my craft show is this weekend at the private school. i am really excited, the thing that worries me is that my booth is #2 as you walk into the doors....but #1 booth is going to be a bakery that has done this show for 17 years. she doesnt offer the same things as i do, mostly she does strudels and muffins and cinn. rolls and cookies. i do decorated cakes and cookies. anyway, after posting and getting some great advice here, i am going with a snow theme, and my display cakes are going to be wintery. i am going to pass out my cards, and even going to do a drawing for a free cake. i will tell them to write there birthday months down on entry form and i will call them and will offer them a discount if they order a cake from me.
i will also be giving out samples of apple pie and taking orders.
when i did the small craft show last year, people owwwed and ohhhed over my cakes, then the next time they saw me they said, "oh, i shouldve called you for such and such cake" so i am hoping that getting there names and numbers will help me get the order.
i guess what i am concerned about is that everyone will by-pass me and go right to the bakery booth because thats what they've done for years.
i'll post sunday, after the show and let you know how it goes.
thanks for everything guys!
melody

You have small quantities of stuff bagged and ready for sale, don't you? Samples are nice, but some people actually want to take some things home to enjoy later.

Oh, and best of luck!

Debbi

yup, i am making some simple sugar cookies shaped like mittens going to sell them for $1.00each and some cupcakes with snowmen, going to sell them for 2 bucks. last year i made fancier cookies and priced them higher and didnt sell many, then i made simple cookies and sold for 1buck and they sold. anyway, they will be simple and cheap to make, and i should get my $30.00 back from the booth fee.
thanks!
melody

Good Luck. Everything will be fine. They will not bypass you, you are right there as the come in. That's a great spot to have. You are sure to be seen.

Best of luck Melody! With your cakes, how could they pass you by

Good luck to you, i m going to a show myself in 3 weeks. This is my plan: I don't know who will be there but i m planning on standing out from everyone. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I M GONNA BE DOING
1-I m decorating my table really nicelly and I m using decoratins from my house (Christmas decorations, put a small rug in front of my table, use electric candles covered with small shades, a nice center piece...) you want to make it pretty so people a drawn to your table first.
2-Have your display cakes ready, try to include as many techniques as possible in each cake: pipping, flowers, shimmer.....anything you can do should be on your cakes
3-make one vibrant cake, with a lot of colors and put it on a stand for visual appeal
4-make a one sheet birthday cake maybe dora or sponge cake, they are very popular themes and you ll attract people that way.
5- make one extra cake to give away to a lucky winner , which means for people to be part of it they have to fill out a form; That's where you get your info and contacts for later on.
6-have an extra chair, pens, order forms and a calender ready for people that want to put an order.
7-FREE BEES we all love them so put your samples out just like you would do if you were catering for a party.
8-Last and not least Tuck a flower in your hair, put a smile on your face and your best foot forward, and you'll have the best time ever.

All the best.
Every thing will be fine.

Thanks
Nitu

Good Luck!!!!

All the best to you and remember this is a learning experience for you!
Hugs Squirrelly

Good luck I hope everything goes, well.

You're gonna do great! I'm sending {{{{cake order }}} vibes your way! Let us know how it goes!

I love the idea of getting them to write their birthdays down for follow up phone calls! I think that you being next to the "bakery" table is a good thing. If people love going to that booth they will be sure to see you too!!

GOOD LUCK! Can't wait to hear how well you did!!!

Good luck.