Bring lots of change, more than you think you will need. Especially singles and fives. A lot of peple come fresh from the ATM and all they will have is twenties.
Do you have a tax license to sell in the state where the show is being held? Some shows get visited by an inspector and if you don’t have a license you can be kicked out of the show, or worse. The state department of revenue should have information.
Make your booth as safe as possible, no sharp edges sticking out, no cords for people to trip over. Think about security with your set-up. Make sure there are no corners where people can hide and put things in their pockets. Most people at shows are honest, but it only takes one bad apple. Keep a careful eye on your jewelry during set-up and breakdown.
Make a list of everything you need to bring and check it before you go, but realize you will probably forget something anyway. If you can do a dry run setting up your booth ahead of time, it will help you make your list and give you an idea how much time you need to set up.
Figure out your return policy ahead of time and post it clearly in your booth. If you can accept credit cards, it will probably increase your sales.
Bring a mirror, the largest one you can manage. Bring tools and extra findings. Bring polishing clothes, rubbing alcohol and cotton balls, a receipt book, lots of pens in case some go MIA. Bring lots of business cards. Wear comfortable shoes. Not eating in the booth is good advice but it may not be practical if you are alone and it is a long show. Try to get a friend to help out, it will make your life much easier. If nothing else, find out if they will provide you with a booth sitter. Make friends with the people working the booths around you.
How you approach customers will depend on your personality and your clientele. If you are not a real Chatty Cathy, maybe you can be working on a simple project during slow moments. A lot of people like to see the artist work and it can help take some of the pressure off so they don’t feel like they are being hovered over and can keep you from looking bored and awkward. Don’t just be sitting there (but whatever you do, don’t read or have unnecessary phone conversations!). Some people think it is rude to be doing anything but helping customers so it can be a tough call. I like to greet people as they enter and let them know I am available if they need me. From their response you can try to gauge them. Some people like to be left alone, others like a lot of attention. But by all means, if you are great at conversation, it can help make sales so go for it.
Keep a positive attitude, but don’t get discouraged if sales are slow. Craft shows can be tricky and a lot of people go through a few that are a bad fit before they find their niche. No matter what you do, it will be a good learning experience. Have fun!
I hope this helps. If you have more specific questions, feel free to post.
There’s got to be a balance. I don’t want to buy from someone whose too desperate to sell their work (what’s wrong with it?), but at the same time, you want customers to feel welcome. Make sure you set up the booth so that the flow of traffic is good and that you aren’t stuck sitting behind some big display or pile of merchandise.