Teach Soap

I'm trying to decide on the color for my table covering for an upcoming craft show. It's only my second show, and since I have a lot more stuff this show (and the space is bigger) I am adding a table, so the covering I used for the last one won't work (it was a fabric remnant, not likely I'd be able to find a second one the same color). It was just solid green last time (and I didn't have a fitted tablecloth yet- I have those now, they're ivory).

But this time around I was thinking about more contrast to attract the eye more. My labels are really plain- I like them that way. But since they're so plain and muted, would it be a good or bad idea to go with a pretty printed fabric instead of solid for the table covering? I can see that going very cute or very wrong. And if so, should I go with a big or small print?

Here are some pictures of my past display and my labels:

That is my old display- I know there is a lot of room for improvement here, but it was a last minute thing. I am going to be changing a lot- more levels, adding some banners and a few more signs (I have little chalk boards). I'm on the fence about even using the crates again, they're kind of dark, and if I do I may use them under the fabric just to create the different levels. I don't know, any feedback would be awesome!

And here are a few of my labels- they're all this basic look/color scheme:

Someone else with more of an eye can help more but don't let your colors/print grab all the attention and overwhelm your products. I like the crates even though they are dark. Maybe a light cloth inside?

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

I think the color of your tablecloth looks fine as it goes with the natural theme. The crates looks a little dark and from a distance. people won't be able to see what you're selling. I agree with SudsyFun; maybe put a white cloth inside the crates, so the products pop out more?

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I was actually thinking about putting a light inside of them, like one of those stick on battery light things. I would really like to just paint them all white, but some of the crates I'm going to be using this weekend are not technically mine, they're my mother in law's. Or maybe I'll use the solid tablecloths, but put a really super light colored print behind the items in the crates... I have enough fabric laying around I may not even have to buy any for that.

I was so sure I wouldn't be able to find the same fabric again, but I actually found it, so it may all be fine. I'm going to take in a swatch to be sure before I buy it. I was going to make some pennant/banner thingies, so those may be enough to add visual interest without making it as busy as a print would make it.

Thanks so far for the input! Anyone else want to weigh in? I had another question. I'm debating between I U-shaped display that requires the customer to enter an area, or just a straight table at the front of the space, where I stand behind the table. I've read a lot in favor of both, so I thought I'd see what you guys think. My gut says standing behind the table is BAD, but a really reputable blogger interviewing a really successful soapmaker says its better to have the table at the front so people don't have to enter a space. And the more I think about that, the more I think it's true. When I go to a craft fair I'm far more likely to interact with an item if I don't have to physically walk into the space, and if I interact I'm far more likely to buy. But, just speaking visually, I prefer the Ushaped design because it presents more opportunities for intersting displays. Ugh, I'm obviously not sure, so help!

It depends how much space you have. If you are bringing only one table, then I would put it right up front. If you have two, try an "L" shape.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

So I will try to answer some things from a person walking at the farmers market. I do not like having to go into a U space... always concerned about getting stuck in there if a lot of others want in ?? I don't mind the L shape, plus it gives you a place to stand at the side if you are not behind your table. I also seem to aim for tables that have something attractive. What if you put miniature Christmas lights inside of the boxes. And how about something to soften the top of the boxes... you have a lot of hard square edges. I am thinking like a plant and/or some soft fluffy towels.
When you get it set up snap another photo and show us please!

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

More good tips... I have two tables, so I'm thinking it's going to be an L Shape. And it definitely won't be too crowded, as one of the tables is only 4 feet long. I'm thinking, because the other table is only 6 feet, that to fill the space properly I'm going to put the 6 foot table butted up to the 4 foot table, with just a little of the 4 foot table protruding (if that makes sense...). So it'll be a really, really shallow L. That will give me extra space without creating too much of a "trap" for shoppers. Eventually I'll have to invest in bigger tables, but for now I think this gives me plenty of space. I was also thinking about a free standing shelf for the front corner of the space, opposite the short end of the "L," like a rack or something. But i couldn't find anything that fit my needs locally and I honestly don't know if I would have enough product to fill that as well.

The Christmas lights idea is a good one. I'll think about that and see what I have lying around. And I knew something was bothering me about the tops of the crates, I think that hard edge thing is exactly what it was (and I just couldn't put my finger on it). I'll have to think about that and come up with something even remotely relevant to soften it up.

Thanks all!

Yeah between the labels and the crates it's pretty dark and if someone needs glasses like me they almost blend in! If you can't find fabric you could always try poster board, scrapbook paper, etc. craft stores have a million different things you cold fill the inside with! And I do love that tablecloth! It makes sense with the earthy look of the products.

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The Black Currant- Shipping within the US!

My shop: The Black Currant on Etsy!
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Good luck with your craft show!

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

I really like the crates and definitely wouldn't paint them. I would put bright or seasonal colored placemats or napkins in the crates so that they spill out onto the table cloth, or add a seasonal table runner for some color. You can also use dried or silk flowers/leaves scattered about on the table.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

I just want to say thank you for all of the wonderful ideas, even though they aren't for my booth, they are giving me some thoughts. I am doing my first show after taking a couple of years off and I am just not creative when it comes to that. Hence the reason my house is very plain jane.... I suck at decorating.

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Haven

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

I love your rustic labels! Very nice The labels would attract me to your booth above all else.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Thank you all again for your help and suggestions- I used so many of your ideas, and they aren't things I would have come up with myself. Here is my booth at the show:



I did well... not amazingly well, but well enough for a first (serious) show, and a historically un-busy show at that. I made the entry fee twice over, so that's good. And I was worried at first because (of course...) I was set up right across from the Scentsy lady (grr....). This area and this particular show are heavy on MLM's and a lot of the customers are only there to sign up for the drawings they have or pick up there stupid Scentsy refills (bitter much? yes...). So the fact that I did as well as I did is pretty darn good. Now that I feel like I've worked out some kinks I'm excited to search out some better shows in better areas where people are actually come to craft shows to, you know, buy crafts.

A few things I learned and a few things I wondered about:

1: Even though most of my soaps are pretty "natural," I need some more natural, more plain ones. There were 3-4 people who were looking for fully simple, hypoallergenic thing. I currently have three unscented bars- one plain unscented goat milk and lard, one with calendula (blossoms, as well as infused into the oil), and one with chamomile infused into the oil. The people who asked were looking for MORE plain (and I can't remember why the goat milk/lard didn't fit the bill for two of them, the third did end up buying one of those).

2: I need more of a variety of scents. So far I've made what I like, and I like warm, earthy scents. I need to be more concious about it and add a few scents like lemongrass. Does anyone have a rule of thumb for this, like you always try to keep X, Y, and Z soaps in stock?

3: I shouldn't be so narrow about what I take to shows. I also sell herbal tinctures and syrups and essential oil blends on my Etsy shop, but I didn't take them to the show because I didn't think that kind of thing would sell well. But two or three people asked about essential oil.

4: My lotion hardly sold at all. It was (I felt, anyway) reasonably priced. I had testers for each scent, and a big sign saying "try me!" But no one even messed with them. I thought something like that- fun scented lotions, reasonably priced, would sell better than anything else. Was I wrong? Is there something I could do to attract more attention to them?

5: I'm so glad I thought to make up samples- so many people took them, and I had them in little zipper bags with a business card. I hope at least a few people keep the cards and look me up!

PLEASE critique my display! I can take it! Even though I did okay, I want to do better next time!

Looks good! I don't sell hypoallergenic anything. Anyone can be allergic to any oils or butters I use. I just list all the ingredients and have any potential customers make their own choices. I no longer sell essential oils. The stupid people at Young Living sell them for internal use and I don't want that kind of a disability.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.