15 do's & don'ts at markets and events

Anyone who follows me on my socials will undoubtedly know that I recently attended my very first event. Finally, after a long period of lockdowns and restrictions. Being a webshop, it was very exciting to present my products in person to the general public.

Before the event I obviously did a lot of research into the do's and don'ts, but I learned most of it at the event itself. Because I love to share my knowledge and experience with fellow entrepreneurs, I share 15 useful tips with you to make your first event a success. 

Catch the eye

• Invest in a roll-up banner and tablecloth, completely in the style of your logo and house colours. Choose quality so that it will last for years to come. Describe clearly what you offer and don't forget to mention your website and/or socials.

• Provide relief and color in your position. Use presentation material such as baskets, etagères, (turning) racks, lights, plants,...

• Provide enough business cards, thank you cards for purchases and possibly some sweets. Display these and include them with your purchases.

• If you want your visitors to follow and tag you en masse, print out the QR codes of your website and socials and put them in plain sight.

money money money

• Provide products from all price ranges. Not everyone has the same amount of money to spend.

• Provide a visible price list or preferably stick price labels on each product. Pricing everything separately is a bit of work, but it immediately creates clarity in all the hustle and bustle at an event.

• Provide sufficient change and offer the option of mobile payment via a payment terminal or QR code (Payconiq, Mollie, Tikkie, ...)

• Work with round prices. That is easier for visitors who pay cash and for you. No hassle with red cents!

• Think of a nice and preferably one-time promotion or action for your customers so that they do not postpone their purchase.

Customer is king?

• Make contact with passers-by. Greet them, offer them a sweet. Be accessible. It's not done scrolling on your phone all the time or chatting non-stop with your colleague or neighbor instead of your potential customers.

• Do you also make custom products? Be sure to let your visitors know if you don't have a color or size of the desired product. Bring purchase orders if necessary.

• Make sure you have enough carrying bags and packaging material with you. Preferably with your logo.

• Be firm, but always remain calm and polite when dealing with customers who, for example, find the price too high and start haggling. You know the value of your product like no other. Sometimes it helps to indicate that a price does not only consist of material costs, but also working hours, VAT, profit margin & co.

Preparation is everything

• Do your best to help promote the event and stock up on supplies in time. Try out different setups at home and take a photo of the end result so that you don't have to stress about the decoration and layout at the event.

• Try to include a little bit of everything so that visitors have a good idea of ​​your range. After the first event you will quickly notice what is selling well and what is not. You can take that into account at the next opportunity.

• Don't go overboard with supplies unless you're offering food & drinks. Food is usually sold faster and in larger quantities than non-food products.

Remember!

Don't just focus on sales, but also on building brand awareness. Selling a product is at least as valuable as a passerby who takes your business card or follows and tags you on social media because she likes your position so much. Realize that most visitors may not immediately need something from your range, but will think about you at a later time and then place an order.

Glimpse of our first event

Discover here which events we will be at

Do you have any tips or experiences you would like to share with us? Or do you have a pressing question? Post them below!