Vendor Tips
Follow these tips to make the most out of your vending experience! We have seen many ways in which vendors can attract people to their products, here are the most effective ones.
Check out the photos below for visual inspiration as well.
Make Your Display Stand Out
Your display should provide customers with an eye-appealing design and layout. Using levels and coordinated shelving, bins, crates and baskets, etc. to store your products is a great way to catch a customer’s attention. You want customers to feel a desire to approach your table or booth, and signage and pricing should be visible.
Refrain from building your display too high as customers will not be able to see you.
Try not to clutter your table with too many products. You can always store extra goods under and behind your table and bring them out as needed.
Use creative ways to hang products – old doors, windows, grid walls, custom racks and shelving that can go behind your table or against a wall are perfect ideas. Use your imagination!
Invest in Signage
This doesn’t need to be expensive, but if you are going to be participating in multiple markets, signage is key to get noticed. A retractable banner or table banner that can be reused is important. You can include your contact information and social media handles on the banners as well. Business cards are also a must for people to connect with you after the market is over. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to print signage you can contact your local printer to get a quote or go online to VistaPrint.ca and have them printed and delivered from there.
Engage with Customers
This doesn’t mean you need to “sell” to everyone. A simple “Good Morning” or “How are you?” is a simple way to start a conversation. Complimenting someone on their outfit or accessories will also open up communication. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Your product will not sell itself and you are your company’s best advocate. You should be proud of your hard work and enjoy telling people about it. I understand it can be hard for introverts to feel comfortable talking to people, but it can start small with one of the suggestions above. If you sell a unique product or have a different process of making your goods, ask people if they have heard of it, or if they know what the process entails. Tell your story!
Be Present
If you look like you are not interested in being at the market, no one will talk to you. Stay off your phone during busy times, posting on social media is great, and it can be done during the event, but if you are busy, then it is important to pay attention to who is already there. Reading a book, playing games on your phone, talking to your neighbour are all a great way to pass the time, but they are also a great way to miss customers at your table. You will miss opportunities if you are not present.
Standing vs. Sitting
When you stand at your table, you are at the same level as your customers and can engage in eye contact easier. Understandably, standing isn’t easy for everyone, but it will help make connections with your customers. You can also invest in a taller stool for markets if you do not wish to stand. This way, you are higher up, but not on your feet all day.
Create an E-mail Address Specific to Your Company
By using an e-mail address designated for your company, you will put forth a more professional look. As well, you will increase your organization and productivity eliminating the need to search your personal account for business e-mails. Gmail and Yahoo are great options for creating a new e-mail address.
