Part Two: OK, so you’re in! Now what?
You’ve applied, you’ve been accepted and you are now ordering your shirts or ornaments or whatever. What else do you need? Read part two of the How to Sell Offline series. (Did you miss Part 1? It’s here.)
1. PR
Get your own word out. Use your own blog, website, newsletter and social networking skills to publicize that you will be at this event. It’s a mutual thing — small fairs also depend on vendors to help bring their clientele.
2. We All Need Somebody
Get a friend to help set-up, break-down and man the booth when you need a break, and for emotional support.
3. The Money Stuff
• Some people like to use cash boxes. Others use aprons, full or half, with pockets to keep their sales books and money in. Personally, I use an apron or pouch because I don’t want to worry about keeping my eye on a cash box (less of an issue if behind a table but more of an issue in an open tent) or have to cart it off with me to the restroom if I am tending the booth alone!
• Don’t forget to come with change! Get lots of singles.
** Helpful Hint: the rounder your prices, the easier to give change.
• Although less of a big deal at holiday boutiques, which often provide their own cashiers, in general accepting credit cards can make a difference in sales. If you are not sure you want to invest long term in a credit card plan, check out PayPal’s Virtual Terminal. You can use it for one month only, although the cost ($30 last time I looked plus fees) may not always be worth it. For added security consider an imprinter (“knuckle-buster”) as well. UPDATE: Nothing can beat Square for ease and cost if you have an Android or iOS device (like an iPhone.)
4. Merch and Branding
a. Inventory – How many of each product should I bring? I drive myself nuts each time with this! Unfortunately, there is no way to predict, but we can use some logic. For example, if selling t-shirts at a fashion-forward event, stock up on more fitted trendy items; at a flea market or local fair, less expensive unisex shirts might do better. Don’t over-stock. It’s tempting to want several of each size but better to sell out fewer than be stuck with a bunch of shirts you’ve paid for but didn’t sell.
b. Branding suggestions – Round lapel stickers from print-on-demand companies to stick on shirts are a good way to brand your shirts, or have hang tags made.
Hangtags are an excellent way to brand your merchandise. I like to use them on shopping bags as well for polish and so other shoppers notice.
c. Don’t forget signage. A vinyl banner (especially for outdoors or if you have a wall behind you), or a poster mounted on foam core, and even a yard sign (minus the legs for a small venue) all work well. Not all indoor venues allow attaching things to the wall so find out first and then be creative.
At 6 feet long, my banner is visible from a distance, even when hung inside.
** Helpful Hint: If you are not sure you want to invest in a large, heavy-duty banner just yet, companies like VistaPrint and CafePress offer banners at reasonable prices.
d. Price sheet or price tags/stickers. People don’t like to have to ask, so make prices easy to find.
** Helpful Hint: if you use a standing price sheet, print on both sides so that the prices are visible to you if you are behind a table, as well as to the customers.
e. Relax and chat with people without necessarily being all about the sale. Ask them about their day, how the market is, or offer free candy.
Next time (3): Must Haves and Must Dos at the Event
