03/23/2026
All jokes aside, my husband is a successful small business owner himself, so I do listen to his advice (most times, lol). This show in Detroit had record-breaking turn out for so I think part of my success was just great customers looking to shop, but it was also because I was better about implementing a few tips Ryan gave me:
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Making eye contact and being present makes your booth feel welcoming and safe to approach. I definitely struggle with this when I come up with ideas and want to google, or itβs the end of the day and Iβm mentally checking out, but Iβm getting better at it!
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My go-to this weekend was, βAll my pieces are sewn by me using vintage fabrics. Towels, bed sheets, blanketsβ¦whatever I can get my hands on!β Most people feel slightly awkward walking into a booth. A simple, friendly opener reduces that friction immediately. It also gives them context on what theyβre looking at. I used to assume that people knew my pieces were handmade, but alot of people are actually surprised (especially at vintage shows).
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People donβt browse randomlyβthey follow visual cues. I added risers to my table to make product easier to browse. I switched up my displays to use more vertical space in the booth, and reduce some of the clutter. And I started moving my best-sellers to the front of the booth to draw people in.
I made 3X more than any show Iβve ever done! Like I said, some of this was definitely the awesome Detroit customers already ready to shop. Through working my shows and Ryanβs, Iβve definitely noticed different regions are heavier buyers than others. But even without the turnout, I think trying to be better on my βshowmanshipβ definitely helped. Obviously, being pushy and fake turns customers off, but genuine enthusiasm about your product makes customers excited in return.
What other advice have you been given that turned your sales around?
