I am starting my blog series with 4 tips on how to MASTER & ENJOY your first Art Sale.

I was planning on writing a debrief of my experiences at the #VaughanOfAKindShow but that happened over 4 months ago and I figured I could post something more helpful!   I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you prepared for your first art show or community craft sale so leave me some comments down below and come #LearnWithTLY!!

1. Get a handled on your product offering and prices:  This is one area I am definitely going to improve on when I do another show.  It’s best to have your products and pricing completed 1.5-2 weeks in advance.  If not, you’ll feel flustered when your prints are not ready at the photo-lab *points at self*
2. Start advertising early: Blog, Email, Twitter or Facebook post about your upcoming event (including all the details of time and location) a few weeks leading up to the event.  You may think you are bombarding people but your friends and family can be your test customers (think A/B testing) so giving them the details they need so they can come visit and support you (no pressure!)
3. Design your booth to be inviting to your customers: Design a booth that will invite your customers to be able to really see your product (even pick up and inspect.  I used clear plastic envelopes so I didn’t cringe when people picked up a product.  Local fairs and sales are really about the community so everyone who comes by your booth is both a potential customer and a neighbour :)
4. Be ready to make sales: Be friendly, have a credit card payment device + money box with cash on hand, offer a show discount, have bags for your product after it’s been purchased, come with plenty of business cards (including your email and social media accounts), bring water and snacks

I hope my tips help – I know I’ll be reviewing them when the next fair and sales comes around!