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Give Customers a “Shopping Space” in Your Booth

by Claudie Touchette Miniken.

My booth is set up in a U-shape with a section of it being on a flat table near by me, where I also lay out a few pieces of jewelry.

When a customer seems undecided about which necklace or earrings to buy, I exaggerate and “sweep” the jewelry aside on that flat part of the table and say to her,

“Here. This is YOUR spot. Why don’t you lay out everything you might even remotely like and then you can look at them all, side-by-side, and choose the one you want.”

My customers seem to love having their own designated spot.

Then, when their possibilities are all laid out, inevitably they choose more than one.

Claudie Touchette Miniken
Amity Place Jewelry

Comments:

Creating a shopping space
by: Rena

That’s a clever idea, Claudie! Some people do need to gather all their favorites, and then compare them before making a final choice. It can be hard for that kind of customer to shop in a booth at a show.

I like your idea of creating a special shopping space for them.

And of course you know you’re onto something good when customers purchase more than one item from you!

I’m sure that’s not only because they love your jewelry – part of it is because you’ve shown that you understand their need to gather and consider, and that you happily cater to their need.

Thank you for sharing!

I LOVE AMITY PLACE!!!!!
by: Teri W

I myself have purchased many items over the years from Amity Place. No matter who helps me at the show, I always feel like they really care about my feelings. I’ve even had them talk me out of something I was looking at and suggesting a better choice for my coloring, dress style, height, etc. And I never regret following their advice. I added two new pieces to my collection this year bringing mine to a total of 9 Amity Place Signature pieces. The best thing: NO ONE EVER HAS THE SAME THING!!!!

Shopping Space
by: Bev Carlson

This is a great idea. I wonder how this concept can be added to a web site? The quick answer is to make a “wish list” but I’m wondering if you could make a “personal page” for people to add their choices while they “decide”?
Bev

www.ringbyringdesigns.com

Personal space
by: Leslie

At the market it is very easy to set up a card table with mirrors and hangers on it. I have been doing this for years and I know the people love it as they use it constantly. Always be on the ready for comments and questions. Know your material and stones (when and where) I had a man ask me about a piece that I did and I was able to tell him that it was mounted in gold 14K, that the stone was such and such and came from the area of wherever and was millions of years old. He purchased this expensive piece immediately – I guess he wanted a piece of history. But it was funny the following week he stopped at my table to show me that he was wearing it. Always make sure you include men’s pieces also or items that can be converted for men. A major depression is predicted for the near future so you have to prepare now for it. Diversify your jewellery. I know that I have already started and am getting ohhs and ahhhs

Great Idea
by: Sam

This sounds great I will be incorporating it in my booth for sure. The idea of a table with mirrors and room for people to try the stuff on is so excellent. Thank you.

Bev
by: Rena

Hi Bev, I’ve been turning your question over in my mind (how to make a space like this on a website).

The best thing I can come up with is that if your website has some sort of shopping cart for your customers’ purchases, they can put as many items in their cart as they wish – using the cart as a “holding place” while they shop.

Then, when they’re done with their “gathering” stage, they can then go through their chosen collection in your website’s shopping cart, comparing and deciding which to purchase at their leisure.

smart thinking!
by: Emily Keifer Fine Jewels

I am short on space often…so i bring trays to gather things on…line them with a velvet pad and make sure they are nice clean new trays. In the wholesale world, many buyers like to create a grouping to get a merchandising story going.

Using jewelry trays
by: Rena

What a great idea, Emily! Velvet-lined trays would be perfect containers for gathering a collection to consider.

trays
by: Annette

I never seem to have spare space so I’ve carried a couple of the velvet lined jewellery trays for this purpose. People really appreciate it!

I love this
by: Lisa’s Tea Time Jewelry

This is a great idea. I’m sure I will be using it in my next show. I always have a mirror and encourage my customers to mix and match. I love the idea of a special place for that purpose. THank you so much. I can’t wait to see what happens.
Lisa

I use trays also
by: Ann Nolen

My booth always seems to have so much already, but would love to have enough space for shoppers. I have been using jewelry trays with the velvet insert like some of the other jewelers. I like to give them the “half size” tray since I have noticed my customers are more likely to take them when offered.
Sometimes when I see someone holding several pieces, I ask them if I can hold them for them while they “continue to shop.” They often hand them over, and I put them on one of the trays and set them down at my checkout area and show them where I have put them. That works double since other shoppers can still see them, and often hang around seeing if they are purchased or put back… I think it is human nature to want what appears to not be available!
Ann
AnimalCoin.com

Shopping Basket
by: Anonymous

I have 4X8 plastic baskets from the dollar store covered with beautiful fabric and some beads tacking the fabric to the corners of the basket. For undecided shoppers – I hand them a basket “for their shopping pleasure :-)” and suggest they place items in the basket they’re considering. They stay a little longer with no obligation but it increases sales!

Great Idea!
by: Pam

This is such a great idea! I use a rolling cart with stacked trays to transport my stuff, so I always have those black trays handy and a few velvet liners – this would be easy to do! I’m definitely going to hold a tray behind my table next season so I can just whip it out when needed!

Also, Ann hit the nail on the head about human nature! If a customer were to be standing with a tray in her hand, obviously interested in one or more items, and discussing with me – in other words, these pieces were getting big attention from both of us – you know this will be a big magnet to everyone else who might be browsing!

Thanks for sharing this great and simple idea!

Pam
peartreejewelry.etsy.com
peartreevintage.etsy.com
destashndoodads.etsy.com

Great idea
by: SilverStar

I love the shopping space idea! I’ll be using it this spring when local festivals start up again. I always have mirrors, but mine are hand held. I think I’ll switch to mirrors on stands.

Shopping Space a Great Idea!
by: Jeanie

Having a special space set aside for customers (with a mirror) is a great idea. A “fitting” or “holding” area, if you will. Also, the idea of small baskets, etc. is a very good idea. I’ve noticed from personal experience that when I’m holding item in a basket or box, I’m more inclined to purchase them than if I’m trying to balance things in my hand!(thus leading me to sometimes putting an item or two back) Humans are ‘gatherers’ so if we have something to gather our desired items in, all the better! 🙂