Continuing from our recent article, ‘Preparing for a Craft Fair‘, here are some useful tips about craft fair displays. The first priority when planning your craft fair display is to consider the size of your table space. Some craft fair venues issue each stall holder with a table. In other situations, stall holders may bring their own table, up to a given size. The dimensions of the table will need to be taken into account. Remember to take an attractive cloth or cover for your table, whether it is your own or is being supplied by the organisers. A cover that will come part of the way down the front of the table is particularly useful. This will conceal additional spare stock items, packaging materials, or other equipment you might need close to hand.
It helps to set up a ‘dummy table’ at home and mark off the size it will be, so you can practice setting up your display beforehand. If you will require special lighting, or charging points, etc., check the availability of power sockets with the organisers in advance.
Stands and Props for Craft Fair Displays
It may not be possible to fit all your products in your craft fair display. If so, then you will need to make a careful selection of the items you will be displaying. Choose your most popular items, and display smaller articles in front of the larger ones. Taller shelves or stands are also best placed at the back of your display. If you plan to attend several craft fairs, it may be worth investing in one or two custom made display accessories, such as racks, spinners or other supports like easels. Jewellery items are often displayed inside their own open boxes, or on top of closed boxes. Baskets are useful for encouraging customers to rummage for that special find or bargain! A group of painted twigs makes an attractive way to display small toys, necklaces, knitted ornaments or even homemade sweets.
Colour Coordination
Sometimes a stallholder will opt for a colour-coordinated layout. All the items have complementary colours to make a harmonious display. Be aware that the bright colours of one product may detract from the more subtle colours of another item. Try to keep these separated in the display.
It can be helpful to exhibit the same favourite design on several different articles. For example, a popular fine art print can be displayed near the same image on a greeting card or tote bag. A customer who loves the fine art print but who is not looking for a major purchase, may well opt for one of the less expensive articles instead. Additionally, the effect of showing several commodities with the same image is to make your display look well coordinated, organised and uncluttered.
Signage and Decoration
Customers will appreciate clear signs telling them the price of each type of artefact on the table. Any other relevant information is also helpful, such as the materials used, or whether the item is handmade. Some stall holders provide flyers or cards with details of their website, Instagram accounts, and any other forums for their work. These flyers can be included in the packaging which the vendor supplies with each purchase. Ensure that both your signage and packaging are as professional as possible, so as to enhance your goods. In this way you will encourage confidence in your products.
Lastly, remember that tables can be decorated with seasonal embellishments. Easter-coloured mini eggs, autumn-toned leaves and berries, or glittering Christmas decorations can all provide a pleasant and attractive background for your exciting craft fair table displays!