As a natural skincare formulator, you’re passionate about creating handmade, high-quality soaps and other skincare products. But no matter how wonderful your products are, they won’t sell themselves. That’s why it’s so important to put your best foot forward at craft shows and other sales events. And that starts with setting up a soap booth that showcases your products in the best possible light.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to soap booth setup. And that’s what this blog post is all about!

Essential Elements of a Soap Booth

Table and Display Setup

Your soap booth should be attractive, welcoming, and professional. Invest in a sturdy table that’s the right height and size for you, and cover it with a plain white tablecloth or a color that complements your branding. When it comes to the layout of your display on the table try to stack items high but don’t overcrowd it with too much product. Leave room under the table to keep restock items and as the day progresses, replenish the supply.

Display your products on clear acrylic shelves, tiered stands of other attractive displays that allow customers to see and touch your products. Using shelves is a way to add a touch of creativity and professionalism to your booth.

Lighting

Lighting is key when it comes to showcasing your products. Make sure your booth is well lit, but avoid harsh overhead lights that create unflattering shadows. If possible, use soft, natural light from windows or a nearby source. If you need additional lighting, consider using table lamps with low-wattage bulbs.

Signage and Branding

Your booth should reflect your brand, so be sure to incorporate your logo, tagline, and any other branding elements into your signage and display materials. This could include banners, posters, business cards, and product labels.

Products and Samples

Of course, the most important part of your soap booth is your products! Make sure you have plenty of soaps, lotions, and other skincare products on hand, as well as sample sizes for customers to try. Display your products on clear acrylic shelves, tiered stands, or other attractive displays that allow customers to see and touch your products.

Invariably people want to touch and smell every product you have. Consider having one open item of each product that can be used solely for this purpose.

Packaging and Sales Materials

Don’t forget about packaging and sales materials! Have plenty of bags, boxes, and tissue paper on hand to wrap your products in, and make sure you have a cash box, credit card reader, and other tools you need to make sales.

Tips for Maximizing Sales at Craft Shows

Product Presentation

The way you present your products can make a huge difference in sales. Make sure your products are organized and easy to see and touch. Provide clear descriptions and pricing information for each product. And don’t be afraid to get creative! For example, you could create a “bestsellers” display, or a special section for seasonal products. You could even consider creating a build your own box to help move more product faster.

Customer Engagement

At craft shows and other sales events, customers want to meet the person behind the products. So be friendly, approachable, and engaging! Offer samples, answer questions, and strike up conversations. And don’t be afraid to share your story and your passion for natural skincare. This will help customers connect with you and your products on a deeper level.

Offers and Promotions

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Consider offering special promotions or discounts for craft show customers, such as buy-one-get-one-free, or a percentage off your total purchase. And be sure to promote your offers on your signs and other marketing materials.

Accepting Payments

Be prepared to accept multiple forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, and digital payment options like Venmo, CashApp or PayPal. You may want to consider creating a sign that lists your acceptable forms of payment along with QR codes for a quick checkout process. This will make it easy for customers to buy your products, and could help you increase sales.

Building a Customer List

Craft shows and other sales events are a great opportunity to build your customer list. Offer a discount or free sample to customers who sign up for your email list or follow you on social media. This will give you a way to stay in touch with customers after the event and let them know about future sales and events.

Are craft shows right for your business?

Craft shows can be a great opportunity for makers to showcase their products, connect with customers, and increase sales. But they’re not right for every business. Here are some pros and cons to consider when evaluating whether a craft show is right for your business:

Pros:

• Increased visibility: Craft shows give you the opportunity to connect with customers and get your products in front of new audiences. This can be especially beneficial for makers who are just starting out or who are looking to expand their customer base.
• Direct customer feedback: Craft shows provide an opportunity for makers to get direct feedback from customers. This can be valuable for improving your products and refining your marketing strategies.
• Increased sales: By showcasing your products in person, you have the opportunity to increase sales and generate revenue for your business.
• Networking opportunities: Craft shows are a great opportunity to connect with other makers and suppliers, and to learn from others in the industry.

Cons:

• Cost: Participating in a craft show can be expensive, with costs including booth fees, materials, and travel expenses. It’s important to carefully consider whether the potential benefits of the show are worth the investment.
• Time-consuming: Setting up and participating in a craft show can be time-consuming and demanding, requiring careful planning and preparation.
• Competition: Craft shows can be highly competitive, with many other makers showcasing similar products. It’s important to research the show beforehand and understand what kind of competition you’ll be up against.
• No guarantee of sales: Despite your best efforts, there’s no guarantee that you’ll generate significant sales at a craft show. It’s important to understand that craft shows can be a long-term investment, and that it may take time and multiple shows to see a return on your investment.

When evaluating whether a craft show is right for your business, it’s important to carefully consider the potential benefits and costs, and to weigh these factors against your business goals and resources. If you’re passionate about your products and are willing to put in the time and effort to make the most of the opportunity, craft shows can be a valuable tool for growing your business.

Craft shows are great places to sell handmade goods. They’re also a lot of work. There’s lots of prep work before the event, and after the event, you’ve got to clean everything up and pack it away. It takes a ton of effort to set up and tear down a soap booth every day.

Bonus: Video Tour of a Soap Booth Setup

To give you an even better understanding of how to set up a soap booth, we’ve included a video tour of one our first booth setups. Watch as we walk you through all the essential elements, and show you how to make the most of your booth space.