Vendor Events 101

When I started talking to Deanna about topics for the New Year's Tip blog-a-thon, she mentioned posting a Fair/Event 101 which was a great idea.  However, I didn't really know how to write it, and she really didn't either, so we turned to Tamara Busko Allen for her event checklist.  This is adapted from that!

The first thing you should know about vendor events is that you should not look at them as a place to primarily sell and make a bunch of money and success should not be measured necessarily by "if you broke even", especially at a big, more expensive event. Getting contact info from which future parties are booked and recruits are gained is by far more valuable in the long run than a few dollars on a single sale. Some sales, bookings and recruits my not be made until months later, but are people you otherwise never would have met. So you need to look at how you think about bigger events not so much in terms of immediate $$ made.

You do not have to spend a lot of money on expensive banners and things to be successful at an event.   A neat, professional looking table featuring the product and a place to do samples is the main idea.  When talking to the event coordinator ask if there is a way your table can get placed near an outlet so you can use your mini heater.  Your enthusiasm about the product and interaction with people is the most important part - get out in front of the table and talk with people, show them how great Jamberry is and have fun.

You can get a black tri-fold display board from Wal-mart for about $4.  It makes a nice backdrop and somewhere for you to post product pics and information.  There are 5 x7 display cards of wraps in the workstation.

I have found that having a “look-book” of pictures with the wraps on hands helps people to see what they really look like on.  You can use a 4x6 photo album or binder with photo refill pages in it.  You can also display wraps in those.

Ideas for displaying inventory:

• Clip and spin

• Pegboard from hardware store with tool hangers

• 2 plastic crates stacked up and use paper clips to hang

• Wire cooling racks and clips

• If you do not have a lot of inventory - do not worry- many people want to order what they like from the catalog and have it shipped to them. (Remember to bring receipts!)

Event checklist:

• table and tablecloth

• trifold display

• catalogs, host / join brochures, business cards

• survey cards from workstation and enter to win box and small prize

• look book

• heater, extension cord

• samples and application supplies

• calculator, pens, order forms

• calendar with your available dates for parties

• credit card reader is helpful or computer with hotspot

Try to have some form of booking incentive to give people a reason to book their party right there, instead of saying they will call later.  Some ideas are:  book to look boxes, a free half sheet for booking, roll dice odds are a prize, evens grab bag prize, spin the wheel for a prize, pop a balloon for a prize….. Something engaging works well - so many people ask me if they can spin my wheel.

Don't forget to get to your event early so that you can set up and do some statement nails!

Homework:  Ask any further questions you have about fairs and events on the group page.  Due any time.