My Experience at A Sami Show: Christmas in July
My Experience at A Sami Show: Christmas in July
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Hey everyone,
I recently took my handcrafted beauties to "A Sami Show: Christmas in July" in Belton, and boy, was it an experience! This event had its highs and lows, and I’m here to spill the tea on everything!
Setting Up for the Show
Picture this: It’s Friday, July 26, and my hubby and I are rolling up to the venue, ready to transform a blank 10x10 space into a wreath wonderland. We had the canopy frame (no tent needed because hello, indoor event!), metal display panels, zip ties, and, of course, a truckload of wreaths. After a lot of teamwork and zip-tying, we had our booth looking fabulous.
I had my QR codes for social media and payment options (because who carries cash anymore?) all set up on the front table. Oh, and did I mention the wreath giveaway? I had a tablet with the entry form ready to go, promoted by a chic chalkboard A-frame. We were ready to roll!
Day One: A Slow Start
Saturday dawned with high hopes and a fresh pot of coffee. My husband and I were at the front table, greeting everyone with our brightest smiles. But guess what? Crickets. Not a single sale, only 12 giveaway entries, and barely any foot traffic. Talk about a bummer! 😒
Engaging with Fellow Vendors
As the day dragged on, I decided to chat with my fellow vendors. Misery loves company, right? It turns out I wasn’t the only one dealing with low sales and tons of looky-loos. Everyone was feeling the pinch. But instead of wallowing, we swapped tips and tricks. They suggested trying smaller wreaths and items at different price points to attract more customers. Honestly, it was a lifesaver to know we were all in the same boat and could help each other out.
Learning and Adapting
Saturday night, I took to an incredibly helpful Facebook group called Craft Show Set Up Ideas And Inspiration for more advice. Vendors suggested changing up my layout to make the booth more inviting. So, I got crafty. I turned the front table sideways and moved my chair to the corner, opening up the space. A little rearranging can go a long way!
Day Two: A Turnaround
Sunday came, and it was a whole new ball game. The new layout worked like a charm, drawing in more traffic and curious shoppers. People felt more comfortable stepping inside to browse. The best part? I sold my most expensive item! A beautiful autumn centerpiece. Talk about a turnaround! 💃
Craft Show Giveaway Success
One of the highlights was the fabulous giveaway I organized using Google Forms. Visitors could easily enter via a QR code, which was super convenient. Moving forward, I’ll definitely keep using the QR code method but will also offer a pen and paper option for those who like to keep it old school. Plus, I made sure to include a question on the form allowing customers to opt-in to my brand-new email list. It was a fantastic way to engage with visitors and grow my list for future updates and exclusive offers.
Reflections and Takeaways
Despite the rocky start, "A Sami Show: Christmas in July" taught me so much. Here are my takeaways:
Booth Layout Matters: An inviting layout can work wonders. Don’t be afraid to rearrange and experiment.
Engage with Visitors: Always greet guests with a smile. Even if sales are slow, building rapport is key.
Leverage Social Media: QR codes for social media and payment options? Yes, please! Make it easy for folks to connect and pay.
Offer a Range of Products: Smaller items and varied price points can attract a broader audience. Variety is the spice of life!
Be Adaptable: Listen to feedback and don’t hesitate to make changes. Adaptability is everything.
Connect with Fellow Vendors: Fellow vendors are a goldmine of support and advice. We’re all in this together, and sharing tips can lead to mutual success.
Chalk Markers: After the event, I discovered the magic of chalk markers, and let me tell you, they are a game-changer! Unlike traditional chalk, these markers are much easier to write with and come in vibrant colors that really pop. The best part? They give my signs a neat and professional look, which is perfect for drawing in customers. From now on, I’ll be using chalk markers for all my signs and displays. If you're looking to upgrade your booth presentation, I highly recommend giving them a try!
My Amazon Affiliate Picks
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support my small business and allows me to keep creating beautiful wreaths for you. Thank you for your support!
Here are some products that have helped me at craft shows and could be useful for your next event:
Tablecloths for a Polished Look
Chalkboard A-Frame Sign with Chalk Markers
Acrylic Tabletop Sign Holders: I use these for my Social Media and Payment QR codes
Overall, this show was a rollercoaster, but a rewarding one. It’s always great to showcase my work, learn new things, and connect with amazing people. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth, entered the giveaway, and supported Wreaths by Raquel. I can’t wait to see you at the next craft show!
Raquel 🎀
#CraftShowsTips #HandmadeWreaths #SmallBusiness #CraftFairTips #WreathsByRaquel #ChristmasInJuly #AmazonAffiliate
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