As the temperature rises, so do the opportunities to sell your products. Warm weather often brings with it outdoor markets, festivals and other events, which can be great opportunities for any type of business, no matter how big or small.
If your business is a brick-and-mortar store, these events give you the opportunity to have a different experience and introduce your brand to new customers. If your store is online-only, events give you the opportunity to test out in-person retail. This type of selling is called Site Activation, which means breaking away from your traditional sales channel, selling directly to customers, and engaging customers in conversations directly on the ground with your brand. Site activation is part of an omnichannel commerce strategy that can provide a new customer touchpoint, taking your online brand to the next level in the real world.
But outdoor markets aren’t just for small businesses. Big brands like Red Bull and Steamwhistle are using festivals as experiential marketing opportunities. With the return of large-scale shows like NXNE , which were shut down due to COVID-19, the in-person experience can be an effective way to connect with customers.
If you’re ready to venture outside, here are some tips for success at festivals and other events.
Perform research
The first step is to scout out events. Event listings can be found online, through city chambers of commerce, market publications and newspapers. Word of mouth is another way to get the scoop. Talk to other local business owners to get their opinions on events in your area. This is a great way to identify which ones are worth attending and which ones to avoid.
It is recommended to attend festivals to get a feel for the types of businesses that participate before registering. Pay attention to which booths attract the most customers; this will help you plan your long-term event strategy. Additionally, you can ask vendors about their experiences.
Prepare for the event in question
Once you’ve found an event that’s right for your business, fill out the application form to reserve your spot. Some events are juried, which means you’ll need to submit photos and be approved. Juried events are looking for high-quality merchants. Additionally, many of them balance out the types of merchants, reducing your direct competition.
Don’t forget to check the rules for vendors. Some events require you to have liability insurance or have permits or licenses. There may also be rules about the types of signage or lighting you can use in your booth.
Next, plan the logistics. Figure out how you’ll get your products to and from the event, and how you’ll set up your booth. Some events allow you to rent tents and tables, which can be convenient since your space will already be partially set up when you arrive. You can also hire or schedule employees to help you work on your booth. Depending on how busy the event is, having extra employees can make it easier to serve customers and give you a break when you need to take a break.
Order enough inventory for the event. Visiting other events can give you an idea of how much other vendors are bringing. Make sure your product line is appropriate for the event, audience, and season. For example, if you’re exhibiting at your local Earth Day festival, you’ll want to focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products. If you’re a vendor at a music festival, you might want to opt for clothing that matches the fans’ style. And if you have unused inventory from your physical or online store that matches the market, bring it to the event to boost sales.
Create a list of essential items you will need for the event, in addition to inventory. For example, be sure to bring the following:
A mobile point-of-sale device to accept payments for your merchandise. Make sure you understand how to collect sales tax , especially if you are exhibiting in a city or province other than your own.
Weather protection gear, such as umbrellas and waterproof containers to store your goods in if it rains, a portable fan if it’s hot, and zip ties and weights if it’s windy.
Healthy drinks and snacks that keep you hydrated and energized. Festivals can last a long time, and you don’t want to be hungry or thirsty all day.
Point of Sale Software for Your Business
Whether you run a restaurant, sell retail merchandise, take appointments, or simply need a versatile POS solution to grow your business, we have a point of sale software that will serve you best and meet the unique needs of your busine
Kiosk design
Think carefully about designing an eye-catching booth that fits your branding and showcases your business name. You can also look on Pinterest for ideas or attend other festivals in your area. It may be helpful to do a test run; set up your displays at home to make sure they look the way you envision.
+ There are no comments
Add yours