Weekly Craft Show Tips Part Four

When you are attending weekly craft shows, then you will invariably have to deal with the other vendors as often as you setup your shop. A little helpfulness, courteousness, and general friendliness will go a long way towards establishing a relationship for everyone’s benefit. I personally try to help other vendors put up their tents; in turn, they tend to help with mine.

You must never try and steal other sellers’ customers. This is the first and most important rule of inter-vender relationships. Of course, these people are also trying to make a few extra dollars. Before you call out to potential customers, make sure that he or she is not preoccupied at someone else’s booth. Not even when they are obviously walking to it. Even if you get that person to buy from you, it will be at the cost of someone else’s potential sale. This is just bad karma, really. Catch the attention of people, but not at the expense of friendships.

Vendor discounts are a good thing to consider early on in the event. It’s a usual practice to give reduced prices to fellow vendors; of course, this will mean they will be open to the idea of giving you a discount, as well. But don’t drop the price to cost, though. It’s okay to shave off a small percentage. And be consistent; offer the same discount to all the sellers.

A number of vendors will not go for a discount, however, and instead opt for a trade. Don’t be surprised if someone asked you this question, but do give it some thought. The main benefit of a trade is that you get items you want without the inclusion of money matters. So as long as you find another item to your liking, and there are no dollars involved at all, then go for it.

It is vital that you support vendors whenever it’s possible for you to do so. Try to set aside an amount of money so you can spend on your friends’ discounted goods. Try to buy from at least one vendor a week, as a rule of thumb. Not all sellers will be agreeable, though. Although some people may consider your efforts as a conspiracy, these things just can’t be helped.