4.03.2008

Shopping question

{typical booth set-up}

I've been thinking about my upcoming shows {see sidebar at right for the list} and the way that I display my work. Would you help with the following question by posting your answer in the comments? Any feedback you have about display is much appreciated!

When you go to a craft show, do you like to see lots of choices in a booth, or do you prefer a less-is-more setup? The setup above is pretty typical of how I display my work. Is there enough to look at? Would you like to see more? Should I use the space at the bottom of the panels to hang more clocks? {You can click on the photo to enlarge it.}

Thank you!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I do think "less is more" and would leave your display the way it is. If you hang more, you may give the impression that you have plenty of inventory because it's not selling!

It's by far better to have fewer pieces - makes 'em look more exclusive and like they're flying off the shelves(at least I think so!).

FWIW!
{k}

Unknown said...

Though anonymous has a point about the "flying off the shelves", I also think you have to consider the customer's viewpoint. Please know I only want to help! :)

Depending on the show, if there is not a whole lot to look at, it may actually keep people away from your booth. Customers like fullness or busy-ness. If there is a lot to look at, the customer is more apt to linger longer, thereby drawing other customers over to see what they're looking at and so on and so on.

I would also put the most colorful, eye-catching items on top to draw attention from people glancing from across the room. It's spring, so put the springy colors up top and the neutral ones lower.

One last suggestion...hang your business sign up high. I had to look at the picture 3 times before I saw your company name. I love the name of your business and it's so easy to remember. Make sure your customers remember it.

Jan said...

I tend to agree more with Kim. A fuller display, where some things are not quite visible as you walk by, forces people to come over and look to see what there is to see. As it is now, you could *potentially* walk by without stopping and have seen it all. Someone who comes in for a closer look is good! You can strike up a conversation, ask pertinent questions, be able to shove a business card in their hand and tell them all about the custom work you can do! I also didn't see your sign at first. I would put a tasteful but looooong banner/sign up that follows the folds of your stands with the name. If someone doesn't come in for a look, at least they can't miss your name! One last tiny thing, and this is just me, I think displayed artwork looks best on a white or black background rather than tan. Your clocks would pop on white...and since most people tend to lean toward lighter colors in their homes (not us), they might have a better time envisioning it on their walls. Maybe a couple of white sheets pinned taught to the felt? Just an idea....

From a marketing perspective, crowds draw crowds - social psychology. And the actions (people buying) of a few in a crowd easily influences the rest of the lot! Wouldn't hurt to try something different to test the results! Have fun!!

Do you have batteries in the clocks? What if they were all ticking and set to the same time?

paula :: plays with mud said...

Lisa - I agree with these comments too - moving your sign up would help identify your booth. Also, what about a small table where you could put some of your clocks and wall art out for people to touch (if you encourage touching of your products of course). I might be a little intimidated to go up and check out something on the wall, for fear that my clutzy self would send your whole display crashing. Having some "samples" on a table would be more appealing to me, then I could choose my "style" from your options on the wall.

Just my 2 cents ... :)

textile_fetish said...

Just be sure not to hnag anything too low - such as in a place where a jacket or purse could bump it. I knocked a little glass scottie dog off a super-low table when I was a kid (with my raincoat) and I've never forget how bad I felt. They made me pay for it! Now I can totally spot those situations and how grown to believe it's an intentional ploy by antique shops to enforce the "you break/you pay" rule.

But hey, I think I like MORE to see (albeit well organized). It's too easy to pass by a booth where I can quickly assess that I don't "need" anything inside.