Taking a step back...

Why taking a step back ? Well, because today's blog and my first contribution to Handmade Monday is about craft stalls and displays. I think, that it's difficult to know, whether you've done it right, until you take a step back and try to look through customer's eyes.

I better explain...

I have always focused on making my handmade gifs and chocolate truffles, paying attention to detail and thinking that the fact they are well made will be the selling point. And yes, of course, that was true, but I have often underestimated the importance of displaying my work in the best possible way. I have recently red somewhere, that successful sellers spend as much time on their display as on making their products. That can't be right, can it ?!  Well, with my 'business development manager' hat on, yes, they are probably right. So, I decided to look at the my stall, take a step back and see whether I can improve on what I have.

My craft stall display has evolved through the years and I always tried to come up with something new and different. It started as a table covered with a cloth (all the way to the floor - no, I did not commit that sin...) with few baskets raised by boxes. Hm, how imaginative - I hear you say (and I agree !).

Over the years I started to 'add hight' as most customers will focus more on what is at their eye level and can spot your stall easily across the room. I adapted a garden plant trellis and for an another few years displayed my fabric decorations that way. I then realised, that by having a see-through trellis customer's eyes were not necessarily drawn to my products, but to the gaps and what was behind. So, out came the white cloth and covered the trellis to give my gifts better background.


This did not look too bad, but then the rest of the stall was 'natural' and mainly brown. This ment that most of my lovely products (which are all natural, calm and floral colours) were merging into the background of the stall ! And, of course, the white cloth did not stay white for very long.

So, last year I took the decision to completely revamp the stall and by adding wooden planks there and a bit of paint somewhere else I came up with this:


Oh, another thing: I am always really worried, that by not putting something on display, I will loose a sale, as that particular item might be just the thing somebody is looking for. This means, that I end up with most of my stuff on table ! So, my next challenge is to try restrain myself from putting everything on display and make most of what I have and arrange it attractively. 

Most of the time, I only have smaller version of my stall with me (car space issue, but that's another story...), so this is how it looks before:


...and after !






13 comments:

  1. It's so hard to get a display right, isn't it? Yours looks lovely, and I like how you extend sideways too for more room. Welcome to Handmade Monday x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Wendy ! So good to be part of such a lovely crafting community.

      Delete
  2. Your stall looks great, it has given me something to think about if I ever have a stall of my own.

    LH
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. 'Window dressing' is so important as this gives the customer the first impression and they can be drawn to or walk by a badly displayed stall. If they like the dressing they will come for a closer look. I to use trellis but have pink voile curtains behind, funny as this always attracts the female shopper and have now changed the top cloth for one similar to my blog background, pretty in pink.

    I think your stall looks lovely and sometimes good to have small and large set ups as not always able to carry the full kit and caboodle and yes most of the time is ensuring the stall looks perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love your stall. Mybe you could come work your magic on mine'?

    ReplyDelete
  5. No matter how many times we set up our stands, there is always something we feel we need to change isn't there? Your final (will it be final I wonder?) display looks lovely and I do like the arch-top piece you have used as the back support/display. Good to have you in Handmade Monday. Hope you have a good week.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for all your lovely comments ! Yes, you are right, the display will always develop, but that's how it should be...

    Thank you for welcoming me to 'Handmade Monday'.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It was really interesting to read you experience with your display.
    I thought they looked great. Thanks for sharing. Ali x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Really interesting to read how you have evolved your stall set up. Thank you for sharing and also welcome to Handmade Monday. xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Really thought provoking! The display is something I struggle with. I have a white table cloth and white wire card stand and that's it. I've got my second fair on 21st July so I need to get my creative thinking hat on! Great blog and your displays are beautiful.

    Claire xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. My display has changed over time and sometimes I use different cloths depending on the event. I too can set up a large or smaller set up, usually depending on whether I'm on my own or if hubby is with me. Your table looks lovely and very inviting.

    Jan x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you are right - it is good to have 'smaller' option of the stall.

      Delete
  11. I havent done fairs for a while now but when i did my stall was constantly changing and most people say the same thing. I love your back piece and the colouring you have used. All looks great.

    ReplyDelete

 

Keep in touch