Teach Soap

Hi, everyone! I am planning on doing my first craft show type event in about a month. If anybody has any tips on how to display, how much to bring, - just any
advice available - I would really appreciate it!

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http://www.inarubathandbody.com

How long has this craft show been around?
How is it advertised?
How many people are expected to attend?
How big is your booth space?

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

Hi, Soapbuddy.
I believe it's the first time they do this event and I have no idea how many people are expected to show up- I contacted the person in charge with a couple of concerns & questions I had and am waiting for her to respond. All I know for sure right now that the space is 10x10.

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http://www.inarubathandbody.com

We did a small show like that one time and a 10x10 is ideal for soaps, as you don't need a lot of room like for birdhouses, etc.

We made our soap displays from lumber at the house. I'll send you a picture. Or you might be able to see them on our flickr page. I think this one is the best. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/311 ... 620b_m.jpg

Little displays are best. We did a websearch for soap displays and got a lot of good ideas that way.
You'll need nice but inexpensive table covering. We use Mexican style blankets and khaki colored material most times. Christmas lights are cute, or flowers or Easter eggs to throw around with your soaps. We also put things in display baskets if you don't want to purchase wood displays. Baskets are a cheap and easy way to group and display your soaps. We use little gimmicks like "free soap slice samples" or "register to win this gift basket". It gets people to stop and visit, plant the seed about handmade soaps. Let them use a tester if you have lotions or creams. They like that.

You'll need to find out if they have tables furnished, to rent or if you need to bring your own. Is it indoors or outside? Outside and you'll need to see if they have tents provided, for rent or if you need to bring your own. It's a one-time investment if you take care of your folding tent. Bring CHAIRS. You might want to sit at some point. ha

Hope that helps!

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http://www.NeeNeesSoapShop.com
http://NeeNeesSoapShop.etsy.com

Thank you so much!!!!
I am excited and a bit nervous!

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http://www.inarubathandbody.com

Hi:

My hubby and I take our products to about 5 or 6 craft shows per year. Here are a few things we've learned. Some of these may or may not apply.

1. Be sure to have business cards on hand.

2. If the show is outside, try not to set up in direct sunlight (it is not good for your products). Having an tent-type awning is helpful.

3. If possible, provide a way for people to sample your fragrances (without having to open/contaminate your actual products).

4. If your able to provide small "freebies", that is often helpful. I've made a lot of subsequent sales from people who sampled my freebies from a previous craft sale.

5. As others have mentioned, take the time to set up a nice display. We always get compliments on our display. An attractive and professional-looking display will help with your sales.

Have fun and good luck!!

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HEAVENLY SCENT SOAPS

Thank you! I am writing it all down...

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http://www.inarubathandbody.com

This is a rough guide because there are so many factors that can play into this but figure your sales to be about 4X your table fee. At least 6X for product, 8X to 10X would be better.

I am going to a show next weekend. Table fee is $180. I am going with over 1K in bar soaps alone. also with a bunch of liquid soaps, lotions, laundry soap, body sprays and more. I did 3 shows late last year. First was 4.5 X table fee, 2 x (bad storm that weekend), and 11x. You really can never tell. A good location at the show really helps as well.

Good luck to you and let us know how it goes. Take lots of pictures, we will want to see them.

Bruce

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www.homebrewsoaps.etsy.com

WHOA, Bruce! Good luck at your upcoming show! Sounds like it's going to be a good one!

I love craft shows because it's a great place to network. At the last show we attended, my table was next to a vendor called the "Purse Connection". I made friends with the owners and I gave them some free bars of soap as the show was ending.

About two weeks later, I got a call from the Purse Connection and they wanted to carry my products in their store! So, I've been carrying my products in their store now for about 6 months now and it's turned out to be a great relationship for everyone. The store owner has a teenager daughter and she's hooked on my Wasabi soap!

So, there's always a good opportunity waiting to happen...

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HEAVENLY SCENT SOAPS

I have never done a show of this size before. I wanted to try one to see how it would go. I got a great spot. For this show there is one way in and out. First you go thru the lobby (4 vendors in there) then they have a big oval set up with the center of it full of vendors. My booth is the first one they will see when they get thru the lobby, at the head of the oval. 150+ vendors. Only 1 other soaper, but I have been told that before. It is always easy to make friends with those next to you, and trades as well.

Bruce

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www.homebrewsoaps.etsy.com

Thanks for the tips!
I am getting anxious about it.

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http://www.inarubathandbody.com

I thought of a couple more things that may help. I was told by someone I have great respect for to never just lay your stuff out on a table. Break it up a bit. Even a box on the table with some material over it and a display on it helps. Also the last show I did my wife and I did an experiment. I sell alot of beer soaps and I noticed most everyone who walked by was looking at them but would not stop. So I said to my wife "I wonder if they are looking but not seeing anything". I put a small sign saying "Beer Soap" out by them and the results blew me away. Before the sign maybe 1 in 10 stopped to look closer, after the sign I bet over half stopped to look closer. Wait till you see what I have in mind to solve this at my next show. I will post a picture soon, it is just not ready yet.

Have a great day!

Bruce

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www.homebrewsoaps.etsy.com

Thanks Bruce!
I was actually talking to my husband last night about using boxes covered with fabric at different heights to display the soaps.
Totally off topic - but beer soaps sound interesting. What does beer do to soap? Make it more bubbly?
Thanks again.
Jessica

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http://www.inarubathandbody.com

You can also put the boxes underneath your tablecloth for different heights. That way you don't need to cover the boxes with anything.

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

great ideas everyone! I have my first booth in June. I'm not selling soap there but will have several other items and have never done anything like it before. Your tips are super!

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~Jola