Display Dilemmas

Donald Clark (DC): First, I might suggest that you make two banners, one to hang on each side wall of your booth. We know that people travel through a show in different directions and will be approaching your booth from two directions. Two banners allow customers coming from each direction to be aware of who you are and what you make. I'm thinking you might want to consider making them smaller, the size you propose could be overwhelming in a typical craft fair booth.

Now deciding on the content. This certainly would depend on the name of your business. For instance, if the name of your business includes what you make Rocky Hill Pottery, Flying Threads Weavings or Hammer and Anvil Metals that is all you need to use. If on the other hand the name of the business does not indicate what you make Donald Clark, Fancy Stuff, or Dream On give no clue to what will be in your booth. In this case you will want to add a line that describes the products you offer such as Donald Clark--writer, Fancy Stuff--fine linens, and Dream On--fine chocolates.

Since you are about to print signage consider adding some large images of your work and you in the studio. Buyers are eager to know about you and respond well to information you share with them. An informative image of your work or you at work will catch the attention of customers passing by and draw them in to see more. We also know the longer we can keep them in the booth the more likely they will be to make a purchase.

DC: I wonder if you can really come up with a product enriching display for $5, are you sure about this number? Are you making them or having them made? Are you counting only the cost of materials? If you are making them yourself does the $5 include payment for your time? I do not want to discourage you from sending your work out with a special display I just want you to be sure you have got the price right.

All that said I want to support you in taking every opportunity to control the way your product is presented to consumers. You have two ways to offer it. First, if the $5 cost is accurate you could just offer it as part of an order for items that will fill it. Or second, you could place a value on it, pass that on with an order and offset the cost with product. Either way the display will enhance the way your products are seen.