Business Know-How: Do’s and Don’ts at Vendor Shows

Vendor Shows can be a great place to promote and share your product or service.
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Do’s

1. Do: A smile and greeting

• Customers are drawn to those having fun and being welcoming. With a big crowd, catching customers with a smile, and a hello can make a difference. A great way to start is: “Have you heard of (your company/ product/service) before?” and “Have you tried it and liked it?”  Prepare to see if there is anything you can assist with or a simple “Enjoy the rest of the event!” if the answer is no. If they say yes, this is your way in! Be ready to discuss your product or service. Whether it’s to hand them a sample of your food or a pamphlet discussing your packages, putting a piece of jewelry on them, or letting them hold a cockroach (I’m looking at you, bug exterminators). Show you are interested in them!

 
2. Do: drawings, coupons & specials

• People love free swag. Pens, paper, koozies, sunglasses, and even phone charges are in high demand.
• When it comes to prizes and drawings;  This is an opportunity to gain potential customers’ contact info. Collecting names, emails, and phone numbers gives you more contacts for your newsletter and a chance at new customers. A great way to draw is after the event, to get the winner into your place of business – they now know where you are and can see your success!

 
3. Do: Follow up fast

• Whether you’re collecting leads, inquiries, or contacts for the drawing, make sure you follow up within 24-48 hours. Following up with them via text, email, or newsletter will plant a seed and help them remember you in the long run. This also gives them a timeline for how responsive your customer service is.

Don’ts

1. Do not: Simply sit behind the table

• Create a unique and different display. Simply moving the table to the side opens your booth and gives you the space to invite attendees in. Standing up shows that you are interested and approachable and helps encourage conversation. It will assist in customers being more comfortable looking at your products. They then won’t feel like they’re bothering you by asking questions. Make eye contact, offer your assistance, and do not be on your computer the whole time! If you must enter client info, see Don’ts #2 – do not come alone.

 
2. Do not: Come alone

• Vendor shows are an exciting time to discuss and share your company. Having a second person assisting you at the booth will allow for more exposure and keep conversations flowing. This will also allow you to take turns meeting other vendors to network or take breaks.

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 3. Do not: Wait till the day of the event to plan your booth

• Practice setting up your booth ahead of time, to see what ideas you come up with and what works the best. Your logo/name needs to be front and center of the booth! Banners or pullup signs are your best friend when it comes to promotion and sales. You want your logo easily visible for attendees to see.
• No one likes flat paper on the table. When potential clients pass your booth, they’re not seeing a product that is flat on tables. Find clear plastic signs or risers to hold your flyers/product up and be in their line of sight.

 
Chamber Member

1. Printers & Publishers
2. Signs & Banners
3. Promotional Products & Apparel

 
More great articles about vendor showcases:

1. LocalShops1.com
2. EvergreenMedia.com
3. GetArchd.com

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​The Temple Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the success of our members and quality of life in the greater Temple area. The Chamber provides a venue where business owners, leaders, and their staff can connect, learn, and grow.