Have you ever been to a vendor fair? Other names include farmer’s markets, craft shows, street fairs, festivals, etc. If you have not, I am sure that you have seen them set up or advertised. The products being sold in these events range from ANYTHING homemade to individuals working for multi-level marketing companies.
I, like many other people, really enjoy attending these types of events. Wandering through various booths to examine all of the unique items with anticipation as to what may lie in the next booth is just part of the fun. There are many times that I have made connections to individuals at these events and learned so much about their passion and how it is shown through their products. It helps to form a sense of community and connection to the products that you are purchasing. Many of these events are even set up in a party-type fashion with food and music to encourage you to spend your entire day lounging and relaxing between explorations.
The numbers of these events appear to be growing. Even local schools have jumped on the bandwagon and have started to include them in their fundraising efforts. While I have explained why it is fun to shop at these events, the rest of the article will be focused on the vendors themselves.
The People Behind the Booth
In today’s society, more and more individuals are realizing that their nine-to-five jobs are either unfulfilling or do not provide enough money to pay the bills (or both). Enter the side-hustle. This idea of a side-hustle is booming. If in doubt, check out the multitude of websites, podcasts, blogs and social media groups dedicated to it.
You could look at this need for income and personal fulfillment outside of a person’s chosen career as a sad turn of events in society. Why are so many individuals required to put in more work hours on the side to provide what they expected from their primary job (especially if they have spent years in formal education to acquire that primary job)? I feel that this question has a multitude of answers, given the variety of circumstances involved and therefore will leave that one to the experts.
Another way that you could look at the situation is that this is a bright spot for our future. Since I do not have the answer to the previous question, I choose to focus on the latter, more positive, perspective. I have participated in several vendor fairs this year and have learned a lot. The main thing is that the sellers are extraordinary people. They do not let their current circumstances tear them down but instead find new ways to shine. It is inspiring to say the least.
Things I have learned…
1. Most vendors are helpful.
You would think that in an environment where the buyer can easily purchase from another booth at any time that the competition would drive people to pettiness and deceit. While I am sure that this has happened before, I have not experienced it. The majority of people at these events are very helpful and supportive. I went into my first event with my products, a table and a little cash to make change should I be lucky enough to make a sale. I was able to ask questions and receive advice from veterans in this endeavor that has helped me to improve my presentation and sales in the future. I am very grateful to those individuals that have tolerated my ignorance and inquisitiveness.
2. Being a vendor is hard on the psyche.
Whether you are selling handmade items or items that you have purchased wholesale, the feeling of rejection is real. Most shoppers are sincere and kind but you cannot help but feel a sense of disappointment when they walk away from your booth empty-handed.
Yes, you want the money, but it is more than that. YOU are on display. The items that you have created with your bare hands, sweat, tears and the time that you have taken to create a welcoming space for them is being rejected. It takes considerable effort to ensure that this rejection does not dampen your spirit or give you reason to quit.
3. The time spent is longer than the event time-frame
- There is planning and paperwork to complete prior to the event in order to even participate in the vendor fair.
- You are basically setting up a mobile store. This needs to be functional and well-designed in order to attract buyers. Most people use the folding tables for convenience of travel but they are not the most appealing for the customer, so you may decide to use covers. You want to display as many items as possible because you don’t know what will spark the interest of your customers but you also don’t want the display to be overcrowded to the point that you overwhelm them. This takes considerable time to set up and take down.
- You have to make or prepare your products for sale at the event. You would be doing this anyway but it is a significant amount of time that cannot be overlooked.
- You have the bookkeeping to complete after the event. This includes preparing tax info, sales records and inventory adjustments. Buyers will come in spurts. You don’t want to discourage a customer by taking too long to document the previous sale. You have to be ready and this means work on the back end.
4. Being a vendor is physically exhausting
Preparing for a vendor fair can be physically difficult.
- Buyers do not want to sit or bend to the floor to peruse your items, so you need a table, maybe two. These tables are heavy after you have carried them the distance from your car to the set-up point. If it is an outdoor event, you will want protection from the elements. This is to protect you and your merchandise. Commercial canopies are heavy.
- You must also lug in all of your items. If it is a successful event, you don’t want to miss out on a sale by not having enough inventory. So, you haul in as much as you can carry and successfully display in a pleasant fashion.
- It is awkward to talk to a customer while you are lounging in your chair and they are standing. Even if you haul in a chair for the long event, you won’t find yourself using it much. You will more than likely be standing for the entire four, six or even eight hours of the event.
Get your muscles ready!
5. Being a vendor is emotionally exhausting (at least for me)
I am an introvert.
- I enjoy talking to people and having meaningful conversations but I also require down-time to recharge. An entire day of being “on” and providing my customers with the information that they need to make informed purchases wears me out!
- It is also difficult for me to strike up conversations with strangers. I enjoy meaningful conversations but the trivial “How’s the weather?” type of discussions that are sometimes required in the introduction phase is very tedious for me. I want to know what makes you tick, what you are searching for, how I can help, how my products can provide comfort and/or enhancement to your life and home. Jumping straight into those discussions can be off-putting to many individuals and that is definitely not my intent.
- Being a vendor at these events definitely stretches my comfort zone. I am getting better but still require significant down-time afterwards.
6. Vendor Fairs are not always profitable
- Most sites require an entry fee. This is understandable in that they must rent the space, obtain insurance for any unseen events that may occur, advertise, etc. This entry fee is paid up front and is regardless of any sales that you may obtain. This fee must be subtracted from your profits.
- Mother Nature does not change her plans for vendor fairs. This plays an important part in your sales even if it is held in an indoor space. I learned firsthand that most people will not brave a tornado warning to see the products on display at a vendor fair.
- The individuals attending may not be interested in your items. This also adds to the issues described in #2. There are many people in the world and not everyone will have the same tastes as you. The trick is to find the location filled with those that do share your interests and style.
While vendor fairs are a lot of hard work, I do not regret my time spent at them. I have made new friends, learned SO MUCH from others, sold a few items and spread the word about PJ’s Projects.
So the next time that you see a vendor fair advertised or pass one in a local park, stop by. You never know what you might find, who you may meet or what dreams that you may support!