We've expanded...Yikes!

[new2woodwrk]

Well, after several years of craft events as well as our every Saturday event, we've learned quite a bit. Aside from the prepping for weather (cold and heat), we learned a lot about what we are and are not willing to do with our setup. For instance, if we can't have our trailer close to us we won't do an event... Period!

One of the most important things we learned quite a bit about is customer flow! Studying our customers, watching and learning has enabled us to expand our layout!

We setup the new layout for the first time this past Saturday, and are working the kinks out. All in all though the new layout met with great reviews from many of our existing customers as well as many of the vendors we've come to be friends with as well

Sorry about the blurry pics, but seems my hands are not as steady as they once were.

New signs and other advertisement media has been ordered to fill up the blanks so more pics once the layout is finalized

Here are a few pics of our new layout.

Thanks as always in advance for reading...

Edited January 9, 2023 by new2woodwrk

[kmmcrafts]

Do you find that people get trapped in that cubby where they have to step inside like that? Whenever I go to a show as a spectator I find those booths where you have the tables set up with a recessed area like that I get trapped inside as people are trying to come in while I'm trying to get out and the traffic flow in the main isle doesn't let you out easily as well.. I find myself standing inside trying to get out sometimes for 3-4 minutes, sometimes I just have to be rude and cut someone off in the main isle to get out.  That set up just wouldn't work for me both as a vendor and a shopper. IF I was doing shows I'd want my tables out front.. If I needed more space then I'd rent two spots.. 

As a shopper both my wife and I sometimes will skip over vendors that have that traffic jam style set up.. Maybe this show isn't as busy as the ones I've been too so maybe works for you hopefully.. 

You have a beautiful display, I just don't like the recessed table set up.. But if that is what is working then what do I know. 

[barb.j.enders]

Congrats on your expansion.  Hope everything works well for you.

 

Kevin,  I have been at shows where, even having the tables out front, creates a traffic jam.  Like you, I will pass by a traffic jammed vendor.  If it is something I want to look at, I will step into a "u" shaped booth.  It can provide relief from all the traffic. 

[kmmcrafts]

Good point Barb, now that you mention it I have seen that too. I'm sure it also depends on the location of the booth from where the traffic would flow from etc. as well.. 

I've always thought craft shows and grocery stores need stop lights LOL.. every time I have a big cart and come to the end of an isle I'm dang near running into / over someone out in the main isle, and there seems like always someone in a hurry just barreling down that main isle that T-bones my shopping cart, LOL

[new2woodwrk]

On 1/10/2023 at 5:14 AM, kmmcrafts said:

Do you find that people get trapped in that cubby where they have to step inside like that? Whenever I go to a show as a spectator I find those booths where you have the tables set up with a recessed area like that I get trapped inside as people are trying to come in while I'm trying to get out and the traffic flow in the main isle doesn't let you out easily as well.. I find myself standing inside trying to get out sometimes for 3-4 minutes, sometimes I just have to be rude and cut someone off in the main isle to get out.  That set up just wouldn't work for me both as a vendor and a shopper. IF I was doing shows I'd want my tables out front.. If I needed more space then I'd rent two spots.. 

As a shopper both my wife and I sometimes will skip over vendors that have that traffic jam style set up.. Maybe this show isn't as busy as the ones I've been too so maybe works for you hopefully.. 

You have a beautiful display, I just don't like the recessed table set up.. But if that is what is working then what do I know. 

Absolutely not!

In fact, there is so much more room for customers to move around inside the area. At one point we over 10 customers inside the flow.

I think you're missing quite a bit by limiting yourself in your shopping experience. I tend to be much more open minded specially regarding craft events. I want to see everything, talk to who ever I can etc.

In fact there were more traffic jams as you put it before we set the new layout up.

Before, people would rubber neck from the outside and if there was someone in front of the display they would just walk by. Now, they come right into the flow and move along and ask more questions than we've ever had!

Edited January 12, 2023 by new2woodwrk

[new2woodwrk]

On 1/10/2023 at 7:56 AM, barb.j.enders said:

Congrats on your expansion.  Hope everything works well for you.

 

Kevin,  I have been at shows where, even having the tables out front, creates a traffic jam.  Like you, I will pass by a traffic jammed vendor.  If it is something I want to look at, I will step into a "u" shaped booth.  It can provide relief from all the traffic. 

This was one of our biggest issues - the tables out front were a nightmare for customers that went more than 1 deep!

They would try and look over someones shoulder, or around them but ultimately they would get frustrated and just move on.

Thanks @barb.j.enders IMO U shaped booths should not be passed by just because they require you to step "inside". In fact some of the best booths at our events are walk ins!