What Type of Printed Materials Actually Draw People In?

1.  Large Signs That Name Your Niche or Product Category

Vendors agree that a big, clear sign is one of the most effective ways to draw people in from across the aisle. Short, descriptive wording like “Cute Pottery” or “Goth Prints” lets customers know exactly what you sell at a glance, while coordinated banner and booth colors make the setup feel intentional and polished.

Some sellers lean into humor or intrigue, such as “Fake Food for Real Cats” or “Free Smells,” to spark curiosity and conversation. Reddit user u/rivertpostie found that whenever they skipped their simple “Adjective + Noun” sign, sales dropped by 20 to 30 percent, showing just how important clarity is in a busy market.

2.  Tabletop Signs and Price Cards

Once shoppers are in front of your table, small signs can do a lot of work as noted by u/drcigg. Seeing clearly marked prices and item descriptions make customers feel more comfortable browsing, especially when they do not need to ask what something is or how much it costs. A few good examples are labels that explain harder-to-identify items to printed card stock showing both prices and accepted payment methods. These small touches can encourage impulse buys by removing hesitation.

3.  QR Codes and Digital Prompts

Printed QR codes can turn a one-time encounter into an ongoing customer relationship. Some sellers use them to link directly to their online shops, social media pages, or email sign-up forms. One good scenario to use this is in tandem with physical media, such as an event calendar on handouts alongside a QR code, so customers can easily check where they will be next. This approach not only encourages follow-up sales but also makes it simple to track which events bring in the most digital engagement afterward.

What Printed Pieces Help Post-Sale?

Not every shopper is ready to buy on the spot, so leave-behinds can be an important part of your sales strategy. Vendors recommend choosing pieces that customers will keep and reference later, instead of something that is likely to be tossed.

4.  Business Cards with Personality

While some sellers swear by business cards, others have found they are easily lost, forgotten, or even discarded during the event. Those who continue to use them often make them stand out with unique shapes, specialty finishes, or artwork that reflects their brand. This extra effort makes the card more memorable and increases the chances of a follow-up connection.

5.  Mini Catalogs or Photo Cards

Printed flyers or small catalogs can help customers remember your products and encourage future purchases. Reddit user u/caseofgrapes displayed photos of flowers in bloom, printed and placed in acrylic frames, so shoppers could picture what they were buying. Another vendor handed out compact event lists on card stock, which customers often kept on their refrigerators, leading to repeat visits at future markets.

What Does Not Work (or Works Less Often)?

Vendors also shared printed strategies that did not deliver strong results.

Overly Branded Materials Without Context

A polished logo or brand name is not enough on its own. Potential customers still need to know exactly what you sell, and adding a short tagline or product description to signage can make a noticeable difference in engagement.

Cluttered Print Designs

Trying to fit too much information into a single piece often works against you. Shoppers in crowded fairs only have a moment to glance at your display, so signs with too much text or fonts that are too small can get overlooked entirely. Keeping designs simple and easy to read proved to be more effective.

How to Choose the Right Printed Piece for Your Booth

The most successful vendors select printed materials based on the role they play in attracting and converting customers.

Match Your Piece With Your Goal

Large banners are best for visibility from a distance, price cards help with transparency and faster decision-making, and event lists or catalogs serve as reminders to come back later.

Think Like a Customer Browsing Quickly

Shoppers are moving through a busy space with plenty of distractions. Position key signage above head level, use large text that can be read from several feet away, and choose high-contrast colors for better visibility.

Make It Easy for People to Follow Up

Add social handles, website URLs, or QR codes to every printed item so customers can easily reconnect when they think of your brand later.

Tips from Reddit Sellers That Make a Difference

“Adjective + Noun” Sign Format

Simple, descriptive wording such as “Whimsical Jewelry,” “Eco Soaps,” or “Goth Prints” quickly communicates what you sell and draws in the right audience. This format can help in busy markets where passersby have only a moment to decide whether to stop.

Let Your Best Sellers Lead the Signage

Putting your most popular products front and center on your signs can make a big impact. Featuring your best sellers can generate more curiosity and interaction than generic brand signage alone.

Printed pieces serve two main purposes: grab attention and stay memorable. Large, descriptive signs help you stand out in a busy market, while handouts, catalogs, and other take-home items encourage customers to return. As these Reddit sellers have shown, clear messaging, readable design, and a little personality can go a long way in turning browsers into loyal buyers.