TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRAC STUDIO TOUR
1. THE STUDIO – You want people to feel safe, comfortable and clean when they visit you. This is a
chance to tidy up and get rid of the clutter. Sweep up the sawdust, eliminate the clay dust and
dust off your workbench. Even if you plan to demonstrate (visitors enjoy watching artists
work), a clean workspace makes a good impression. Where possible, make certain your studio
can be accessed by all visitors, including the walking path from the parking area to the entrance.
2. THE WORK – If you don’t have a showroom, display your work as best you can. Use part of your
craft fair booth if you have one. Clean the tables, chairs, windows, etc. Make sure ALL work is
individually priced, and you have lighting that shows off the work. Your display in your studio
should be similar to a fair or gallery setting.
3. REFRESHMENTS – Offer food and drink to your visitors. Often times they are unable to stop for
lunch and welcome the chance to have a snack. It will also keep them in your studio longer. Many
studios try to have interesting nibbles (along the lines of hors d’oeuvres/appetizers), proving that
creativity and talent don’t just occur in the studio. Serve the refreshments in a clean area.
4. SIGNS – Put “Tour” signs in strategic places first thing of the morning of the tour, or the evening
before. EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS TO IMMEDIATELY COLLECT THOSE SIGNS ONCE THE
TOUR IS OVER. You should coordinate signs in your community with neighboring tour
participants. If your site is wheelchair/disabled accessible, put up signage with arrows and
information for visitors.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Make parking and the entrance to your studio obvious and easily accessible.
2. Price your work.
3. Have packing materials and extra change.
4. Greet visitors and introduce yourself. Often times, visitors feel intimidated and a warm welcome
can make the difference between a customer and just a visitor. Also, remember that every visitor
is a potential customer.
5. Put out a guest book for people to sign so you can add to your mailing list.
6. If you want, go the extra mile and put a little seasonal décor in your studio. For the spring tour,
perhaps some fresh cut flowers in a handmade vase; for the holiday tour, a string of Christmas
lights or evergreen cuttings.
7. Stamp your name and contact information on the back and put a “Save the Date” business card
in every bag. Remember that the guides are handed out all year. By reminding folks of the next
tour, even if you don’t plan on participating, brings them back to their “old” guide and your name
and contact information.
8. We know you’re very busy interacting and selling your work, but try to find out where your
visitors are from.
9. REMEMBER to fill out the survey TRAC sends around for that weekend.
TWEET, TWEET, TWEET, LIKE/SHARE ON FACEBOOK.
LET FOLKS KNOW IT’S ALMOST THAT MAGIC TIME OF YEAR.