BEST PRACTICES FOR EXHIBIT SUCCESS from SBTDC at NCSU
In order to make the most of your exhibiting experiences,
we are pleased to provide these “best practice” tips.

·        Before the Event

·        Review the Vendor instructions and/or FAQs that were previously provided

·        Market your participation in the event extensively, and request sharing

§  word of mouth to family, friends, coworkers, customers, etc.

§  social media pages

§  website calendars

§  e-mail blasts

§  bulletin boards at work, neighborhood businesses, etc.

·        Set pricing for your items, including quantity discounts, and apply price tags if appropriate

·        Consider how you will package your products when sold at booth (bag, box, etc), type of receipt, etc.

·        Do a practice table set up at home in advance & photograph so you can quickly & easily replicate it when you set up… try to visualize how the shoppers will see it as they walk past (if you were them, would you stop to check your table out?)

·        Train all booth personnel in your products, FAQs, sales process, etc.

·        Setting Up:

·        Arrive as early as possible to bring in your merchandise, set up your table, visit other vendors tables, scope out rest rooms, etc.

·        If you are bringing your own table or display pieces, please arrive even earlier so you are not blocked by or inconveniencing other vendors

·        If you need assistance, seek out event organizer or a show volunteer

·        Table Presentation

·        You will be provided with table draped with a black cloth but feel free to use your own table drape to convey your brand colors, holiday theme, etc.

·        Arrange your merchandise strategically & attractively

§  Avoid clutter… a confused mind never buys

§  Do not necessarily display every one of every item unless they are all unique
(keep some under your table as inventory to replace purchased items)

§  Use creative display pieces and/or holiday decorations (can be found inexpensively at Goodwill, on Amazon, etc.)… use multiple heights to create visual interest

§  Clearly display clear signage that includes

·        pricing & quantity discounts (if any)

·        type of payments you accept (perhaps include a QR code if you have online payment options)

·        special attributes about your products

§  Display flyers, brochures, business cards, etc. so shoppers can patronize you after the Bazaar

·        Consider using a backdrop behind your table up to block out distractions and add visual interest

·        If any of your products will be tried on, consider having a mirror available

·        Create a form & conduct an Enter To Win contest to gain attention and get info for a mailing list (request name & email address at the minimum). Prize can be a product or gift certificate from your business, an Amazon card, OR something else that may be appealing. Have pens available for shoppers  to fill out the form. NOTE: if you do this, best practice says you should select and notify the prize winner within 48 hours of the event.

·        Provide candy or some sort of freebie to those coming to your table… promotional products with your business name & contact info that will be retained for a long time are particularly good.

·        Wear a shirt with your business’ logo or holiday apparel… name tags are a nice addition

·        Transactions

·        Bring enough cash and change in the correct denominations based on your product pricing

·        Sign up for and/or test your existing online payment options in advance (eg: Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, etc.)

·        Bring a calculator to allow quick calculation of discounts, sales tax, etc.

·        During The Event

·        While you will be provided with chair(s), it is best not to sit behind your table… consider standing behind or to the side of it, not in front as it will block shoppers from seeing your products

·        Refrain from eating at your table

·        Solicit business cards and make notes to remind you about something they said, were wearing, etc. (to be used during post-event follow up)

·        Stay off your phone except to consummate sales

·        Stay alert and engaged with the shoppers as they approach your table… in fairness to the other vendors, try not distract them from other tables they may be visiting

·        Do not play music or any other audio that will distact other from other vendors or stage speakers

·        Have your table “manned” at all times

·        After the Event

·        Keep your booth set up and manned until official closing time of the event

·        Be courteous to your fellow vendors as it relates to moving your products out of the room/loading your vehicle

·        Complete organizer’s survey quickly and honestly, if provided

·        Follow up with booth visitors, prize winners, etc. within 48 hours to reinforce you met them at the event and

§  Thank you for visiting booth

§  Suggest a visit your store, website, social media, etc. OR phone/zoom discussion

§  Offer a special, limited time promotion (be clear about details and expiration date)