10 Tips for Selling Your Handmade Products at Craft Shows
Selling at craft shows can be both an exciting and daunting experience. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your booth presence, mastering the art of craft show sales is essential for boosting your brand and connecting with your customers. If you’re in the skincare, artisan, or handmade business like Rainbow Roots, you know that it’s all about creating a vibe that feels inclusive, authentic, and welcoming. Below are 10 tips that’ll help you stand out and increase sales at your next craft show!
1. Create an Inviting Display
Your booth is your storefront—make it as visually inviting as possible. Display products in a way that tells your brand’s story, and pay attention to colors, textures, and levels. Use props that fit your vibe (think eco-friendly trays or woven baskets for a handcrafted feel) and make sure your products are neatly organized and easy to browse. Pro Tip: height matters! Use risers or stack boxes to create visual interest at different levels.
2. Focus on Brand Identity
Your brand is more than your logo; it’s your voice, message, and the feeling customers get when they interact with your products. At Rainbow Roots, we highlight inclusivity, ethical practices, and diversity, ensuring our signage, packaging, and booth interactions reflect those values. Make sure your booth screams “you” and aligns with your core brand principles.
3. Engage with Customers—But Don’t Be Pushy
It’s a balance. Greet people warmly and make eye contact, but give them space to explore without hovering. Share stories about your products—what inspired their creation, how they’re made, or the ingredients you use (particularly if they’re cruelty-free, vegan, and ethically sourced). People love knowing the backstory behind what they’re buying.
4. Offer Samples
If possible, let people experience your product firsthand! For skincare items, have testers available and use clean, professional methods (like mini spatulas) to avoid contamination. Let them smell, feel, or even try your product. Nothing sells a luxurious body butter or lotion faster than letting someone experience how it feels on their skin.
5. Have a Range of Price Points
At craft shows, attendees are often impulse buyers, so offer products at various price points to appeal to all budgets. Have small, affordable items like mini soaps or sample sets, but also offer more premium products or bundles for those who are ready to splurge. This gives everyone a reason to stop by and shop, regardless of their budget.
6. Accept Multiple Payment Methods
It’s the 21st century, and people rarely carry cash. Make sure you’re set up to accept credit cards, mobile payments like Apple Pay, and other modern methods. Having clear signage that shows what payments you accept will help avoid awkward conversations and missed sales.
7. Create a Sense of Urgency
Nothing moves products like a little FOMO (fear of missing out)! Create limited-time offers or craft show-only discounts to encourage people to buy on the spot. Use phrases like “Today Only” or “Exclusive Craft Show Deal” to nudge hesitant shoppers into making a decision. Pair that with limited quantities on certain items, and watch the urgency build.
8. Have a Clear and Simple Pricing Display
Don’t make customers guess how much something costs. Ensure pricing is visible and easy to understand. Whether you’re using chalkboard signs, printed tags, or small displays, clear pricing helps avoid awkward moments and encourages sales. Handwritten, pretty tags or stickers that reflect your brand can also make a big difference.
9. Use Social Media Before, During, and After
Promote the craft show in advance on your social media channels and build anticipation by sharing sneak peeks of what you’ll offer. During the event, post live updates, encourage customers to tag you, and showcase your booth setup. Afterward, thank your customers and let your followers know how they can buy your products online if they missed the show.
10. Build Relationships—Not Just Sales
Your goal isn’t just to make a quick sale; it’s to build long-term relationships. Collect email addresses for future newsletters, give out business cards or promo materials with every purchase, and encourage customers to follow you on social media. Craft shows are an excellent opportunity to build brand loyalty, so make sure you stay connected long after the show ends.
Conclusion
Selling at craft shows isn’t just about the transaction—it’s about connection, storytelling, and presenting your products in a way that makes people excited to buy. Whether you’re selling handcrafted soaps, curated skincare sets, or custom gift baskets, these tips can help boost your success and ensure every event is a win for both you and your customers.
Got more tips to share or want to connect? Drop a comment below or follow us on Instagram, where we share behind-the-scenes looks at Rainbow Roots and our latest product drops!
