Skip to main content

Vendor Packing List


This month I had back-to-back markets, so I thought what better time than now to share my vendor packing list!

 I usually set up shop at local Farmers Markets or indie craft fairs that tend to be on the smaller size. Mostly because I find that my products tend to fit in better at these events & locations.

 These events may only last a few hours, but there is certainly a lot of prep-work that goes into them.

 Most markets require you to submit an online application several months in advance. Generally I write out a list of what events I want to attend and then start searching for application details. Once I have all the information, I'll set reminders on my calendar so I don't miss the deadlines. Be sure to have photos of your booth display and products on hand to submit with the applications.


Once accepted, the entrance fees are generally around $25-35, depending on the event. The organizers will send you load-in time, vendor booth number, load-out details, and general event guidelines and rules.

 Next I work on creating my booth itself. Tent, tables, racks, baskets, etc. This didn't happen overnight. I started out with what I had on hand and then slowly added items as time went on. Pinterest has a ton of ideas, so definitely start there!

 And then begins the biggest hurdle, making inventory! I usually start making as much product as I can as soon as possible. You will want to have enough stock so you can replenish your stand as the day goes on. It took me a few markets to figure out how much I would sell on a normal day, so now I have it down pretty solid how much inventory I need.

 For me, I like to have everything packed and ready to go in the car the night before an event. Or at least packed and by the door for an easy load in. The morning of an event you want to be relaxed and just hop in the car because you will be doing plenty of work at the market itself!

My last few words of wisdom are bringing water and snacks/lunch along with you. You might not have the time to run and grab something, plus it saves you some cash. And most importantly you don't want to pass out!

 So here we go! Here is my go-to packing list for pop-up shops! Do you have anything to add to the list? We would love to hear your ideas.

 Happy vending!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bamboo Cutlery Sets

Friends! It's been a while since I last posted on here, but I am listing some awesome new bamboo cutlery sets tomorrow so I wanted to pop back on and give you a quick sneak peek! This is a product I've been dreaming up for quite some time. When I started my shop a few years back, my goal was to make products that help people move towards a "zero waste" lifestyle. Combing that goal with my love of creating and sewing, I started a small Etsy shop and decided to blog along the way. Admittedly I got a little distracted over the years (pretty fabrics and zipper pouches, what can I say!), so I'm eager to get back on track and bring you more eco-friendly handmade goods. But have no fear, my zipper pouches are not disappearing! I'm certainly not a sustainability expert, but my background is in biology and public health and I love brining that knowledge out here. I'm hoping to share more on what I am doing in my own home to make small, eco-friendly chang...
11 comments
Read more

What I learned: my first farmers market

At the beginning of May I set up shop at the Lowell Farm Market for their "I Heart Mom" event. And it was a blast!    ( picture courtesy of The Farm Market's Facebook page ) This marked my first time ever selling handmade items at a market. Intimidating and terrifying, for sure. But also a very fun experience. My intention wasn't to sell a ton, but to learn as much as possible. Having one event under my belt, I feel more prepared and excited to sign up for more in the future. Back in the beginning of the year, I set three goals for my shop: 1) open an Etsy account and list at least ten items (done!) 2) sign up for at least one market/craft fair (done!) and 3) start blogging (done!). Only five months into the year and I've already checked everything off the list. Not too bad! So here's how it went. I registered for the event pretty late and only gave myself a few weeks to pull things together. Not the best idea, but I pulled through. It meant...
2 comments
Read more

Market time again!

Last week we packed up our goods and headed over to the Ashland farmers market for their sustainability day and we had one of our best selling days ever! The weather was gorgeous, the people were friendly, and the feedback from customers was beyond supportive and positive. I even had a few people run back to my booth around closing time to pick up some more goods. Overall a wonderfully successful day that not only re-motivated me, but made me realize that following my dreams isn't so crazy after all! We set up shop with our usual tent, but this time added a nice new handmade sign. A definite plus for getting our name out there! Although some people were wondering where the papayas were...And please ignore Axel who looks so thrilled in the background of every picture. I swear, he really was excited to be there! There was a huge turnout for the market's sustainability day event. All the vendors had a focus on reusable and sustainable products, so our produce ba...
1 comment
Read more