Robin Ragsdale offers her top ten tips on displays, and be sure to check out her etsy shop and flickr site as well!

1) Raise your tables. I did this using bed risers.

2) Make sure your table covers reach the floor. This gives it a finished
look and hides your storage boxes. My covers are actually long strips of
fabric wrapped around the tables and duct taped (I duct tape, velcro and
hot glue EVERYTHING). Then I added black fabric panels to the table
tops.

3) Have multiple levels. This serves several purposes. It allows more
merchandise to be displayed in a small area. It adds visual interest. It
brings your product to the eye level of the shopper.

4) Make sure there is visual contrast between your display colors and
your product so your merchandise will stand out.

5) Lots of light. (This may be more important for jewelry than anything
else. We need that sparkle!) A well lit display will attract more
attention than one that just blends in with the others. If the venue
charges more for electric, pay it.

6) You must have a sign and/or banner. Make it visually similar to your
other marketing materials. I had a woman come looking for me and she
recognized my sign because it is the same style and colors as my
business cards. In fact, the look of your display, online venues and
marketing materials should all tie together well.

7) If you want to sit, sit high! Get a bar height director’s chair so
you will always be at eye level of your buyers.

8) Space permitting, have a separate small pay-out table. This moves the
buyer away from the front of the display so others can move in to look.
It also allows for a wrapping area if necessary. I keep my mailing list
sign-up book there. While I write up the receipt and package the
purchase, the buyer can sign up for future event notifications.

9) If you accept credit cards (and you should) have a sign saying so.
I’ve had people stop at my booth simply because they could use their
Visa with me.

10) This is an odd tip I’m just gonna throw in to make an even ten: I
always have a bowl of wrapped candies, but at outdoor shows I also bring
dog treats. So many people bring their dogs everywhere they go and
always appreciate the thought. Also, if you have a friendly dog hanging
around it attracts other dog lovers to your tent!


From a blog on All Things Metal Clay
See http://creativetexturetools.com/news/2009/10/15/top-ten-display-tips-from-robin/

This is a very useful guideline for anyone serious about doing shows...
I love the last one but all the markets ban dogs in my area...<big ol pout>


_________________
Mel

(Melanie Dilday)
Forum Admin, artist, instructor, clay buddy...
http://clayhappenings.blogspot.com/
http://polymerandmetalclay.com.au/

thanks Mel. Looks like I need to completely re-think my display . Some terrific tips.


_________________
Oztion
http://www.oztion.com.au/shop/cazbaar.aspx

Photobucket
http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/carold_album/

Good on you for being willing to learn! I bet you'll see almost instant results with these tips. Let us know how you go.


_________________
Mel

(Melanie Dilday)
Forum Admin, artist, instructor, clay buddy...
http://clayhappenings.blogspot.com/
http://polymerandmetalclay.com.au/

Great ones for market stalls !!!


_________________
Sabine
www.papagodesign.com
http://www.redbubble.com/search/papagodesign
The artful correspondence of Frederic and Kate, a cat and mouse saga by Eaves Dropped
http://www.papagodesign.com/artful_correspondence.html

There are some great tips here. I've never thought about getting a credit card machine because I always thought (for some reason - not sure why) that these worked out a little expensive. If anyone knows I would love the info. Another really important tip when selling jewellery is to have a mirror on hand. People like to try and then of course see what it looks like. Hey and I really love the idea of the candies in the bowl however they may not last long on my table.

Sometimes also cost doesn't allow us to get all the beautiful display stands etc available these days so a piece of jewellery draped over some beautiful driftwood would do the trick. I also use large shells. I try to keep the theme the same eg if I'm using shells and driftwood I won't put anything else in the display so you just have a beachy thing going on. Sometimes what you make (and of course cost of your pieces) dictates what sort of display you should have.

There are probably heaps of other tips around so let's hear more.


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Debbie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/debbiecrothers/

A lot of useful info to keep in mind if/when I start doing the market-stall thing. Thanks for posting that, Mel.


_________________
~ Linda ~

http://s578.photobucket.com/albums/ss225/Typical_Virgo/ - album last updated 22 Nov 2009

Thanks so much Mel..... I have to do a show in December and this really helped!


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Christelle
http://www.karooart-designs.com
http://www.karooart.etsy.com
http://www.karooart.blogspot.com

I also hink you should display items in "stories" rather than a whole bunch of colours together.
It is much more appealing to the eye.


_________________
maria
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariapsaltis
http://mariapsaltis.blogspot.com/
http://oneandonly.etsy.com
My website is:
http://www.oneandonlyuniquedesigns.com