Renting a space vs a table

In many markets, the person running the event will refer to a space or a table fee. And you may wonder what the difference is. Under normal circumstances, the definitions of the two are as follows:

SPACE - typically a space will be 10 x 10. In some situations, the space will be 8 x 8 or, perhaps if in a parking lot, you will be designated 1 or 2 parking spaces. In most situations, the contact for the event will describe what your space will look like, the size, and if it is indoor or outdoor.  

If an event is not clear on these specifications, make sure to ask. If it is outdoors, confirm if a canopy is required, and if so, what size is appropriate. You should assume if you are renting a standard 10 x 10 foot space, then a standard 10 x 10 canopy is appropriate. Some events will require your tent is certified flame resistant with NFPA 701 or CSFM Title 19 certification. Most events will also require you weigh down your tent legs. Trust me, even if it is not required, you need to do it because you never know when a wind gust will come along. I also recently learned some events require straight legs for your canopy rather than slanted because slanted legs tend to encroach in other vendors' spaces, especially is the spacing is exactly 10 x 10.

TABLE - typically a standard vendor table is 6 foot long. It is usually about 2 and half feet wide. The most important information to learn when signing up for a table, not a space, is who provides the table? In many cases, you will still provide a folding table, and a standard 6-foot-long table is expected. However, sometimes the table is included or included for a minimal fee. If you are setting up your table alone or just starting out, vending at an event that provides a table can be ideal.

Every now and then, a curveball will get thrown your way when you are a vendor at an event. One time I showed up expecting a standard 6-foot rectangular table and round tables were provided instead. This is one reason why you have to be prepared for anything to happen. I used a rectangular tablecloth for a round table and had to change the standard setup I use at events. I also learned, when an event throws you a lot of curveballs, it is best to live and learn from it and not work with that person or association again.

In the end, both of these options can have advantages and disadvantages. My favorite thing about renting a space is typically you are allowed to set up tables, cabinets, wire grids, etc. the way you want. I've even seen some people put down carpet to add a homey feel to the space. You have a lot more control when you have a space. The thing that is hardest about it is you are providing everything on your own and setup usually takes longer.

The best thing about renting just a table is just that: it is only a table. You can plan ahead to be very precise and display just your most popular items. If you plan in advance, this can be your easiest setup. If the table and chairs are provided, that means you need to bring only your products for sale and display items. However, it can be a real downer if you need extra space or you'd like to get creative with your setup. In some situations, you can ask ahead of time to bring a small additional table or perhaps a wire grid if appropriate for your products, but in general, you have less control over your look.

But again, there are positives and negatives about both situations. Some vendors opt to only attend one type, but for me, I appreciate a variety and will attend either if the event itself is appealing.

You should get a foldable shelving unit

 In case you are looking for some display ideas, I highly recommend a metal shelving unit. The particular type that I bought is pink and 2 shelves. It is also, metal, which is really important because you can hang magnets on it. This can be practical if you sell magnets (which I do) or if you have magnet hooks (which I also do) so you can hang other products on it. The shelves also have holes, and you can use hooks to display more items that way.

The best aspect of this shelving unit is it folds really easily and unfolds fast as well. There are just 2 hooks you need to snap in place for this shelving unit to be sturdy. For this particular set of shelves, I opted not to put the wheels on it because I knew I wanted it to sit on a table. This is good for 2 reasons:

1) It adds height to your table. There is a theory this attracts more attention because customers can see some products at their eye level.

2) This allows you to place more products and signs for display, so you can utilize your space better.

Although I choose to sit my shelves on table, please note you do not have to do the same. There are actually larger versions of this shelving unit, and you can opt to put the wheels on yours. Once the wheels are added, you can use this beside your table instead of on your table. I would not necessarily recommend putting items for sale on all shelves because it can be hard for customers see the products on the bottom shelf, but you can put decorative boxes on the bottom shelf filled with products that can replenish your shelves as you sell items. With wheels, you can also easily move it around your vendor space.

It is honestly a super helpful product I would highly recommend. This particular shelving unit is sold on Amazon and comes in many colors. 

The real costs of doing an event

 Something I've learned from being a vendor for the last few years, is it is OK to be picky. The old saying "time is money" is not wrong. When you choose an event, you need to not only think about the money you will make that day, but you also need to think about other factors such as:

- Time spent setting up, selling, breaking down everything

- Gas spent getting there

- Supplies bought for event

- Any customized/special products created just for that event

- Fees

For example, if you pay $50 for a space, spend $20 buying decorative items that fit the theme of the event, spend $40 making additional products to be sold at the event, and spend money on gas and food at the event, you need to calculate all those costs when determining a profit. A lot of people get excited and consider it all profit once you make money past the $50 fee, but that is not so. You would need to make well over $100 just to break even in this scenario. 

I also would argue you need to consider how much time and effort has been spent on this event. How much do you feel your time is worth? If you spend 2 hours setting up, 6 hours working the event, and 1 hour breaking everything down, you've just spent 9 hours of your time. Do you have an assistant helping you? Factor in their time as well. Also, did you make items specifically for this event? How much time did it take to prepare? Packing, creating signs, making new products, etc. should all factor into your time, too. Your time is valuable. You could be spending your time with friends or family or maybe just relaxing. You need to earn money for taking your time away from other activities.

In the end, you want to determine if each event is worth your time. The first events, you can consider learning experiences. You are learning about your customers and the most efficient way to setup for the event while making your space look inviting for customers. You can also determine if you enjoy doing that type of event or if it is not worth your time. Sometimes it is a great opportunity to pass out business cards and promote your website if you are not getting sales at that time. However, if you have very few customers and no one seems interested in taking your business cards, this is not likely an event you should return to.

I've also talked to people that will say, the fee is cheap, so why not? This can be true if you have not vended at any events for a while or you actually have the luxury of a lot of free time. But I daresay just because an event is only $20 doesn't mean it's worth doing. If there are no customers, that was a waste of time setting up and just sitting there hoping for a sale. If you have the free time, there is no harm in trying it once just to see if you will get customers, but don't keep making that mistake over and over again if you have no sales at this event. Don't use a $20 fee as an excuse to waste your time and money.

Basically, you need to decide your worth. You may also determine other factors are important in your decision, such as location or event theme. This is YOUR business and it's great to be in control of it.

Is it too soon for Christmas jewelry?

 Is it too soon for Christmas jewelry? The short answer is... no.

People love Christmas. For me, I am rather indifferent about it, but some folks absolutely love it. That is not to say I am going to take Christmas products to every event. I feel like that looks silly in the spring. But it is August now and I have an event coming up with me this weekend, and guess what? I am taking a small amount of Christmas jewelry and ornaments. 

I've found customers start Christmas shopping in August. Children are also going back to school this week, and for some reason, this signals Christmas shopping season for some people. I myself do like to plan for Christmas in advance, and if I see something I love, yes, I might buy it in August. In general, I keep most of the shopping for October and November. But not everyone feels that way.

Having a small business has definitely taught me that just because I like something or do it a certain way, does not mean everyone will. And honestly, it is a good thing. I can't express that enough when you own a small business. Going out to events and meeting new people gives you an opportunity to understand the needs of your customers. If someone gives advice or recommends anything to you, listen to it. It might not be your idea, but it might be a good idea, nonetheless. 

So for now, here I go to the next event with a few Christmas items. 

 

The Great Tablecloth Debate

 In the world of vending events, something as simple as a tablecloth can be a big debate. Most vendors agree, you need a tablecloth and some type of tablecloth is better than none. This is the case even if you have a perfectly clean and nice table. But what type of tablecloth? That is the question!

At many events, I see a basic white fabric tablecloth that stretches to each foot of the table. This type of tablecloth is great if you want to stash products you are not using under your table so it will go unnoticed by most customers. However, I have heard other vendors complain about the tablecloth looking very "basic" as if your table is wearing basic white underwear, which is funny.

For me, I prefer colorful tablecloths. This occasionally goes against what other vendors recommend. They say to keep to basic white or black so your products "pop" more. I do agree that can be a good idea, but I feel your tablecloth needs to match your "vibe" and my brand is all about color and sparkle. 

My strategy has been to buy tablecloths from the Dollar Tree that are bright and match whatever look the event calls for. For instance, if I am working at a Unicorn Festival (and yes, they exist) a colorful tablecloth with rainbows or unicorns is what I will use. Fall festivals mean a Halloween or orange tablecloth. 

Typically, I do try to put a basic solid color fabric tablecloth down first and then the Dollar Tree tablecloth that matches the vibe. That way, you have a solid base underneath and can hide items under your table, but the top tablecloth is cheap and disposable. I don't know about other vendors, but my tablecloth is a mess at the end of an event. People put their drinks down on it and display products end up tearing and leaving marks. At the end of the event, I just throw away the top cheap tablecloth and fold the other away for the next event. And done!

Hope this helps anyone that is considering perhaps paying too much for a tablecloth that doesn't work for them.

Indoor vs Outdoor Events

 When determining which events you'd like to attend/vend, one of the biggest differences in events is whether it is indoors or outdoors. Both options have their positives and their negatives. Let's make some lists!

INDOOR

Positive - Not exposed to the bad weather, which is the biggest plus for indoor events.

Positive - Easier setup because no canopy is needed. Also, no need to aggressively tie down or tape down items due to wind.

Negative - Typically more expensive.

Negative - Sometimes the space is limited. You may be closer to other vendors, including competitors.

OUTDOOR

Positive - Although putting up a canopy can be annoying, there is more freedom to decorate your space the way you want. You can also utilize the canopy for hanging up products.

Positive - Typically there is more space, so you can set up more tables if you'd like. You also usually have a bit more distance from neighboring vendors.

Positive - Outdoor events typically have a festive vibe, and if there is good weather, will pull in large crowds.

Negative - Bad weather. Rain will sometimes get the event cancelled. Wind can blow away your displays and products. If it is really hot that day, you will need fans and lots of cold water. Storms and snow... don't even get me started!

Negative - Bugs. Sometimes lots of bugs.

Negative - You will usually need to pack and unpack more things, such as a canopy or fans if hot, blankets / coats if cold. 

Basically, the choice is yours! It is great to have options. I have found I like to do both, but I have my limitations. No outdoor events in July! It is just too hot. I know another vendor that refuses to do any outdoor events in November to March because it is just too cold. It is all about preference.

You should get a wagon

There are many things I have found helpful since my journey as a vendor began. One of those things is a wagon. The best kind to get should be sturdy (holds at least 200 pounds), folds up compactly, and has sturdy wide wheels. After working a couple of events with numerous trips to and from the vehicle, we learned that a wagon is a lifesaver (and time saver!).

Initially, we started with a basic wagon:

If it looks like we are just taking a lot of stuff to the beach that is because, yes, we were taking a lot of stuff to the beach. We had not thought to use this for events yet. This is a good wagon, but not ideal because the 2 wheels in the front are close together and it tends to lean too far over when making sharp turns. However, it is very sturdy and holds a lot and helped for many events. 

Recently we upgraded to a larger wagon with 2 levels. The wheels are better and it holds over 300 pounds.

Unfortunately, I do not have a better photo of it at this time. As you can see, not only is great for transportation purposes, it can hold items you are not using but may need access to while at the event. It helps make the setup look much tidier. Pro-tip, if it looks really messy in the wagon, throw a towel over it. I always bring a couple of towels to an event because you never know when you need one.

I have also seen a number of vendors wheel in their products using suitcases with wheels. I have not tried this personally, but some people seem to be using this method with success. The bottom line is, wheels are super helpful when you are a vendor setting up at an event. Highly recommend!

Oh, and here is my cat enjoying the wagon. Enjoy!