[Jewelry making - Article 00543] - Re: [Orchid] Show display improvements

[Noel]

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    Hi, Roseann and Elizabeth-- and all, 

    I guess a lot of us fiddle with our display layouts, looking for THE
    solution. I looked at the image on Roseann's site. It looks very
    attractive and inviting, but it would sure never work where I do
    shows-- glass cases are a must, and I still had a piece stolen
    earlier this year. I will say, though, that despite being on the
    other side of the counter, I have no trouble striking up friendly
    conversation with folks. 

    What draws people in and what chases them away is so subtle and hard
    to figure. I think a lot of people don't like to have to step *in*,
    which can represent a commitment of a sort. But if they can start
    outside and work their way in, it seems to be OK-- as in, a table or
    counter across part of the front then an L within the booth. Myself,
    I always shell out the extra for a corner booth. Then I often make a
    diagonal across the corner, dividing my display into three pretty
    equal parts. I curtain off the opposite corner at a diagonal too, to
    hang my banner parallel to the "front" and provide hidden storage
    space. I feel that this arrangement provides the most room for
    browsers, while making it fairly easy to keep my eye on things. 

    I know I personally hate to lean over to look at things-- my back
    can't take it-- so my pedestals are pretty high. This also keeps
    little ones from grabbing. It's hard on the very short or the
    wheelchair-bound, though. Nothing is perfect, I guess. It is
    important to have a booth set-up that has flexibility, if at all
    possible. I use pedestals, and a large padded board that can connect
    two to become a table. Three pedestals are folding wood with storage
    inside, including a shelf (I designed them and the school shop
    teacher built them for me). Very handy for stock and sales
    materials. Others are collapsible plastic that looks a lot like
    corrugated cardboard but impervious to water. I have fabric covers
    for all, so I can use more or fewer or rearrange. I use precut
    tempered glass and chrome plated clips-- all very versatile and
    relatively cheap. 

    I some times offer a chair, but find that people take unfair
    advantage of it, kinda "moving in" to rest and blocking customers. I
    have a tall chair for myself, but seldom sit down. I talk with
    people all day, and do my best to convey that I consider it fun for
    them to play with my pieces, no strings attached. I often say, "As I
    like to say, 'Ogling and fondling, no charge'." 

    I hope some of this rambling is of some use to someone. Good luck to
    all! 

Noel

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