Bringing them in

[nsw]

I am a recently licensed therapist and have been doing chair massage at a local farmers market for a month now. I've always hated high pressure sales talk, but I think that just sitting back expecting people to just show up isn't getting me anywhere. I have friends and regulars, but thats all for now. Anyone have any tips on ways to bring people in? What to say, do, etc? Ways that truly show your intent and confidence that isnt a high pressure sales dribble approach?   My setup is simple: chair with canopy, table with cards and pamphlets, and a sandwich board sign.PS I live in a fairly conservative valley......

 

[Irenie Leigh]

Bringing them in

Are you genuinely smiling and saying hello at least?

 

[Arlanymor]

Good point akb. I have a friend who is a musician... she sells her CDs over the internet as well as at different craft shows and health fairs among other things. So, last summer she happened to be doing a show near me and I attended as her "roadie." (I figured it's gotta be hard being a one woman band...sales team... etc.)  So, she sold more the day I helped her than she had sold at any show all summer long! She was really shocked that I was so good at helping to draw the people in. LOL I just stood there with her and made eye contact with people as they walked by, smiled and said Hi.We had all her CDs displayed around us (some on plate holders) , and we had a boom box which ran on batteries, playing samples of her music. (http://www.hanaimusic.com if you are interested, and Yes, she will sell wholesale if you are interested in selling them yourself.)One thing my friend and I had discussed to try to capture more people's attention as they walk by... we figured the more senses you appeal to (eyes, nose, ears, touch...) the more likely you were to make a sale.  Can you "buddy up" with others at the  farmer's market?My recommendation? Create a more mobile spa like atmosphere... Yes, it's a little more hauling of things. Like maybe: 1. A boom box playing appropriate Massage music setting a nice mood and helping to Mute the sounds of other activities going on in the area.  (Get one that runs on batteries.)2. Perhaps a silk floral arrangement for your table top? Sides to your canopy to give a feeling of privacy? An area rug to cover the ground beneath the chair? I'm thinking creating a sanctuary here...A table cloth/skirt for your "Display" table?3. Bottled water in a cooler to give to each client after their chair massage?4. Arrange to have your friends come down during the day to "volunteer" their bodies for "Demos." Sometimes if someone else gets in the chair and they actually see it working, how relaxing it is... someone else will be brave enough to ask questions and give it a try too.5. A poster listing the benefits of chair massage.6. Have a drawing for either a "Free 1/2 hr massage" or some other free Product... this gives you a chance to create a mailing list as well.I haven't tried this myself as at our local farmer's market you have to be selling a handcrafted item... or produce.Most importantly... smile, be friendly, look approachable.Please report back to us if any of the suggestions you receive here work for you!  The area where I live is really conservative and thrifty as well.I like the idea of taking a buddy there with you... that way at least even if you have a slow day... at least you won't be bored! LOL