March 26, 2006
First show of the new year today, and while spring shows as a rule are not “as good” as fall or summer, I was pleased with it. Lots of custom orders, great interaction and sales with customers, and I found some new “friends” in the folks next to me. I always try to get something out of a show!
One thing I thought I’d mention, in addition to the tips I have posted before, is that you should always, always bring basic essentials to a show. I have a small box stocked with crimps, rings, and take along a small supply of beading wire, clasps and ear wires. Today I made several sales just because I could do some small “changes” on the spot.
One gal loved a bracelet, but needed it a little shorter, so I restrung it. Another woman was crazy about the stones in a Black Line Agate bracelet, but didn’t like the toggle clasp. I quickly offered to change it to a heart shaped lobster clasp, which sold the bracelet. Finally, a woman found the perfect pair of earrings to compliment the sapphire blue Swarovski bracelet she’d picked out, but didn’t care for French Wires. Lacking a pair of lever-backs (her preference), I grabbed a different pair of earrings off the rack, asked if she liked that style of lever-backs, and switched out the wires. Again, a sale I would have lost had I not been able to be flexible, listen to my customer, and had the right supplies on hand.
Obviously, you can’t please EVERYONE all the time. 
But do take the time to watch, listen and offer advice to a customer who is on the fence, and you might be surprised at the results!
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