I just booked myself for four vendor events for March, April, and May, with one more tentatively scheduled. I haven't done a vendor event in a year, so I'm a bit nervous -- and rusty!

Do you have any tips or tricks for doing vendor events? I don't like to come across as pushy, but I had a hard time attracting attention last time I did one (thanks in part to a very obnoxious guy in a monkey suit in the booth across from me).

Hey Dill, you don't need to be pushy, but energy! Up beat, bouncy, smile smile smile until that smile is a painful staple on your face. Talk and know about your product. It's all I can say. If you're a girl, tasteful clothing, tight or a V neck kinda help ^~ -hopefully this isn't too late- be comfortable and be happy and act fun. It's all in the presentation. ^^

Not too late at all -- the first event is in two days! I am very knowledgeable about the products, but get so nervous around strangers, and I get a little intimidated by the other women at the event, too.

Ah the nerves, I hated those, but really 'A stranger is only a friend you haven't met yet' it's a quote I found really helpful to get through everything. Also treating everyone there like they're an old friend you lost touch with from school but can't recall their name :P Helped me a little too.

If it doesn't make you too ill, a sugary pop or coffee or something to help get a - sugar rush - going. Jabbering away excitedly because of said rush oddly enough helped the first lil' bit.

As for the other woman at the event, it's okay. They're there to make money, some may ignore you, they're after a profit - apparently not friends. And others are more chattery because you're new and they wanna know about you ^_^ just don't worry about them. If it helps to put blinders on, do so. Focus on your potential customers, not the other vendors. If you don't at least look at the products the other woman are selling. It gives you a little something to chat about if you manage to speak. :)

I did a few beer festivals out of high school and some face painting for events. It does get easier after the first time. It's just finding your own groove to set your pace by. :) Good luck Dill.

I agree it's in the presentation.....smile smile smile and be cheerful. Even if the person who stops isn't really interested in your product, if they are the only one to stop, find something to chat about....compliment them on something......ie, clothing, necklace, ring,.......funny saying on t shirt.......get a little conversation going. Other people are more likely to stop to see what your product is if someone else has already stopped. Plus, once you get chatting, it gets easier and easier.

Have confidence or fake the confidence until you do have it. I don't know where your venues are, but usually (unless you're in your hometown of 1,000 people or less) you'll never see the folks who are passing by again unless they become customers. Enjoy the day! Don't worry. Just relax and smile cheerfully!

Thank you both! The venue was a first-time vendor event host and we were competing with one of the year's larger events in the next town over, so there wasn't a ton of traffic, but I actually had the best results yet! I signed up some new Preferred Clients, placed a couple of orders AND sold some of my stock-on-hand (borrowed from my own household stash, haha), and I have 3 more dates reserved to host a table there! There are a couple of opportunities I think I missed (you know how you always think of what to say long after the fact?) but I'm really pleased. I made back my table fee and then some!

That is wonderful! I hope you enjoyed yourself too. (sounds like it.) ^^ Don't worry about the ones that got away, it happens - don't fret. HUGS You made a great profit, Hooray! ^^

I'm happy for you! Sounds like it was a good day....made the table cost plus and experience....it's a WIN! Never worry about anyone who walks away. If they're serious...they'll be back :) Always like the 'stock on hand' lol

I have another one booked for this Saturday, but now it looks like I may be stuck cancelling at the last minute because my hubby is likely going to be traveling most of the day... super bummed about that, but with two launch parties booked for a new consultant I signed on, I'm going to be crazy busy as it is. Three events in two days is a LOT.