Craft Show Display: First 10' x 10' set up

The 39th Annual Hand of Man Art & Craft Sale was held this past weekend.  Being the largest show in Peterborough, it was the best opportunity to test LeilaBel Anne products in my local market.  What I want to or think will sell may not be what does sell, so this show provided a great learning experience.  Merchandising, product development, salesmanship...participating in a show improves all that.

For The Hand of Man, a corner booth is what LeilaBel Anne reserved.  A corner booth allows attendees to see a vendor's items from two sides (as opposed to one side with a regular booth).  The more products people can touch and see up close, without having to walk inside a booth, the better chance a sale will be made.  Even if they don't buy, I have an idea of what they like based on what they look at.  I saw your lingering eyes even if you didn't notice me.  Sometimes you can learn more about a customer by just observing.  Here is how I filled my first 10' x 10' space:

THANK YOU!

The 39th Annual Hand of Man Art & Craft Sale

Peterborough, ON

October 17-18, 2014

Thank you to everyone who visited the LeilaBel Anne booth at The 39th Annual Hand of Man show!  It was a great experience.  Being part of a large show helped me practice my salesmanship, networking, merchandising, and product development.  I truly appreciate all the positive responses I received.  I even appreciate the 'under-my-breath' comments, ie."I don't like scarves," "that's too much," and "you're a little shy" because any feedback helps the growth of LeilaBel Anne.  Over the next few days, I'll be working on my Etsy shop, writing a blog post about the details of my booth (I know, it has been a long time), responding to emails, and preparing for my next show.  But tonight, I will rest.

Shout-out to my mom, who helped take care of the kiddies, and my bro, who was the MOST AWESOME assistant anyone could wish for.  Bro - people definitely noticed how much work and love you put into helping your little sis.  Special shout-out to my hubby who continues to support my craziness and brain that never stops.

To you - thank you for helping spread the Super Cute word!  And remember to follow me on Instagram to see the personality behind LeilaBel Anne.  @leilabelanne

Much love, 

j.anne

Finance and Administration - applying skills to first show!

"A passionate crafter with a background in business."  That's the tagline to describe me.  I have a background in Finance and Administration (stalk me on LinkedIn, though I likely have not updated it).  How did I apply what I know to my first show?  Top 3!

1. Track Revenue and Investment
Thank you SQUARE!

PART 3: Displaying the goods - lessons learned

Be selective.  Be creative.  Re-purpose.  Save your $$$ dolla dolla bills.  Your show table should complement your products and enhance your brand.

Part 1: Quick glance
Part 2: My first table in detail
Focus of Part 3: Lessons Learned.  There were supposedly 150-ish people who attended the 5 hour show.  Out of those people, I just need to use my hands to count the number of shoppers who purchased an item from me.  Why so low?  I'm not going to criticize this volunteer-run show.  This post will be about how I can improve my merchandising to attract more buyers.  My Lessons Learned.

PART 2: Displaying the goods - my first table in detail

Be selective.  Be creative.  Re-purpose.  Save your $$$ dolla dolla bills.  Your show table should complement your products and enhance your brand.

Focus of Part 2: A detailed look into my first table.  I used stuff to show off my stuff.  For my first table, I think I did an alright job, but there are definitely changes I am going to make for future shows.  In Part 3, I'll be writing about Lessons Learned.

Onto a detailed look into LeilaBel Anne's first show table.  Some photos are from my mock display in my bedroom because I didn't take blog-quality pics.  I think I was a little too excited to be there.  *embarrassed pout

[Reminder] Available SUPER CUTE Goodies for Sale: scarves, hair accessories, gift tags, and magnets

The evolution.  
When applying for the show, I set up a mock display using one table and one standing rack.  (NOTE: I later upgraded to two tables and one standing rack at no additional cost).  Check out the 'Before' and 'After'.  While both set ups have a similar look, the set up was sssooo different.

PART 1: Displaying the goods - my attempt to appear as a seasoned craft show participant

Be selective.  Be creative.  Re-purpose.  Save your $$$ dolla dolla bills.  Your show table should complement your products and enhance your brand.

Focus of Part 1: Quick Glance.  I didn't go into my first show blind.  I knew I had to put together a table that was just as creative as the products I make.  Search engine: 'craft show' 'table displays'.  Results: Incredible work.  Here are a few examples...

First show done! Body and Mind crashed, but Spirit is bright and partying

Update (May 13): LeilaBel Anne has its FIRST Media Hit! Article in Peterborough Examiner about 30 Craft Market and photos of me.