Let's Be Real, It's Tough Out Here!
It’s warming up outside and if you have not taken that leap into vendor markets…your time is near! *Deep breath* The idea of putting together a table set up, researching, and just participating can be really daunting. My three years of experiences in different cities and states have allowed me to learn something new every single time. I am here to share my best tips for small handmade creators/artists/business owners to have a successful vendor market experience and offer suggestions to keep in your junk drawer of knowledge. Although this is a beginner friendly list of tools, it can also take time to get acclimated with some of the more mental exercises in addition to bigger purchases that I will link throughout this blog. I am one human, and my path can differ from yours! I am just here to help. Use what works for you and share the information with your community. With all of that in mind - be patient with yourself and trust the process.
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1. Facebook is a madhouse of information.
Scammers, weirdos, and idiots run rampant on this app! Be absolutely sure that what flyers you are seeing are real and authentic. That means contact everyone involved and catch the vibe of how people are speaking to you.
Is it professional? Is it chill? Are they responsive and organized?
Some of these events are $60+ per booth and absolutely will make your pockets hurt if not researched properly!
If you watch Catfish the TV Show, that is the kind of detective work you should be doing. Who are these people? What is their organization, who is their team, why are they hosting events? Find as much info as the legal law allows! Set yourself up for success by having a general idea of the audience you will be engaging with.
2. Document everything, keep yourself organized from DAY ONE.
While researching, label your info in a google spreadsheets type of way to clearly view due dates, locations, fees, points of contact, etc. That way you can always return to that info when you need to reach somebody in a pinch or put a schedule together. Document your experiences while participating - including the issues you come across, the fun stuff, the content...
the everything.
3. Prepare for the event several days before.
Procrastinators, this is for YOU. Do not wait to put your table and inventory together the day of - spare yourself the added stress. This also means plan enough in advance that you can get plenty of decor/displays for your products and yourself. For absolute beginners, I would recommend investing in a good quality canopy set up and table.
If you play your cards right, these will be the most expensive initial buys for preparing for your first events. Investing in quality equipment from the start and taking care of it properly will extend their life; you will not have to replace them as often, or at all hopefully! Here are some random items in my home I use for markets:
- Twin sized fitted sheets (for tablecloths, can be wrinkly if alone)
- Plants! (Just be clear they are not for sale)
- Photo frames + printer paper (DIY Shop signs, codes, socials, logo, payments, etc.)
- Chairs
- SNACKS. PLZ BRING SNACKS.
- WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Bluetooth speaker
- Something to do in your down time (crochet, a book, etc)
4. Network! Read the room...
Before the event, if you have access to seeing other vendors, engage with them through social media. Scope the vibe, give a follow and a few likes. Tag them in your reposts if you can. Get active! Set the tone for how you are showing up - first impressions are everything. Break barriers and get out that comfort zone because there is no growth there!
Once you are at the event, that is GO TIME! For me, I like to take my table and canopy (well my boyfriend does, thanks pooh) and look for the host of the event with just those two things. If you are alone, then just take the canopy - it is a pretty big signal that you are a vendor to whoever is organizing the event.
Now, this next part is HUGE -
5. Trust your gut. If you don't feel it in your spirit don't go near it!
If there is not a person/team to greet you, show you your spot, and get you comfortable with the event process?
That is a red flag!
How could you “invite me” and not be present when I show up? Mmm.
I could do a whole separate list on red flags, honestly.
Assuming that you arrive within their given set up time (an hour + before the event) you should have plenty of time to set up your space to your liking, get some good footage for content, and hopefully visit other vendors before it gets “super busy”...
6. “Super busy”...is not always what happens. :/
Ahhh yes, the “I did not make any money” events are extremely disappointing. I have experienced them several times and shaking that yucky feeling can be tricky. However, taking a different perspective on the experience can help minimize that feeling and prep you for the next time you get out there. Take a mental note of these questions:
- How many people walked by and spoke to you?
- How many business owners did you connect with? Share socials? Good conversation?
- Did you try new foods? Support other businesses?
- Did you learn something new?
- Did you hand out any freebies?
- Were there things out of your control?
That last question is my favorite. If it was not for some outside source, maybe things would have been different. Or as some say, “Leave it to God.” or “That is above me now.” Either way, even without a super huge profit financially you can expand your network and feed your ego in small and healthy ways. There is no shame in being proud of yourself! We all want to make a ton of money, but honestly the handmade artists suffer the most from “Oh, if I had enough money I would buy” or “Woah that’s a lot of money” towards our craft. Do not take it personal - we are all human and your art will find its deserving home within due time. <3
7. Be kind, be yourself, set boundaries, and protect your peace!
There will be lots of bumps in the road, but do not let it tear you down. Sprinkle a healthy mix of delusion and manifestation into your bowl and let the good karma stir up. You have the talent, uniqueness, and nerve so stand in that and trust that what is meant for you will present itself in ways that challenge you and push you to higher levels. Where you start is just the start! There should always be more on the way and another goal to accomplish. But most importantly, protect your peace from ignorant people. Block the haters!
These are just a few of the many, many tips and tricks I plan to share. If you feel supported by this information let me know in the blog comments or my socials. We are a community and support each other in various ways. Be sure to check out my other blogs and collections available to shop from too <3
Xoxo,
Schae
