Yesterday I had an opportunity to be a vendor at a small fall market. There were only 22 vendors, but the booths were filled with lots of wonderful items, including handmade quilts, yummy chocolates and breads, chalk painted shabby furniture, autumn home decor, colorful jewelry, and handmade soap. I haven't done a market in several years, and it was the first time solo, so it was fun for me to plan my set up in the weeks prior to the show. This was an indoor venue, inside a church with a multipurpose sanctuary, so I didn't need to bring a tent with weights or worry about bad weather. The folks running the event were exceptionally helpful. They came around with bottled water and snacks periodically, and they provided a generous box lunch from a local Chic-Fil-A. Did you know that Chic-Fil-A has waffle potato chips? There was even a chocolate chip cookie for desert. It was yummy!
Since I had plenty of product - over a dozen different types of soap, scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, quilted hot pads, and cotton dishcloths - I focused on the booth itself. I needed two folding tables, tablecloths, and signage. The first thing I did was pull out the old chalkboard that I had used for many years in our homeschool when my children were young. It definitely needed a make-over. After a few coats of fresh black chalkboard paint, it looked fashionably shabby, but now was more usable for what I hoped would draw people in to sniff, touch, and buy my soaps.
Since I had plenty of product - over a dozen different types of soap, scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, quilted hot pads, and cotton dishcloths - I focused on the booth itself. I needed two folding tables, tablecloths, and signage. The first thing I did was pull out the old chalkboard that I had used for many years in our homeschool when my children were young. It definitely needed a make-over. After a few coats of fresh black chalkboard paint, it looked fashionably shabby, but now was more usable for what I hoped would draw people in to sniff, touch, and buy my soaps.
Besides using ewe lamb wordplay and imagery, another aspect of my branding for The Lathered Lamb is the use of aqua and black as the primary colors. I bought aqua fabric and made a somewhat fitted tablecloth for my soap table. Black buttons held the black and white faux chalkboard banner that I made to complete the look. The SOAP banner really stood out even across the room, and I was pleased with the overall effect. I displayed some of my soaps in aqua baskets, some in white bowls, and others in dark purple trays which matched the purple wooden crates that held the cotton dishcloths on the second table.
From the leftover piece of aqua fabric, I made a square table cover to accent the white tablecloth used on the second table, where my dishcloths and kitchen hot pads were displayed. The dishcloths turned out to be the most popular item sold besides the soap. There is a small niche market for knitted dishcloths "like Grandma used to make.," and the folks that bought them were delighted.
The final piece of the booth set up was a rack to display my one of a kind knitted scarves and cowls. I had found a small make your own chalkboard paper banner, which was perfect to hang from the rack to coax shoppers to browse my neckwear offerings. The scarves got many looks, a few got tried on, but none went home with someone new, much to my disappointment. However, temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s here in north Florida. The "cold" weather doesn't really get here until January and February. Actually the months of October, November, and December are usually beautifully mild and are a wonderful respite from the long, hot, muggy summer.
This market was also the first time I could use the Square gadget on my tablet. It was a breeze to use, and I was able to print out a summary of the day's sales when I got home that night. Overall, this fall market was a success. I sold enough to make the booth fee and more. I went home with less product and more cash than when I came, so I was happy.
My wonderful husband accompanied me the whole day, helping me set up and take down, and mostly keeping me company. My two daughters stopped by, as well as several friends who knew I would be at this event. Talking with folks I knew and others who stopped by my booth to sniff the soap and look around was a pleasant way to spend the day. I might be tempted to join another local market if I have the opportunity again.
If you are an experienced vendor at an arts and crafts or farmers market, I would love to hear about your experiences. What is your favorite aspect of working a show? What helpful tips and advice can you give me?
Thanks for stopping by my booth for a virtual tour!
~Debbie
If you are an experienced vendor at an arts and crafts or farmers market, I would love to hear about your experiences. What is your favorite aspect of working a show? What helpful tips and advice can you give me?
Thanks for stopping by my booth for a virtual tour!
~Debbie
