Gina's First Vendor Fair: What's the Best Way to Get Customers?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around strategies for engaging customers at a vendor fair, particularly regarding the distribution of catalogs and promotional materials. Participants share their personal experiences and preferences on what to give out to potential customers.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, plans to distribute mini-catalogs and recipe cards while bringing a few full catalogs for those who book shows.
  • Another participant shares their experience of giving out full catalogs, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the complete product line and hostess rewards.
  • Several users mention using old catalogs to save costs, suggesting that many attendees may not keep the materials they receive at fairs.
  • One participant notes that they only provide catalogs to those who fill out an information sheet, ensuring they collect contact details for follow-up.
  • Another participant discusses the effectiveness of providing order forms alongside catalogs to facilitate orders from those without internet access.
  • One participant mentions that their catalog serves as a calling card, justifying the cost of giving them away despite the risk of attendees not placing orders.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to distributing catalogs, with some participants advocating for giving out full catalogs while others prefer to limit their distribution to mini-catalogs or old catalogs. No clear consensus emerges on a single best practice.

Contextual Notes

Participants share varied experiences from different vendor fairs, highlighting the importance of adapting strategies based on individual business styles and customer interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants participating in vendor fairs may find these shared experiences helpful in shaping their own strategies for customer engagement and material distribution.

ginamkiely
ginamkiely
Messages
851
Hi,
I'm participating in my first vendor fair tomorrow night and i bought 200 holiday mini-catalogs and 200 chocolate bliss recipes cards to give out with my information on it.

BUT, several people in my cluster say the best way to get customers is by giving an actual catalog. I was only going to show 3 catalogs in binders and give a catalog to people who book a show with their guest list. (mostly to keep costs down)

What's your opinion?

Thanks for your help!
-Gina
 
I give out catalogs. I figure that the cost is minimal and the potential customer gets to see the full line of products... and I can show they the Hostess Rewards portion of the catalog.... which is what I want.. to book shows.
 
I try to give out old (last season) catalogs at fairs and such. If you don't have old ones then do as you have planned and give most people the recipe and minicatalog and those that book a full catalog. It will save you money. Most people throw the things they pick up at fairs away anyway.

Add a sticker saying "If you want a full/current catalog please call me". Those that are really interested will call and you will have saved money on the rest.
 
I dont give out catalogs. I have one in the binder, and if they want to order they can thru that. If they want a catalog I tell them its available on my website. (draws attention to your website and perhaps future "surprise" orders).

I do give out mini catalogs and flyers I make up with host special for the upcoming month.

Right now I have one with Holiday packages on it, I print both sides. Some have Come Join Us info on it...etc.

I never give out catalogs---UNLESS I give out OLD ones with a label on it "I know this catalog may be old but look inside and you'll be sold" info
 
You bought the mini-catalogs, stick with those. Just tell them that is shows all of the new products and they can check your website for more of a selection! That gets them to do something if they are serious about shopping...I would have a hard time spending about 50 cents a person (between catalogs and recipe cards) and only getting a few orders...Many people grab and stuff in their bag and never look again...You can have a few actual catalogs handy for those who ask for a full one.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks for all the great responses. I'm going to stick with my Mini's and recipe cards but bring 25 full catalogs for those who book and maybe a few others.

Thanks again!
 
Just wanted to add that if it's a multi-vendor fair some folks will come just for catalogs. Be sure to have order forms too... not everyone has access to the internet so if you make it easy for them to order, you'll be fine. At the open house I did, I'd give a catalog with an order form. Some folks just went through, taking catalogs and that was that for them. My catalog though, I feel is also my calling card with my info on the back and could end up in more hands than just that, so I easily justify the cost of the 'loss' on that. Just stamp your contact info on anything they could possibly walk away with... and make sure that even if they don't order or book that day that they can easily get in touch with you. If you can, get them to fill out an interest/drawing slip so you have THEIR information as well. In fact you could request that everyone who gets a catalog at least does that much so you can follow up with them. ;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
lkprescott said:
Just wanted to add that if it's a multi-vendor fair some folks will come just for catalogs. Be sure to have order forms too... not everyone has access to the internet so if you make it easy for them to order, you'll be fine.

At the open house I did, I'd give a catalog with an order form. Some folks just went through, taking catalogs and that was that for them. My catalog though, I feel is also my calling card with my info on the back and could end up in more hands than just that, so I easily justify the cost of the 'loss' on that. Just stamp your contact info on anything they could possibly walk away with... and make sure that even if they don't order or book that day that they can easily get in touch with you.

If you can, get them to fill out an interest/drawing slip so you have THEIR information as well. In fact you could request that everyone who gets a catalog at least does that much so you can follow up with them. ;)
Click to expand...


that's a great idea too, if i don't have your number/address you are not getting a catalog! thanks
 
At the one I just did - I had order forms sitting out, and the Holiday Mini Catalogs - and then, if they picked up an order form and a pen - I handed them a catalog (which I had behind me). So, all those who placed an order also got a catalog. If they booked a show, I gave them a host packet - and went over it with them briefly. Because I was booking Jan/Feb, I let them know that I would be in contact with them several times between now and January.
 
Hey I have worked severval fairs and booths since starting my business last year. I only give out the mini catalogs to anyone who fills out the information sheet that is used at our shows. Because you need their contact info. Most want call you back and I only give the full catalog to people who book a show or place an order that day. I always get enough orders to turn in for a small show so I can get the host special for that month. I hope this helps but remember there is no wrong way to do the booths because this is your business so alsways to do it the way that feels right for you. /o/
From MS.
pam
 
BethCooks4U said:
I try to give out old (last season) catalogs at fairs and such. If you don't have old ones then do as you have planned and give most people the recipe and minicatalog and those that book a full catalog. It will save you money. Most people throw the things they pick up at fairs away anyway.
Click to expand...

What a GREAT idea! I still have like 30 unused old PC catalogs from Spring/Summer. I've been sitting around trying to figure out what to do with them. Thanks for the idea!!!! :D

Also, we had a fair in our town last week and the other PC consultant in town had a booth (so I couldn't get in). She was handing out catalogs left and right without taking any information (aren't the catalogs over 60 cents this season?). At least THREE people I know picked up catalogs from her and yet are turning in orders to me. Two came to me and said, "I picked up a PC catalog at the fair..." and said they either wanted to do a show with me or that they needed to turn in a new order. I promise I didn't suggest that they do this, but the were all excited to have a fresh catalog. Poor gal. :blushing:
 
Last edited:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best strategies to attract customers to my vendor booth at Gina's First Vendor Fair?

To attract customers to your booth, create an inviting display with eye-catching visuals and organized product arrangements. Offer samples of your products, as tasting can entice potential buyers. Engage with passersby by greeting them warmly and asking questions about their cooking needs. Additionally, consider running a giveaway or a special promotion to encourage people to stop by and learn more about your offerings.

How can I effectively promote my participation in the vendor fair before the event?

Promote your participation by utilizing social media platforms, sending out emails to your customer list, and posting on community boards. Create excitement by sharing sneak peeks of what you’ll be showcasing and any special offers available at the fair. Encourage your friends and family to spread the word, and consider creating an event page to keep everyone informed about your booth's location and offerings.

What types of products should I focus on showcasing at the vendor fair?

Focus on showcasing your best-selling and most popular products, as these are likely to attract attention. Additionally, consider featuring new items or seasonal products that may appeal to customers. Demonstrating products that solve common cooking problems or enhance meal preparation can also draw interest. Highlighting items that are versatile and can be used in various recipes will resonate well with attendees.

How can I follow up with potential customers after the vendor fair?

Collect contact information from visitors to your booth, such as email addresses or social media handles, through a sign-up sheet or a digital form. After the event, send a thank-you email to everyone who stopped by, including a recap of the products you showcased and any special offers. Personalize your follow-up messages based on their interests expressed during the fair to build a stronger connection and encourage future purchases.

What should I do if I don’t make many sales at the vendor fair?

If sales are lower than expected, take it as a learning opportunity. Gather feedback from attendees about what they liked or didn’t like about your booth. Analyze your display, product selection, and engagement strategies to identify areas for improvement. Consider following up with leads you collected and maintaining a presence on social media to keep potential customers engaged for future events.

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