Hi- My name is Michelle and I am really new to the art fair world. I have my first fair October 19, 20 and 21st and am super nervous. Ive been reading past posts about advice for newbies and have learned alot, Im so excited to have joined such a wealth of knowledge and advice, thanks. Any new advice would be great and keep posting I love learning!
Peace-
Michelle
Replies
Hello Michelle, and Welcome to the Art Fair Train.
Your first show in October, 3 day event. Good for you!
Chris is correct on the chair= only use it when no one is around. Greet every customer, Just say Hello!
No books, dvd's, etc, that distract you from your customers. Treat your customers with respect. NO texting or cell phone calls. Use it for transactions only, if you have the square.
Practice setting everything up several times before the show. I STILL spend about three weeks every spring practicing my set-up, just to get back into swing of it until it's second nature. I wear jeans and sweat or t shirt for set up, then change for the show. Keep unscented baby wipes in your booth. You WILL need them throughout the day to wash your hands. I also share them with my customers, if they need them. have a small trash bag handy. SMILE, engage your customers. Pack a personal emergency kit- for personal/hygienic purposes, any meds you need, etc.
Pack an emergency tools/supply kit for displays/tent= hammer, duct tape, zip ties, bungee cords, clamps, spare office supplies (labels, markers, pens, mini stapler, paperclips, etc) I have used and lent each and every one of these items to others at shows. I use a 3 drawer Rubbermaid rolling cart to store it all, slides under my table. it holds my lights, cords, sales supplies, etc Basically= pack like you are going camping or on a day hike!
Hey guys, thanks for the great info! I appreciate you posting without saying something negative and ranting. Way too much negativity on this site!! I love this site since I have learned so much but, I can't believe how rude and nasty some artists can be!
art shows 101
pre-show
set up your tent and display at home a few times so you have a clue what you are doing before you reach the chaos of a show
consider getting the square or intuit app and plug in for your smart phone so you can take credit cards
have change if you are dealing with items people pay cash for ( I usually have around 100 in 1s, 70 in 5' and 80 in 10's)
have clothing for any weather possible, cold, hot, wet, dry
sunscreen, bug spray, assorted over the counter meds are good to have
have a chair to sit on, shows can get long
a cooler with soft drinks, tea, etc... but don't bring alcohol, you are there to sell not to party, party after the show is done :)
at the show/setup (hopefully the day before the show)
unload as fast as you can and move your car/van
read your info packet to see if there are some special rules for setup
set up your tent/display ( here is where the practice helps)
put your packing stuff somewhere out of sight if at all possible, present an organized tent
during the show
smile, talk to people but don't press to hard, use humor if you can
hold your temper no matter how stupid the non-customer is, you never know if a buyer is near or the person might change :) (this is a place not drinking helps)
after the show pack up as much as you possibly can, THEN get your van/car and load up
go home and count your money and worry you don't have enough inventory for your next show
rinse and repeat
One word of advice here. If you must bring a chair, don't sit in it! Only sit down when there are no people around. Always be ready to help your potential customers. The best chair to have is a tall director's chair.
Now here are some thing that won't cost you a dime, but may result in money in your pocket:
Be exited about what you do. Pass along that exitement to the customer. Many times that will translate into a sale.
Smile. A lot. Greet every potential customer who stops by. Just a friendly "good morning" is a nice way to let them know you're approachable. If the weather's bad I always thank the customer for "coming out in this weather". Customers remember those things.
Do not bring any reading material. No books, magazines, or as I saw a few months ago, no DVD players!
Do not pack up early. You signed a contract to stay until the end. Your booth is a store. You have store hours. abide by them.
Dress nice. Heed the term "dress for success". I have seen exhibitors who look like they just cleaned out the garage. If you dress like a successful artist, customers will think you are.
Your attitude and exitement can be the reason whether or not those 'bebacks' will actually be back. When they're making a decision between two artists, the one they remember as being so friendly can be the deciding factor.
Now for some more 101.
Observe, observe, observe! Watch the others. Watch how the ones who are selling interact with their customers. And learn from them, not the ones who just sit reading.
Frm now until your show, attend as many fairs as you possibly can! Look at displays, look at where the artist is in his/her booth. Become somewhat knowledgeable so you can be confident when you roll your sides up on that first day.
Remember this: Selling is fifty percent of this business.
Good luck!
Thanks everyone, I feel so loved! Mike; what great advice I really appreciate your help!!!
Peace-
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
I saw your from AZ, your first show wouldn't happen to be Art Fest in Scottsdale would it?
I will be there and it will be my first big show.
Yes, that is my show...awesome, very exciting, maybe we can meet up and chat sometime that weekend, good luck!
Michelle
Good luck with the art fair. I hope it goes well for you. My advice is to be prepared with all your equipment and have a great time. ;.) It will be great.
;.) Daniela