Peddling My Wares Part 2

So, remember all that work I put into getting ready for my first ever vendor event? Well, it all came together nicely. I was at the event space nice and early on the day of the event. My friend Elizabeth was vending with me. The Mister sent one of the interns with me to help me unload the car and set everything up. He helped with the tent and the table and then I just tackled everything. I gave myself an hour and a half to set up my little space. I had plenty of time. Elizabeth was there to help as well. Thank goodness she was! I set the table up backwards to how everyone else was setting up! I'm not sure I would have realized that, nor been able to move it by myself.

I had originally planned to have Elizabeth's jewelry at the end of the table but once she started setting up we both agreed it would break the table up better if it were in the middle. See that jewelry stand? She made it herself! Amazing! That's her below, being all healthy eating an apple! I brought chips and granola bars to snack on!

Here's the plant stand with the rack cards that I didn't take a picture of during my dry run placement (or rather, I did but it wasn't blog worthy). I had all of the display items already other than the knitted products (which I made) and the rack cards.

A close up of Elizabeth's jewelry. She makes it out of polymer clay. They are so cute! I am now the proud owner of a pair!

My biggest fan from the event! I asked her if she wanted a sticker and she was sooo excited that she actually put it on and then wore it the rest of the day! I saw her later and she still had it on.

I visited a couple of booths and this was by far my favorite. She uses wool sweaters and turns them into these adorable creatures that she fancies up and gives fun names to. I loved them!

The booth as a whole below. I had a cart in the back with the bags and tissue paper on them. I see that I am still missing a picture of the herbs and their container! Drat. Next time. We were set up right at the end of the booth spaces, near the beer tent, and next to the music. I thought this would be a great space to be but it turned out not to be.

So. How did it go? Monetarily it wasn't good. Most people were interested in my display items (the flowers, the quilt, the yarn). I didn't sell a lot. I think it was two-fold. First, it was LOUD! You couldn't have a conversation with your customers. And this was the whole day. And everywhere you went in the park. When I was talking to other vendors it was easier but not by much. I don't think this is a good vendor event because of how loud it was. Second, I don't think this was my target audience. I knew that going in, but I really realized it after. I think most people were interested in the blues, the brews, and the bbq (which they ran out of pretty early on. And then they ran out of hamburgers and hotdogs). BUT this was a great first event. I learned a lot. I met a lot of great people. Everyone was so nice and I made some new connections.

In the future I will look at different signage for my items. I'm not really sure what to do about people wanting to buy my display items. I've been to plenty of vendor events where people use props. I guess people though it was a flea market where everything's for sale? The greenhouse where I bought my herbs should have set up a space there. I got asked several times how much my marigold was. Or my basil. Or my rosemary. And the orchids (which were all gifts).

But am I glad I did it? Absolutely. I'm glad my friend Elizabeth was there to help me. To show me the ropes. To help me figure out some ways to tweak my booth space. She is so savvy with these things. She sells at a farm market each week and has experience peddling her microgreens and jewelry. So she was a good one to have around. We talked about future dreams and how to make them a reality. It was fun! I feel confident now for my next event(s). Bring it on!!