YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CRAFT FAIRS AND GIFT SHOWS
Over the last few months we visited two big gifting fairs: Boutiques Fair in Singapore and the Conrad Fair in Hong Kong. We were overwhelmed by the quality of displays and the amount of time and planning that goes into getting ready for these major shopping events. For all you Fair newbies out there, we’ve put together a handy checklist so you can get the most out of your craft or gift fair experience.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CRAFT FAIRS AND GIFT SHOWS
CRAFT FAIR PRE-PLANNING
1. Put the dates in your diary so you don’t miss registration!
2. If you’re travelling, book your flights and hotel in advance so you don’t get hit with outrageous costs.
3. Plan your booth in advance. Make sure that you have everything you need and that it all fits in your luggage (if you’re travelling). Do a test run set-up before you go so you know it looks great. And don’t forget any additional supplies you may need like tablecloths, baskets, jewellery stands, tape, pins, scissors, invoice paper, pens, a calculator, etc.
4. Check your inventory to make sure you have ample stock. If you need to make additional products don’t leave this to the last minute. Alternatively, if you need to order stock or packaging, get it done in advance so you minimise your stress in the days running up to the fair.
MARKETING YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE CRAFT FAIR
Check with the organiser to see if there is any way you can get involved with marketing before the event. Are they sending out newsletters or doing a brochure? Are any of the other participants pulling together to run promotions?
This year for Boutiques Fair in Singapore a group of oh-so-smart entrepreneurial gals got together to run a “loop giveaway” on Instagram where the winner received a $1,500 SGD shopping spree. This was a great way to reward fans and gain tons of new followers for each brand’s Instagram account. We love seeing entrepreneurs supporting one another like this!
Don’t forget to ramp up your social media too and let you fans know you will be visiting the fair and that you look forward to seeing them there.
IN THE DAYS RUNNING UP TO THE CRAFT FAIR
Sort out your money situation ahead of time. Before the fair, check for credit card facilities and stock up on cash including change, small bills and big bills. We suggest going to the bank in advance so you’re not running around the day before trying to get change for big bills (yes, this is a rookie mistake we made). If you’re travelling to another country, get your money changed in advance to get the best rates.
If you’re planning to put transactions through your website, you’re going to need an internet connection. Before you arrive, check to make sure the venue has an Internet connection. If they do, check the speed in advance as it can be a little uncomfortable when you’re trying to process a sale and your Internet is moving at dial-up speed, especially when you have a line of customers waiting for help.
THE DAY OF THE CRAFT FAIR
Wear comfy clothes, especially shoes you can stand in all day. And don’t forget to bring a sweater or layers because when aircon gets pumping these spaces can get pretty chilly.
You’re going to need energy to get through the day or days, so stock up on water, snacks or a thermos of coffee.
It may not always be possible, but if you can have a helper support you, it will make your experience so much smoother, especially if it’s a big fair over a weekend. If the fair is over multiple days, try to get friends or colleagues to take shifts to give you a little bit of extra support.
Finally, leave the celebrating until after the show. We know how exciting it is to meet up with your peers who you may only see couple times a year at these shows, but there is absolutely nothing worse than having to stand hours on end chatting to customers with a stinking hangover. Don’t do it! Don’t even think about it, it’s just not worth it.
