A Healthy Attitude
Healthy Attitude
As is the case with any professional activity, selling your product at art fairs requires a healthy, energetic attitude.
Setting up in the early dawn hours, tearing down with the setting sun, shows can be a long day. Meeting people can be tiring.
For variety, the weather can add a little spice to the event.
None of this should be displayed to the customer.
Friendly Greeting
I’ve spent a great deal of time working and re-working my display, but I know the display doesn’t matter if people do not feel welcomed within my booth.
To this end, I position myself (either standing, or sitting in an elevated director’s chair) at the very front right of the booth.
Regardless of the number of shows I’ve done, this may be the first time the visitor has seen my nature prints. It is important they feel very comfortable viewing my photography. A personal introductory, friendly greeting helps create this environment.
Some Won’t Like Your Art - That’s OK
It didn’t take too many shows to quickly realize that not everyone would like or enjoy my fine art nature prints.
A healthy attitude is needed to accept this fact of business.
That’s OK. Not everyone enjoys all genres of music either.
Fortunately, there are and will always be a great number that do appreciate my photography. Many have become customers.
Or They Also Do This
Most artists, at one time or another, have had someone suggest they can make the same thing cheaper or better. I know I have heard it.
A frequent comment is “my son/daughter takes pictures and is really good”, or “I too, am a photographer.”
With a positive attitude, I briefly and simply acknowledge the comment, offering a suggestion that perhaps they might appreciate a photographic print as a gift for someone or for their own home.
Keep Smiling - When Sales Are Slow
A healthy attitude is equally important for those times when nothing is selling.
It’s easy to blame the show, the weather, and any number of other factors. Working only on things I can control, I use this time to evaluate why sales are low.
Is it my display, my selling style, or perhaps its the wrong show for my work.
But don’t despair. Sometimes I know people need to see my work two, three or even four times prior to making a purchase.
Compliments Don’t Pay The Bills
I’ve had visitors compliment my photography, though compliments didn’t turn into sales. This too, happens.
When I first started, I had an artist tell me they like to receive compliments. That’s great, but compliments don’t pay the bills!
This same artist, after doing shows for six years, quit doing art shows.
Make It Fun - With An Energetic Attitude
If I feel adjustments are needed, I’ll make those and move on.
If I feel no adjustments are need, none will be made.
With energetic enthusiasm, I’ll eagerly look forward to meeting many more potential customers for the first time, prospects who are now recognizing my photography, and past customers looking to make additional purchases at the next show.
A healthy attitude sure makes selling at art fairs fun. Wouldn’t you agree?