10 handy tips on how to be a success at an art fair.

I have listed some hand tips to help you be a success at your next art fair. Whether you need help getting art buyers to your booth or making sales to those who stop by, follow these do’s and don’ts to achieve your art fair goals.

Do Present Your Booth Well

The best way to lure potential buyers to your booth is to have a good looking setup.

Invest in a high-quality, colourful sign of your name or art business logo. Then, arrange your art strategically by exhibiting your best pieces in places that will catch the attention of people walking by or browsing from a distance. Here are a few items I found really help give my stall that professional look

Wire storage cubes
Payment card sign
Price signs
Branded paper bags

Don’t Clutter Your Space

Between furniture and art, having too much in your booth can overwhelm your customers. Avoid blocking access to your art with unnecessary tables or cluttering your space with every piece of art you’ve ever created.

It’s easier for customers to decide when their choices are limited. Decorate your booth with a crisp and clean aesthetic, with more art stored nearby to replenish your walls.

Do Act Professionally

Remember: to be taken seriously, you must be professional. Most guests are very complimentary, but not everyone may appreciate your particular style. Remain understanding, respond kindly, and never complain about your problems that day. Besides your booth’s welcoming appearance, you should look friendly and attentive by smiling, ready to greet customers. Otherwise, they may not feel comfortable in your space.

Do Know Your Audience

Why not make it easier for yourself to make a sale?

Do your research on what style and price point art fair attendees will respond to so that your art isn’t something they have to pass on. Once you’ve picked the perfect art fair, personally invite fans on your mailing list and ask them to pass along the invite to interested friends.

The more interested potential buyers, the better!

Don’t Overcrowd Your Customers

If a potential buyer dying to know more about your inspiration strikes up a conversation, great! But, some people may not want to engage in chit-chat and would rather be free to peruse your art at their own pace. Try to read the crowd and when in doubt, sit back and let them know you are there to answer questions.

Do More Than Say “Thank You” (Engage a Conversation!)

“Thank you” should not be your only response to compliments. Why? It ends the conversation.

Your customer is giving you the open door to discussion, so instead of simply responding with “thank you,” segue into a story about yourself and your story behind the art. This builds an emotional connection to the piece that customers are likely to remember and appreciate.

Don’t Sell Your Work Without Properly Packing It Up

You worked so hard on both making and selling your piece that you wouldn’t want it to get damaged on the ride home. Be prepared that the buyer will expect you to handle the packaging of their new piece.

If you don’t, they may say it’s not worth the trouble, and you could lose your sale. Instead, give your buyers great customer service so they spread the good word about your art business.

Include: Paper bags with your branding on and inside, discount vouchers for repeat purchasing

Do Take Credit Cards

It’d be a shame to lose a sale simply because you weren’t equipped to take credit cards. If you have a smartphone, SumUp is a popular solution. You just connect it to your phone, your customer swipes and signs, and you collect your money through an easy-to-use app. Also, make sure you create a sign saying which bank cards you take, this will help customers know that you accept cards without having to ask.

Don’t Fall Back on Friends and Family

While the support of family and friends is encouraging in what can be a stressful event, remember that your goal is to sell your artwork. Don’t pack your booth with support to the point where passersby can’t peruse and chat with you about your art.

Do Have Business Cards

Keep the relationship alive with your satisfied customers. Whether you ask them for feedback when they’ve installed your piece or to share your information with others, professional and creative business cards are a wonderful way to form a connection for future art sales. Don’t forget to snag their business cards as well! Leverage your contact list by sending thank you notes or invites to your next show.

Now you can tackle any art fair.

With so much talented competition present at art fairs and festivals, you need a way to stand out. From the moment potential buyers see your booth to the last thank you after selling your art, following these do’s and don’t’s will help you do well at your next art fair.