When working with direct sales at such events as craft fairs you will be faced with possibly all of the following 10 types of customers. There's the good with the bad. This list has been confirmed among a few traders and after a little chuckle, we've agreed on this list.
1. The Card Taker
Do not underestimate the importance of someone taking your card. Although on the day of a fair you want to sell your wares, the card taker might look you up later, look at your commissioned pieces, see where you're next trading and they can sit and look on your online store from the comfort of their couch. Always thank someone for taking your card, not only because it's polite but because they've taken at least something from your table.
2. The Bargain Hunter
This customer loves a bargain (don't we all?) but asking for discount on top of your already competitive rates can feel a little bit of an insult. These people may not understand that you're charging £40 for a cushion that took you days and days to make and therefore it's already 'on sale'.
Don't sell yourself short to make a quick buck.
3. The Touchers
THEY TOUCH EVERYTHING. I encourage people to pick up my products, have a good look but is it bad that I expect it to be put back? Occasionally you'll get a 'tornado' pass through your table where you need to do a big tidy up afterwards and fix your display back to it's original condition.
4. The Talker
I love these customers! I get knitters from all walks of life talking to me. Mostly old ladies telling me about their knitting life story but it's really lovely having a total stranger share the same passion as you. I'll be like them one day. These people also seen your flyer in the local paper and come along for the day to have a natter, not to buy anything. I've learned a lot from passing conversations with knitters and I'd like to think that I've passed a little knowledge on to them.
They ask questions about how you constructed your products and you know they're just curious. They might even have handy hints.
5. The Fellow Crafter
These people craft as a hobby or maybe even sell online. A lot of the time you'll have things in common and may even hear the odd "I could make that" conversation. I don't mind hearing that though, we've all thought it. These people do appreciate the time, work and effort that goes into your craft though.
6. The Big Spender
This is a rare customer but they restore your faith in what you're doing if sales are down. These people never argue with your pricing, love your quality of work and buy gifts for everyone's birthdays and then a few treats for themselves. They crop up out of nowhere so it's unexpected but appreciated. Give them your card and strike up a conversation with these people!
7. The Blackmailer
"But I really love it mum" "Come and look at this I love it" "But I still have pocket money left" "But Melissa got something from that stall over there" .... I could go on forever. This is the point where I sit politely and patiently and smile at the awkward situation. It's not my fault that your children love what I make and are shamelessly trying to blackmail you.
8.The Ceiling Glancers
Aka the bored people. Most likely to be seen following their significant other around the tables. They never came here for the crafts, they're not even sure why they did. The amount of ceiling glancers goes up depending on the venue location. I find that they're more common in city centres and marquees, venues that their other half says "Oooh lets have a mooch in here".
9. The Fellow Trader.
Taking part in a craft fair is taking part in an age old tradition of local trading. It's a great way to network and to meet new people, discuss your craft and even exchange goods. I always try to talk to the stalls around me and have a look at their stalls. Chances are that if you start to trade regularly then these people will become familiar faces that make the day even better. Craft Sisters 4lfy!
10. The Gem.
Not that all of your customers aren't all stars for shopping with you but the gem is someone quite special. You might not even recognise this person until they mention to you that they already follow you online and seen that you'd be taking part. Then you slowly notice the badge that you made pinned to their coat and they buy something else just because. This is a really nice feeling and from speaking to other traders also, we agree that these people should be called The Gem. The rare species but it gives you a really great feeling that your work is reaching people, even if it's just one.
