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10 Steps to Finding Vendor Events!!
1. Google: search for your city, county and/or state along with the words festival, fair, events, shows, etc.
2. Go to the website of your local city/town, county or Chamber of Commerce. They will usually have a list of all upcoming events. If there is no website, look up their number and call and ask.
3. Facebook is a great source for event information. In your "Facebook search box", search for groups with the words "vendor" and/or "events" along with your city, county and state. Join these groups to get updates on events.
4. Search local newspapers for upcoming events.
5. Do searches on Google or Facebook for holidays such as "spring festival", "relay for life", "Christmas", etc. (along with words like event, festival, expo, etc.)
6. County or State Fairs
7. Network!! Going to chamber of commerce meetings, mixers, business women gatherings, etc. and talk with everyone there. People will share information and events with you. Exchange contact information so you can share with them too. Also...just because someone is already with another company, they may still be watching you and your business. They may be looking for a 2nd business or something new to replace what they've been doing. Don't just look for events...look for new recruits! Share the love of what you do!
8. Go to a festival as a shopper. Talk to the vendors. Get their cards, Build relationships. It's great to have someone to share events with...when you both do an event, you may be able to setup next to each other and watch each other's space while you take bathroom breaks, etc.
9. Here are some websites that are nationwide to search:
www.craftlister.com (although this one didn't seem very user friendly to me)
www.artfaircalendar.com (some art fairs or craft fairs only allow hand made, homemade items and don't allow commercial/direct sales vendors)
10. Check with local schools, churches, senior centers, clubs, organizations, etc. There are so many events every single weekend, especially during the spring and summer.
Also, check on holiday shopping events to assist children in schools or senior citizens. These can be very profitable.
Events!
Events are a GREAT way to introduce Paparazzi to new people, find new customers, hosts for parties and new Consultants/Business Partners as well!
It's a great way to sell a lot of jewelry and make some moolah as well. Here I have tips on locating events, festivals, shows, fairs, expos, etc. as well as tips for setting up outdoor events and interacting with customers.
My very first event the day after receiving my 100 piece starter kit in 2012.
My second setup at a senior living apartment community.
1 year after becoming a Consultant...notice 3 things...
1. The gallon water jugs being used as tent weights.
2. The large $5 sign - great attention getter.
3. The display leaning on the table on the left due to the wind.
2 years as a Consultant...notice all the bungees attached to the top of the tent to secure everything. Watch the videos provided here for lots of tips in keeping your outdoor events secure. We learned a lot of valuable lessons.
Additional Important Event Tips
1. Paparazzi Accessories Policy & Procedure requires there be only ONE booth or tent at a single event. You can team up with other Consultants together in one booth, but not separate spaces.
When you fill out an application for an event, regardless of your "Doing Business As
Name", always enter Paparazzi Accessories on the application. Also, write a note on
the application reminding the event coordinator that you should be the only
Consultant there for your company.
2. Once you have your event booked, email Paparazzi with all the information/details at yourshow@paparazziaccessories.com After the show, if a customer loses your contact information, they can call Paparazzi directly and find out who you are through that event info.
3. Call Paparazzi Corporate at 1-855-697-2727 and ask them to email you a copy of your state's "sales and use tax registration". Print this out and take it with you to all events. Some states and/or event coordinators require this information on the application or at least with you at the event.
4. Some events require liability insurance. Check with Direct Sellers Association or your local insurance agent. Here is another option to check: http://www.pro4.us/direct-seller-liability.asp
5. Selling jewelry at an event is always great, but networking to book future parties and meet new Consultants is key at events. Look to the FUTURE!
* Retail the Jewelry and Accessories (Today’s Earnings).
* Book Home Parties (Tomorrows Earnings).
* Sponsor Consultants (Potential Earnings Forever).
6. Never sit! Do not look at your phone playing on Facebook or texting! Stand outside your booth/tent and speak to everyone that passes by. Always smile and at least say "HELLO"! Ask if they've seen Paparazzi Accessories before. Tell everyone that everything is only $5!!
7. Network with other vendors. It's a great way to learn more about doing events and about other events they attend. (And many vendors see how awesome Paparazzi is and want to become a Consultant too!)
8. Always arrive early, setup and be ready at least 30 minutes before the event opens. Be prepared for early shoppers or other vendors shopping before the doors open to the public.
9. Never leave an event early! (Unless you have an emergency of course.) Many people show up at/near the end of an event and that is also a great time for other vendors to shop with you as well. I'm almost always the very last person to leave because I pack up slowly and have LOTS of other vendors shop with me at the end of the event. Always leave your event space clean when you leave.
10. This goes without saying, but just in case.....WEAR YOUR PAPARAZZI! If you have multiples of a piece or blockbusters, wear one yourself to showcase it. Dress the part and look professional for each event, whether it's jeans at a motorcycle event or dressier for a church event or women's expo for example, but no matter the event, wear LOTS of bling!!!
Here is a series of short video snippets on everything from selecting a tent, securing your space to handle weather conditions, display ideas, how to sell to customers, upselling, packaging purchases and more!
Southern Women's Show - Large Multi-Day Expo
HAVE FUN!!!
Remember that you are a BUSINESS OWNER and you represent not only your business, but Paparazzi Accessories as well and present yourself appropriately with professionalism.
A "Paparazzified Diva" has a high standard with integrity and honesty. Remember that even when you don't think so, people are always watching you and deciding if they want to trust you enough to be your customer, hostess or business partner/team member. So look, act and BE the part!
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Two tents working together with my business partner, Dionne Moragne for July 4th!
More Tips:
- If you have electricity available, take a fan or portable A/C for summer events
OR put up your walls and take a heater to an outdoor winter event.
***Having a fan, A/C or heat WILL attract people to your tent!!!***
- If your event will go beyond sunset, make sure you plan for lighting.
You will need lights, a way to mount them and the appropriate extension cords to accommodate them.
