10 Ways To Stand Out At Vendor Shows

Vendor shows are a great way to sell your items, but they can be overcrowded. So how do you stand out and attract people to your spot? We have ten easy ways to help you stand out at vendor shows!

1. Make your booth eye-catching! Use bright colors and bold signage to make your booth visually appealing, along with a clear display of your logo. If you have a brand guide for color use, be sure to follow it. If not, have a graphic designer make a color guide for your brand and follow it for cohesive messaging. Make sure your area is organized and clean at all times and add lights (even in the daytime!) for a warm and inviting appearance. You may also want to consider adding a photo centerpiece that encourages shoppers to take selfies in front of something with your logo, such as a flower wall with your logo on a sign. This is another place that warm and inviting lighting can help!
2. Make your displays interactive! This is easier than you’d think! Hang a tablet near the entrance of your booth that showcases your products, either in video or a slideshow of images. This is a perfect place to display your filmed product demonstrations as well as shots of customers enjoying what you have to offer. Give potential customers a sample or way to test your products.
3. Give away items! Branded freebies such as pens are an initial cost, but the brand recognition and reach that you can gain is invaluable! Be sure any samples or items you give away also include a business card with your contact information. You can also conduct a raffle for a small gift basket of your items.
4. Don’t forget the importance of social media! Typically the event organizer for vendor shows will do some marketing online and you should, too! Don’t rely on their posts and images, be sure to do your own posts as well as comment on their posts. Engagement is vital to build up a following and keep it. You may also want to include a post with something share-worthy such as a meme or a funny photo that will have your audience sharing it far and wide! You could even use a “code” on social media that customers can use for a freebie item or a discount. This will even work if you ask if they’ve seen the discount post on your social media and when they respond that they have not, offer to give the discount to them anyway and hand them a card with your socials on it. You could even say if they follow you now you will give them the freebie item or the discount. You could even hang a sign saying “Ask me for your 10% off discount code good for today only!”
5. Network network network! Host a networking event at your booth, such as a coffee chat. Provide seating in your space as best as possible and allow those with a shared interest to connect. The memory will include your business will have them talking about the great opportunity to have coffee with others as a break from shopping.
6. Comfort is key! There are often outdoor vendor events in the colder months, so have some sort of heating available for your comfort and the comfort of those shopping. It’s a great way to get people to linger for several minutes browsing your wares, and a busy shop is always an attention-getter! EVA foam mats with a throw rug over them will give your space a more upscale feeling and help you Increase Sales By Adding Perceived Value. In the hotter months, you cold even have a fan blowing from under your tables to give shoppers a burst of cool on a hot day.
7. Theme your space! Decorate your booth according to a theme that aligns with your brand or a popular industry trend. Your theme can even be as simple as a unified color, a branded entrance, or even a photo space for selfies. Inexpensive trellis sections creating a partial wall at the front of your booth can add allure and be used for displays that go along with your theme.
8. Location, location, location! If your show doesn’t have assigned spots, arrive early and look for a spot near the entrance that has high traffic. The best locations tend to be near the entrance, but not close enough to clog traffic as people are coming in, causing shoppers to feel rushed to pass by as they don’t want to be seen as blocking others. Look for displays or banners that might hinder views of your booth space.
9. Personalize your approach! Once you have shoppers in your space, don’t just look up from your device and ask if they have any questions. Engaged shoppers are more likely to make purchases. Start by greeting them and commenting on an item of clothing, a hairstyle or perfume. This will leave a lasting impression of being attentive without high pressure for a sale. Show a genuine interest in their needs and how what you have to offer can assist with that. Make sure you ask their name and use it at least twice in conversation.
10. Don’t stress! Sitting at a show and watching shoppers stop and make purchases at other booths can be stressing and disappointing, especially if you haven’t had many sales that day. But stressing about it can cause you to come across as more aggressive for a sale when someone stops in. Instead of stressing, put on some calming music, take a deep breath and work on creating a positive and memorable atmosphere. You’ll find more shoppers drawn to your booth space where you can charm them with the above tips and make them want to buy from you because of their experience (and quality of your goods!).

Vendor shows can be a great way to make sales as well as invite in future fans of your brand so take advantage of it! Engage shoppers, be interesting, make them feel welcome and comfortable, give them a sense of getting a good price, and have fun!