Business related items is the topic of today's blog. Lets take a look at the Business Items portion of the Ultimate Craft Show List. Making, marketing, and selling your craft is your business and you should treat it as such. You will find examples of items we use and other resources in the links throughout the post.
Business items you will need . . .
Show Information/Confirmation - I have a zip shut folder that I use to keep all of my craft show information in. For each show I have a copy of my application and check as well as any information I received from them by email or in the mail. I keep everything for a single show stapled together and keep all of this year’s shows in the same folder. For next year I will start a new folder. It is good to have the information with you when you arrive at a show in case there is last minute information you need such as specific entrances or times. It is also proof of acceptance just in case of a mix up.
Inventory List - You should always have a list of what you take to a show. I always grab my notebook of wand and bowl items so I know exactly what I have. I'm not quite as formal with scrubbies and pet toys but I do always know how many I put out on the table. Read my post on Post Event Craft Show Tracking for more on this.
Sales Tracking Form - You will want a way to track your sales. It will help you know what you sold and what to take next time. Some items sell better at different times of the year or in different locations. In my Post Event Craft Show Tracking post, I discussed how I use a spiral notebook at a show to keep track of sales and then balance the show at the end. This services as a makeshift inventory list. I do however have a more formal process specifically for our Lathe Junkie bowls, wands and other art.
Price List - I know you have prices on each item but it is still a good idea to have a price list with you. If you are the only one working your booth and need a break, it is good to have a reference sheet for someone else who may be looking after your area while you do that. I also find that when it is busy it is easiest to glance at a list rather than remember a wrong price.
More Business Items . . .
Camera - Documenting your setup and your area is a must. You can look back how you did it to know what worked the last time or make changes for the next show. Show pictures are also handy for promoting the show and your business on Facebook or some other social service. I have a simple digital camera, but your phone will also work. Some show applications also require you to submit a picture of your set up so be sure you are prepared.
Mailing List Form - Consider using a mailing list to collect names and email addresses of people interested in your work. You can use this information to let them know about future shows, new items. It can just be a simple notebook page or you could design something yourself.
Business Cards - You really need to have a business card! This is your business and this is the #1 way to market it. I can't stress this enough. It helps to identify you as a business and gives your customer a way to contact you if they want more. Make sure to include one in every bag and have extras on the table. If you need a good business card check out my Crafter Resources area for more information.
Shop Sign/Banner - Like a business card a shop sign identifies you as a business. There are a bunch of really great options. I have a sewn banner for Holton Handicrafts. For Lathe Junkie we have a wood sign that another crafter made for us at a show. We also just got a printed vinyl banner with our new branding on it. Lots of inexpensive ideas on Pinterest.
This completes my list of Business items you need at a show. Some of this can be a bit overwhelming but once you get things in place you will find the business side of things can help improve your sales. Next up is the Supplies Group.
Until next time...
Linda
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Check out my Crafter Resources page for more information on services I can provide to help the business side of your crafting!
Use this planner to keep yourself organized.
