10 Tips to Get Ready For a Pop-up Market
Pop-up markets are important ways for small businesses to drive sales, create brand awareness and connect with loyal customers. We want you to be successful at any pop-up event always! With that in mind, here are 10 key tips and reminders to get ready for the big day.
Marketing: While the brand who is hosting the pop-up will do their part to promote the pop-up event, it is important that your brand also markets the pop-up via your social media, website and email channels. The brand should provide you with graphics for this reason. If you are doing your own pop-up, ensure you create strong, eye-catching visuals to use. Make sure you also create an event hashtag as well.
Price point: Remember that by definition, a pop-up is an activation that either a) provides customers first dibs at a new product or specialty item or b) offers a cheaper price point than your usual figures. Many new small businesses fumble on this point either by choosing to be in pop-ups with out-of-range price points or having items priced to high at these events. Keep this in mind as you strategize on how to price your products in prep for the big day.
Inventory: If you are vending at someone else’s store or curated event, you have a right to ask them about metrics and how many visitors may be expected etc. You should then use this information to determine how many products you should pack. Whatever you decide - always have extra on hand in your car etc. Be sure of course to always have your best sellers on hand!
Pack your pop-up bag. Have everything you need to vend with success! This includes at minimum the following: scissors and/or box cutter, tape, brochures or marketing cards, signage or something with your logo, extension cord, a tablecloth, pens, bags to put sold items in, business cards or a QR code display and of course, devices and chargers, & snacks/water etc! It’s going to be a long day, so be fully armed and prepared for anything!
Be ready to accept cash. While swiping reigns, never ever turn down cash. Make sure you have change ready on hand. You may also want to have a Cash/lock box or money apron to secure this money during the event.
Have a POS (Point of Sale) system. Be ready to have some way that you can accept credit cards (ex. Square). You may also want to have a table sign with QR codes or Cash App, Venmo, Zelle or Paypal if you accept business funds via these payment systems.
Have a system/method to collect emails from customers & prospectives. Use a sign-up sheet on a clip board, an iPad, or a Kiosk . Whatever you decide, don’t miss out on the opportunity to add new email accounts to your client database!
Secure a diverse team (family, friends etc.). You need help to vend at a pop-up successfully. Ensure everyone is wearing branded gear and/or your products. Make sure you assign everyone a task. i.e. someone to: pack, take payments, collect emails, or even silently scout the competition at the event.
Get creative with your space. Consider the space you have and how you will convert it into magic! Use decor to spice up your area. Think fake plants/foliage, table props, styled mannequins, Christmas ornaments, mirrors etc. Do whatever you can to set you apart from boring table displays that don’t attract a customer to you.
Email your list within 24 hours. Follow up with a thank you to your table visitors/customers and add some spice with a deal, a free resource etc.
That’s it! Hopefully, the next time you vend at a pop-up market, you’ll be more prepared than you ever have been before!
Are you experienced at pop-ups? What else would you add to the list?