Tips for a Successful Craft Show

Event provided table and table cloth

             Attending a craft show or vendor event is a great way to get some exposure for your DCD business.  However, there are some details to consider, before reserving your spot.  Most of these tips I have discovered the hard way.  Hopefully, this will save you some headaches.

              First, ask the event sponsor how much money it will be to reserve the spot.  Craft fairs can range from free to hundreds of dollars.  Many events are hosted for a charitable reason.  These events will generally ask for a donation for a raffle or a door prize.  When you consider your cost for the event, remember to consider this extra cost. 

              When speaking to the event coordinator, ask how the event will be advertised.  Your success will depend on the amount of foot traffic that comes through the door.  A poorly advertised event will bring poor attendance.  Along these same lines, ask how many years the event has been done.  An event that has occurred for years will naturally have greater attendance due to word of mouth.  Beware of craft shows that have never been conducted before.   Besides having some kinks, these shows will most likely not have as much foot traffic.

              After you have chosen your show, discuss with the event planner whether there will be tables provided or if you have to provide your own table.  Also, inquire as to whether chairs will be available.  If you want to have an electronic presentation available, find out if there is electricity.  You will also want to know how big your spot will be.  Generally, your place will hold either an 8 foot table or a 10 foot table.

              If you have never attended a show, it is a good idea to plan out your table before the day of the show.  Make sure that you have business cards, flyers with this month’s promotion, a tablecloth (DCD sells a very pretty brown tablecloth with the DCD logo.  I found that it was fairly comparatively priced to buying a plain tablecloth.), and some empty boxes for your display.  Additionally, if you choose to have tasting samples, make sure you contact your local health department about the rules for food items.  

              A note on samples:  I no longer use tasting samples at most of my shows.  This was recommended to me by one of the managers at DCD conference.  I have not found any difference in the number of people interested in the product, if I use samples or not.  If you do choose to use samples, consider starting with the DCD baking bits.  These are fairly small and you can get a LOT of samples out of one bag, without a high cost to you.