Every February, Grove City College hosts a craft fair. This is great for people who want to sell things, but maybe not as much those who don’t want to spend money (even though there was a really cute crochet strawberry snake). Mainly, students. College students love selling stuff, but they don’t always like buying stuff (although the amount of college students who like to buy things is apparently larger than I previously believed).
Either way, the fair was a great example of multiple selling principles. For example, knowing your audience and/or competitors is important. The girl selling crochet flowers for $12-15 each two spots away from a table where I could get three of the same thing for $5 could have probably benefited from this principle. The girl who sold me a fun knit hat for $6 definitely got this principle.
But by far the best stand at the craft fair was the one selling a wonderful, delicious, scrumptious Portuguese treat known as pastel de nata. The pastries were made and the stand run by three lovely ladies, one of them being our very own Leyla Zwolinski. Three cheers for Leyla and her delicious pastries!
But listen. These ladies knew their audience. Their target market. They were, as Pink might say, attuned. They had three basic understanding principles down:
- They were selling food. Really yummy food. College students love food.
- The pastries were cheap. In fact, they were donation-based, so it was a pay-what-you-want system. One could say that they understood the pain of their target market. I don’t know if it worked out for them, but it worked out for me.
- I just need to mention again that these things are actually so good. So so good. I’m not obsessed I’m just being honest.
Anyway, all that to say they had the best stand and next time any of you guys see them you must buy some.*
*@Leyla can I get free pastries for advertising pleeeeeaaase pleasepleasepleasepl
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Aliyah Shelatz
I found great enjoyment in reading your post! You have done an excellent job in selling this Craft Fair and in fact, I think you should be hired as their marketing director for next year! You have pointed out quite a few important facts in a positive way!
That is a great point that the stand at the fair was able to cater to their target audience. They understood the pains of college students and planned around those barriers so they could get their products out their. Sometimes getting people to share about a business, like this post, is more important than making a few more bucks.
This is wonderful insight! I like how they tailored their products to their audience. They made sure to have effective prices that were representative of their quality but also encouraged their audience to purchase, all the while delivering strong value.
Ayyyeee Elise! Thank you for marketing our pastries. I love this post and yes, you will always get free pastries. I’ll let you know the next time I make them!
Also, that hat you bought is so cute on you. Love it!
I remember when Leyla sold the pastel de nata at the Venture Village event as well. I knew right away she would win because the product just had so much more appeal. I think having a great product is key selling well. Also I did not realize Leyla customized her strategy for each event she sold the pastries at.