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I set up a booth at a vendor fair on Saturday. First of all, I was an hour late. I thought it started at 11, but it started at 9, so I got there at 10am!! That really didn't matter. I paid $45 for a table. Absolutely nobody came!! There was no traffic! We (all of the vendors) decided to pack up and leave 3 hours early, except the vendor that put on the fair. She gave no apologies whatsoever. I am furious about this and cannot believe I wasted my time and money!!

To make matters worse, as I was leaving I noticed the signs to let the public know what was going on. They were white poster board with barely visible black writing. Nobody could see what the signs said as they were passing by. Also, this was held off a side street in the country. There were no signs on the main highway either! The lady that put on the show did say when I got there that she did all of the advertising that she could. Where was it?????? There wasn't even an ad in the local paper! I will never go to one of her sponsored fairs ever again!

Thanks for letting me vent

Brandy
Celebrations Specialist

This sounds VERY frustrating!

A question for you and for future vendor events....

- What was the advertising plan to begin with ? Did she do what she said or are you not sure of what the advertising plan was? You should always question the advertising & follow up to make sure it is being done. If nothing else, the person who is suppose to advertise will feel the pressure to get it done!

How many vendors where there?

I have done a few of these events and have found that the vendors need to take some responsability in getting a crowd there.... as a vendor, you should be advertising to your customers, your friends, your family and your fellow consultants. If you have 10 vendors in a room and everyone is expected to have ATLEAST 25 guests there, you would see atleast 250 people (225 of which are new for you) and add this to what should have been done for advertising, it shouldn't ever be a total bomb.

It is frustrating when an event is a bomb! Good luck with future events, I hope the next one turns out better.

Mary

Here is what the advertising was supposed to be:

Advertising: The Free-Lance-Star, Flyer to costumers
Parent Magazin/Fredericksburg,
Stafford Sun,
American Legion Newsletter, Signs on the road

There were 16 vendors that showed up, some never showed. I couldn't advertise to customers because I don't have any customers yet. I just started this business. I don't think it would've made much difference anyway because I was two towns away from where I live. I had never been to this town before. I think the sponsor totally failed on her part.

I will definetly do more research and checking up on future events. Luckily, my future events have been going on for several years now so I know they'll have traffic.

Thanks for your input!!

Brandy
Celebrations Specialist

Thanks Mary!

Brandy
Celebrations Specialist

Well, I did anyway. You think that because it is a vendor fair and that you are paying for the space, people will come by in droves! Not always the case. I learned that I needed to ask a few questions before I paid my registration. Here are a few questions that I ask now.
1. How many years has this event taken place?
2. What is the average number of vendors and the average number of visitors to the event?
3. Is this an inside or outside event. If it is a first come, first serve event for indoors, I usually don't participate.
4. What is provided for my registration fee?
5. What type of advertising has been or is being done?
6. Can you give me a reference of a previous year vendor?

If they are hesistant, or not truthful, you will probably find that out from these questions. I hope this is helpful.

Also, if it is much more than $40, I usually visit that year and decide if I want to pay more for the next year. You can always get on the list for next year, if you like what you saw.

Signed,
Learned the hard way....

Julia Johnston
Senior Representative
Signature HomeStyles
www.fun2decorate.com
jj13634@signaturehomestyles.biz