10 Things Not to Do at Your Booth

Here’s a quick and friendly guide of 10 things NOT to do at your art market booth. It’ll help you make the most of your experience and that of your shoppers at a local art market or fair.

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1. Don’t Sit the Whole Time. Sitting behind your booth can feel a bit distant to customers. Standing up and moving around helps you look more engaged and welcoming. Try positioning yourself beside or in front of your display to make it easy for people to interact with you and your products. If you need to sit, have a taller chair so you’re closer to eye-level with shoppers!
2. Go Easy on the Sales Pitch. No one wants to feel pressured. People appreciate having a chance to explore on their own, so take a laid-back approach. Stay available for questions but let shoppers take their time, creating a relaxed vibe that keeps them around.
3. Don’t Overlook Your Customers. Being distracted—whether you’re on your phone or chatting—can make it easy to miss a potential sale. Instead, try greeting everyone who passes by with a friendly smile and eye contact. Even if they’re just browsing, a warm welcome goes a long way!
4. Keep It Simple, Not Cluttered. Too many items on display can overwhelm visitors. A more curated selection makes it easier for customers to focus. Rotate your featured items to keep things fresh and inviting, and ensure your booth stays organized and easy to browse.
5. Don’t Forget Your Signage. Clear signage can make a big difference! Customers should be able to see your prices and understand your products at a glance. Investing in a clear, attractive sign with your booth name, prices, and product details can help create a seamless shopping experience.
6. Keep Your Booth Clean and Tidy. A neat booth helps create a welcoming atmosphere. Keep personal items and food wrappers out of sight, and take a few moments throughout the day to tidy up. A clean, organized booth makes your products the star!
7. Offer Multiple Payment Options. Relying on cash-only sales may mean missed opportunities. Make it easy for customers by offering card or mobile payment options. And if you do accept cash, having change on hand keeps things running smoothly!
8. Share Your Product Story. People love to hear what’s unique about what you’re selling! Sharing the story behind your products—whether it’s handmade, upcycled, or locally crafted—can help customers feel more connected to what you’re offering.
9. Collect Contact Information. Follow-up opportunities are a great way to keep the connection going. Offering a way for customers to stay in touch, whether through an email sign-up or business cards, can keep them coming back and turn a one-time shopper into a repeat customer.
10. Listen to Customer Feedback. Customers often have valuable insights, and listening to their feedback can make a difference. Whether it’s praise or suggestions, take it all in as a chance to improve and make your booth even better for the next event.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll create a booth experience that’s inviting, friendly, and customer-focused—making shoppers more likely to stick around and come back!