Thoughts/tips on selling at Craft Events

I first sold my designs at a craft market in December 2016. I was nervous selling face to face but I was excited at the same time as I wanted to know what people thought of my work in person. Since then I sold at 2 more events in 2017 and enjoyed each one, I feel that I am becoming better as I go on!

I'm going to share a few things that I learnt from selling at three events:
*These are just my thoughts

1. Keep your overall layout minimal, less is more for jewellery designers. 
2. Don't take every item you've ever made, don't over-pack with stock but don't under-stock either. You'll know more once you've sold at your first event.
3. It's important to smile at potential customers and if you're sitting make the effort to stand up. I see so many stall holders who just glance at you while you're complimenting their work to your friend. You don't have to be overly chatty but a hello and a smile will do. A genuine one.
4. It's so important to know that not everyone understands creativity. It's important to just ignore negative comments but do smile. Negative feedback is different but I've had people look at my work and say out loud to their friends that they just don't get it or don't see the point. That's ok, they're most likely not my clients.
5. Self believe! This goes with the point above. There are many people who will love your work, be confident and proud of your work. You took the time to make your products, you made them for a reason.
6. Each event is a learning experience to make your next one better. From my first one I learnt that my bracelets were popular - so I made more for my next. I also needed to up my display standards which I did for my second event. At my second one, I noticed that my necklaces were popular and so I made more for the next one. And so on
7. Use a suitcase! I took several bags with me for my first 2 and then for the third I took a suitcase and it was a good move.
8. Take something to do, maybe an unfished design or admin work, you get an odd 10 minutes of quietness every now and then.
9. Fun and Inspiring - It's a way to meet other creative/like minded people.
10. Keep a notebook and a pen with you, I noted down all my sales to keep up with what I've sold and how much I made. I also used my book to note down what people liked most and what they thought I could improve on.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my last three experiences and can't wait for this year's, it is tiring but so worth it.

Tahira x

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