may be selling cheap bracelets here for $ 6 each. Use your printer to make a sign and then have it laminated:
“Only $ 6 each, or two for $ 10.” Or even better: “Only $ 8 each, or 3 for $ 20”, depending on what you sell and the market.
Multi-day shows
I think one-day shows are the best, but if you decide to exhibit at a longer fair, take your most valuable items with you at night. Next, put a dust cloth (available from builders’ merchants) over everything else. Lastly, never leave valid in an empty car.
Sure
Many shows require that you purchase your own liability insurance before accepting your reservation. This covers being sued if someone trips over your light stand and breaks your back.
In the United States, insurance is essentially: shop around to get the best quote. Insurance in the UK can be easily purchased online – Google “craft fair insurance”.
How to sell to customers
Chat with potential customers Talk with potential customers; otherwise they will think you are not really interested. Greet them, compliment them on what they are wearing, and ask questions. Let them know that you are available to answer their questions. Starting a conversation about the jewelry they are wearing can easily lead to a discussion about yours.
When chatting with customers, don’t rush, listen carefully and pause before responding. Make them feel important and that you value what they say. Speak positively, assuming they are going to buy:
“What color would you like?”, “Is it for you or a gift?” this kind of things.
Instead of saying “can I help you?”, Get more personal and ask them what they think is best about the show or “have you come far?” Even talking about the weather can help build a bond and lead to a sale.
When a potential customer is trying on a piece of your jewelry, suggest ways they can use it to accessorize different outfits. The more realistic they can imagine using it, the closer they will be to buying. Talk to them like you’ve known them for years. Approaching Customers When there is a chance that someone is looking at your screen, always get up. So they can see that you are interested and can talk face to face. It’s also easier to move from one end of the booth to the other and deliver jewelry to the potential customer.
Body language is also important. Never cross your arms or look the other way: they will unconsciously feel that you are not interested. Make it easy for them to approach you, and if you recognize an existing customer, give them a warm shake hands. If a piece is tried on, offer her a mirror so she can see what it looks like. Take at least two mirrors.
Never eat if someone is near your booth, because potential buyers won’t want to bother you with a sale. However, keep a bowl of candy or a box of chocolates at your stall to give browsers another excuse to talk to them.
Make payment easy
Accept credit cards and checks: People spend more with plastic. Shoppers will run out of cash too, so make sure you know where the nearest ATM is to let them know. Only accept checks with a warranty card and write the number and your name on the back. If you don’t have a credit card merchant account, it’s easier to organize than you think, see the section above.
Market your website too
Much of the earnings from an account display may not be realized until after you leave; promote your website in any way you can. Hand out flyers for your site, along with discount coupons or free shipping for as many days afterward. That way, you can tell from the code that the request originated from the program. Today’s shoppers may not have time to look at everything you have.
Sell add-ons
Handmade jewelry deserves special care. After selling a piece, always ask if they would like to buy something to keep it clean. Suggest extras like colored cloths, jewelry cleaners, and protective bags that customers can purchase to store their jewelry. Offer free gift wrapping, especially if your show is just before a special date, like Valentine’s Day. You could even sell beading and jewelry books.
Jewelry Care Tips Help Sales
With everything you sell, attach a small card that explains how to care for all types of your jewelry. Make sure your name and contact details are included as it will be kept by customers. Something like:
• Protect from shocks, chemicals, sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Remove before bathing or swimming.
• Be careful not to accidentally stain jewelry with hair spray or deodorant.
• Remove the rings when working with your hands or using abrasives.
• Gently wipe jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and salt.
• Store jewelry separately so pieces don’t scratch each other, and keep necklaces flat to reduce stretch.
• Sterling silver tarnishes naturally, requiring occasional cleaning.
• Store jewelry in plastic bags with an interlocking seal.
Types of cleaning cloths
Polish sterling silver and other metals such as brass and copper with a Sunshine cloth. This soft suede is impregnated with a fine powdered metal polishing compound. For gemstones, a Selvyt polishing cloth is best, made from natural cotton coated with a special bond that gives a velvety texture that ensures that dust particles are lifted from the surface being polished. If you want to remove scratches, use a polishing cloth that contains blush.
