How to display at shows

Fish30114

Fish30114

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Jan 5, 2014
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Just wanted to float this question out there, I can't seem to think of an obvious way--I've got some shows coming up, and I wanted to do something other than have individual stands and cover my table up--so just wanted to see what those who do or have done shows used to display their knives.
 
Have a nice cloth table cover. Set the knives on the table with the blade facing the customer. Only put "show pieces" on stands. Stands say, "Do Not Touch".
When someone stops and looks, say, " Feel free to pick one up if you want a closer look."
 
Thanks Stacy, that's actually where I was heading as a default position, I also have some shadowboxes that I can put knives in and leave the glass top on the box open--good idea on the verbage on the stands.
 
I agree with Stacy. Just a simple covering, and the knives laid out where they can easily be seen. If you want people to touch them, that is. ;)
Have some cards with website/contact info, as well as some signs andor flyers. Also doesn't hurt to have a little info on the knives: Steel type, hand made, etc... though you don't necessarily want to have TOO much going on.

Oh, and have a box of bandaids just in case. ;)
 
Good comment drew - have two stacks of your cards out. People pick them up and may call you later.

Another suggestion is one on attitude:
If you are there to sell knives, your attention is to the people on the other side of the table. Stand up if someone stops to look, stand up and say, "Hello". Tell them to feel free to pick one up for a closer look, and you will be glad to answer any questions. Smile at everyone, and treat the lookers just like the buyers.

The folks who sit in their chair and chat with a friend are usually the ones who say they had a terrible show. It is a rare case where a customer says, "Excuse me, but if you have the time I would like to buy this knife!"
 
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Good comment drew - have two stacks of your cards out. People pick them up and may call you later.

Another suggestion is one on attitude:
If you are there to sell knives, your attention is to the people on the other side of the table. Stand up if someone stops to look, stand up and say, "Hello". Tell them to feel free to pick one up for a closer look, and you will be glad to answer any questions. Smile at everyone, and treat the lookers just like the buyers.

The folks who sit in their chair and chat with a friend are usually the ones who say they had a terrible show. It is a rare case where a customer says, "Excuse me, but if you have the time I would like to buy this knife!"
Click to expand...

That all rings very true to me--me and my bride have had that attitude at shows where we are selling my Pens and other woodturning creations, i.e. pepper grinders, coffee scoops, wooden bowls, lidded boxes etc. We have had good success where others didn't, and have been invited back to shows where others have not--so I'm hoping that I will be able to replicate that with my knife sales.

Appreciate the help folks--Thanks--Don
 
Wait, people actually sell their knives? What a novel thought... :P

Seriously though, while I haven't sold an knives at shows, I have bought knives at those shows, and Stacy is 100% right. I don't care what show you're at, doesn't even need to be a knife show, could be a gun show or a different craft show, there's always that guy who just sits behind his table and stares are the crowd, or worse yet has his face in his phone. Don't be that guy and you're bound to have a better show, and you might even enjoy yourself ;)
 
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