I did my last vendor event yesterday and found myself thinking “I need to be a little more picky on what events I do.”
So I thought I’d come up with a list of things to look for in an event that we all can learn from:
1.) How many years has this event been in place? (If it is an annual event, often the attendance will be stronger. People are creatures of habit and will often wait to shop at their favorite event.)
2.) What has the attendance been like in the past? (If last year they had 20 people come through, look at what they are changing. Do not be afraid to pass on an event with low attendance.)
3.) How are they advertising the event? (If no one knows about it, no one will come.)
4.) What is the cost? What do get for that cost? (If the event is $15, you may be more willing to spend the time at a newer event. If it is $500, make sure it is an established event with other businesses similar to yours.)
5.) Do I need to donate a door prize? (This is just an extra cost.)
6.) How many hours or days is the event? (I’d be more willing to spend 4 hours at a newer event then 8 hours. Your time is still worth money.)
7.) Is it a craft show or vendor blender? (Often times being the only home based business with all crafters will hurt you. If people come for home made crafts, they will walk on by.)
8.) Where is the event? (Location can be very important. I worked a new event on a main road which had great traffic and another one was in the 3rd year but out of the way and had horrible traffic.)
9.) Are you the only rep for your company? (Some vendor fairs will allow more then one rep from the same company to attend. Ask to be the exclusive rep.)
10.) Don’t be afraid to wait a year, visit the event and decide if it is something you want to do next year. If it is, find the person in charge and exchange information.
Avoid:
1.) Being put out of the way or in the hall. You want to make sure you are with the other vendors. Even a slow show can be worthwhile when you start networking.
2.) Being a repeat vendor. As I mentioned above, always ask to be the exclusive rep.
3.) Shows where you will not fit in. If the theme is cooking and you sell clothing, you may find yourself being walked by. Candles however would fit in because many you burn them in your kitchen.