Be Set-Up Ready

After you get your tent ready, it's time to work on your product displays.  Obviously, everyone displays their wares in a different manner because we all sell very different items.  You can't expect what works for someone selling paintings to work for someone else selling afghans.  For that reason, I'm not going to be too specific on displays.  This post is just meant to give you some things to think about and some things that have worked (or not) for me.

Think about your aesthetic.  What sort of customer are you selling to?  For me, my work has a slightly vintage feel to it, so I cover my tables with vintage thrift store table runners and doilies.  It helps people identify fairly quickly whether what I'm selling is for them.  This does mean that not everyone will come into my space, but that's okay.  It's better to have people pass me who won't buy and free up space for my perfect customer.

Be mindful of weather concerns.  If you make lightweight things, try to have a "windy" plan.  Selling earrings and pendant on card stock displays means that I'm stocked with things that take off like little kites in a good gust which means hanging them on shutters only works on a still day. 

Look around online and when you go to events to see what other people are doing.  You won't want to recreate someone's complete set-up, but certain elements might speak to you.  Make mental, or even written notes, of things you might want to try or adapt for your own space.  There is a certain amount of trial and error.  If something doesn't seem to be bringing attention to your items, you can always try something else.

Once you have an idea of what you want to do as your set-up, practice.  Set your tent and displays up in your driveway.  Set it up and take it down a few times.  The more you do it, the easier and faster it will become.  As your friends to look at your displays and see what they think.  Where are their eyes drawn?  Is it to the items you want to market most?  Get some feedback.  It will help determine what works and what doesn't.  The better your display, the more likely you are to have a good show!