How To Earn Extra Income At Fairs Festivals & Craft Shows: How To Draw In More Customers

Once you are in work-mode and preparing for your first festival or fair, you need to decide how you are going to market your products. You will need to get together some ideas before you go to the show or fair so you know specifically how you will set up your booth to appeal to the masses.

Once you have set up your products and your displays are the way you want, make sure to set up a customer friendly atmosphere. Put your cash in a safe place that is easily accessible. I usually put my cash in a fanny pack and carry it around my waist.

The first consideration to drawing in foot traffic is to stand out in a crowd. Many shows are somewhat strict about what type of tents or displays you are allowed to use. Consequently, if you don't make an effort you are going to get lost in the crowd of vendors. Utilize wind spinners, flags and banners to create movement and color to catch the eye of your prospective customers.

Light it up! Especially if you are working a night time or indoor show. Adding light will draw attention and make your product appear more appealing. At night time you can utilize flashing lights to create even more attention.

Utilize good signage. I am constantly amazed at how many vendors overlook this simple but valuable strategy. Make sure your signage is large, clear and to the point. Your sign should state your product rather than your name. For example, if you are selling gourmet popcorn, your sign should read Gourmet Popcorn not Jody's.

Another fun way to stand out is to create a theme based marketing around your product. My specialty item for the last couple of years has been airbrush tattoos. My competitor had a much better theme than I did. They flew pirate flags and had a name that started with the word Captain. It's a fun theme that consistently made them stand out.

Use music to stand out. You can use this in conjunction with your theme. For example, one of my friends had a frozen drink stand and they play tropical Jimmy Buffett type of music. Just remember to watch the volume. Some customers are turned off by music that is too loud.

Learn to display your product for high visibility and attract the crowds with an eye-pleasing tent or display that is also viewed as a welcoming atmosphere for buying. Remember, you are after ?foot traffic? from the patrons of the fair. You want them to walk your way!

Carrie Copenhaver is an entrepreneur and home based business expert. She is also a long time veteran of the fairs, festival and craft show industry. Find out how you can generate extra income at www.weekendcashgenerator.com