Paying the vendor event fee for your booth at an upcoming show or expo can be a hit to the wallet. We've attended countless events and have found the best ways to earn that money back before, during, and after the event.
The best way to ensure you make back your vendor fee before an event is to have a game plan. Know what you are selling and who is your target customer. That will allow you to create an experience ahead of time to engage your audience and increase revenue.
Consider the event theme or an upcoming holiday. Let your audience know you will be selling that seasonal product or service, and they'll be ready to show up and buy.
You may consider using paid-in-advance classes to earn back your vendor fee. Set up workshops (if the event space allows) and create a discounted rate for those who sign up before the event. Your booth will fill with excitement on event day, and you'll make money before the event even starts. The group you bring in will be able to take part in other vendor booths as well, so it is a win-win for everyone!
It might seem like a no-brainer, but you have to let people know where you will be. If you are attending an upcoming event, spread the word! Invite your social media following. Write a blog post. Send out emails to previous customers. Whatever you do — don't miss the opportunity to start event day with a steady stream of customers.
When you arrive at the event, make sure you exude positive energy and look like you are having the time of your life! No one wants to hang out at a booth where the owner looks sad or like they don't want to be there. Even if you feel that way, don't show it!
Take pre-registrations for scheduled classes that you have planned. You want to make sure each person who wants to attend a class with you has all the proper supplies. There's nothing worse than not having enough supplies for each participant?!
Set out samples or visuals of your products so that everyone who walks by knows exactly what you sell. Your entire custom display should reflect your brand and draw people into your booth to find out how they can engage with you.
It may seem counterproductive, but make sure to visit a few other booths and do some networking! Take the contact information for anyone you might want to cross-promote in the future. You never know who else might have a "friend of a friend" in need of your services.
The money is in the follow-up. Make sure you have the names and emails or phone numbers of everyone who signed up at your booth during the event. Follow up with them within a day or two of the event. When you wait too long you risk them forgetting about you. That's a terrible way to lose revenue.
After you've nailed the sale, make sure you have the plan to stay connected with your customers. Add them to your email list (with their permission of course). Offer them discounts. Invite them to come to another vendor event. Making and keeping those relationships will benefit your business long term.
There are plenty of ways to make back vendor event fees. The more effort you put in ahead of time, the more successful you will be. If you don't have your custom-designed event display, it's time to get one today. Contact All In Canopies™️ and make that next vendor event a complete success!
