By Michael Priest — festival vendor and small-business owner
The booth is set up. The market is open. Now what?
In Episode 10 of Festival Geeks, Michael Priest walks through what a vendor actually does once customers start coming through the gate—from taking one last look at the booth from the customer’s point of view to deciding where to stand, how to greet people, when to talk, when to listen, and what to do when business slows down.
In this episode
- What to check before the market officially opens
- Where to stand without blocking or hovering at the entrance
- Body language that helps customers feel comfortable
- Why staying off your phone matters when shoppers are nearby
- How to read different types of customers and listen before selling
- How to acknowledge several customers when they enter at once
- Useful ways to spend the slow parts of a market day
- Food, hydration, and taking care of yourself during long events
- Why packing up early can cost you a sale
Every customer gets a clean slate
A slow morning, a difficult interaction, or a disappointing event does not belong to the next person who walks into your booth. One idea ties this episode together: every customer deserves your best effort and a clean slate, right through the end of the market day.
Related guides from Episode 10
- How to Greet Customers at a Craft Fair Without Hovering
- What Should a Craft Fair Vendor Do During Slow Times?
- Should You Pack Up Early at a Craft Fair?
Related booth guide: If you are still building the physical setup, start with the Festival Booth Setup Guide for First-Time Vendors.
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