Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and for good reason; it is one of the few places in America with a warm, tropical climate, and the ambience is always sunny with all the fairs and festivals occurring all year round. Aside from the tried-and-tested annual festivals that have been running for many years now, there are also fledgling organizers that struggle to take off from their first year. To many people who have talents to show, be it a skill in cooking or an ability for crafts, then this is the place to earn a little extra.
Chances are, you're one of these people. I applaud your notion of making a few extra dollars from selling the items that you make. However, you will need a booth, as well as the ability to attract potential buyers to it. The next few paragraphs will talk about tips I've gotten from a few "fair regulars":
*Make your booth look appealing: Even if you have absolutely beautiful crafts, it won't attract customers if all you do to it is place them on your booth table. You're selling art in a craft show, not fish in a marketplace. Do something as simple as draping a tablecloth over the table, or something as elaborate as having a banner on top of your booth. And if you're selling food, make sure you don't have your not next to the dumpster (and don't let your waste turn the booth into one, either).
*Talk to your customers: Go to the other side of your booth once in a while and establish rapport with potential customers. Make an effort to talk to them about what you're selling, but do not flood them with unnecessary information. Relax! If you notice someone deliberating on an item, recommend other items they might be interested in as well.
Be prepared for weather changes: Florida may be the Sunshine State, but it also receives it's fair share of rainfall. If you've been in Florida long enough, you'll know how hard it is to predict the weather. Have a thick plastic sheet all ready to be thrown over your wares in the even of rain and have heavy objects such as rocks nearby so they don't fly away. Of course, remember to bring an umbrella for yourself, as well.
Finally, always remember to never overdo it: Don't fill up your booth with so much appealing paraphernalia that your crafts are no longer noticeable. Don't talk so much that you forget to listen to your customer, and of course, don't bring so much anti-rain equipment, that you end up not bringing a lot of your own crafts. - 20760
Chances are, you're one of these people. I applaud your notion of making a few extra dollars from selling the items that you make. However, you will need a booth, as well as the ability to attract potential buyers to it. The next few paragraphs will talk about tips I've gotten from a few "fair regulars":
*Make your booth look appealing: Even if you have absolutely beautiful crafts, it won't attract customers if all you do to it is place them on your booth table. You're selling art in a craft show, not fish in a marketplace. Do something as simple as draping a tablecloth over the table, or something as elaborate as having a banner on top of your booth. And if you're selling food, make sure you don't have your not next to the dumpster (and don't let your waste turn the booth into one, either).
*Talk to your customers: Go to the other side of your booth once in a while and establish rapport with potential customers. Make an effort to talk to them about what you're selling, but do not flood them with unnecessary information. Relax! If you notice someone deliberating on an item, recommend other items they might be interested in as well.
Be prepared for weather changes: Florida may be the Sunshine State, but it also receives it's fair share of rainfall. If you've been in Florida long enough, you'll know how hard it is to predict the weather. Have a thick plastic sheet all ready to be thrown over your wares in the even of rain and have heavy objects such as rocks nearby so they don't fly away. Of course, remember to bring an umbrella for yourself, as well.
Finally, always remember to never overdo it: Don't fill up your booth with so much appealing paraphernalia that your crafts are no longer noticeable. Don't talk so much that you forget to listen to your customer, and of course, don't bring so much anti-rain equipment, that you end up not bringing a lot of your own crafts. - 20760
About the Author:
Sam Weyland loves to go around in the various Florida Craft Shows. She heartily suggests Florida Craft Fairs to find the closest Florida Fair near you!
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