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Attending a vendor market is a great way for small businesses to showcase their products and meet new customers! There are numerous incredible organizations across the province that host events in which your business can participate, including us, BC Shop Local. You can check out our application page here.
After countless markets and conversations with vendors, we have learned that setting up a booth can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the market scene. There are a lot of things to consider to ensure you catch the eye of potential customers’ and convert interactions to sale.
In this blog post, we will share how you can plan your booth setup at a vendor market to make the most impact!
The first step in planning your booth setup is to decide on the layout. Consider the size of your booth and the products you will be displaying. You want to make sure your booth is not cluttered and that customers can easily navigate around easily.
We encourage you to spend some time arranging your set up at home in advance. Once you find a layout that works, take photos to make setup on the day of easier!
A branded backdrop is an excellent way to make your booth stand out from the rest. A big visual statement with your company name, logo, and even product images can help customers identify your booth from a distance and draw them in!
You can use a homemade painted, printed, or a custom-made one to showcase your brand – get creative!
Display fixtures are an essential part of your booth setup. You want to choose fixtures that will highlight your products and make them easily accessible to customers. Consider using shelves, racks, and table displays to elevate your products and showcase them in the best way possible.
Proper lighting can make a significant difference in how your products are perceived. Make sure your booth is well-lit, and your products are bright and easy to see to ensure an inviting atmosphere. You can use string lights, LED strips, or battery-operated lights to add a warm and inviting glow to your booth.
We don’t recommend on relying on a power source on location – if you are in need of one be sure to ask your market host beforehand to confirm!
Adding visual interest and props to your table can help define your brand, create a theme, and draw in customers. For example, if you sell handmade soaps, you could add a bathtub or a sink to your booth to showcase your products. Be creative and think outside the box! Ask yourself what are visual indicators of your brand? Is there anyway you can bring them to life in an exciting way? Facebook Marketplace can be your BFF here!
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Offering samples of your products can attract customers and encourage sales. Plan to have plenty of samples on hand that are easily accessible to customers.
To take it one step further by taking the time to talk each recipient through the benefits of the product you are trying or offer a demonstration.
Your signage is another crucial aspect of your booth setup. Your signage should be:
Consider using chalkboards, posters, or banners to outline your pricing, market special promotions, or product information.
It is also important to include details of where customers can find you later whether it be your website or social handles. Don’t miss out on capturing the attention of visitors when you are busy helping a customer or those who aren’t intersted in having a full on conversation with you to get filled in.
A vendor market booth setup requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Follow the tips we share in this post to ensure you create a visually appealing and inviting booth that will attract customers and increase sales. We encourage you to create a checklist that makes sense for your business to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Above all else, from our experience, to stand out from the crowd we suggest to showcase your brand, be creative with your displays, and have fun expressing your passion in an authentic way!
Interested in learning more? Read: Making Your Mark(et): Expert Advice from Seasoned Entrepreneurs
