If you’re toying with the idea of taking your online shop to the next level then this post is definitely for you. I stumbled on these photos of my first attempt at taking my brand AVEADENA out of the digital world and into the real world. I went into this with the hopes of comparing selling on a digital platform versus selling on a physical platform.
Acquiring a booth at a bazaar is one of the many ways to put up a temporary “brick and mortar” type of shop. There are also Pop-up Stores, Trunk Shows, and the like but bazaars are the easiest to join. With bazaars, the only thing you have to worry about is your booth because the bazaar organizers will handle everything else.
Tips and Tricks to Joining Bazaars
1. Know Your Brand
Bazaars are great platforms to acquire first-hand insight on your brand and product offerings. Take the time to talk to your customers and find out what appeals to them and what your brand can improve on. Trust me, you will be surprised at the feedback you collect. It is a great way to get valuable information on how to elevate your customer’s experience of your brand.
2. Research
Choose your bazaar wisely. Before signing up for a bazaar (actually for anything in life) do your due diligence–research! Find out the track record of the bazaar. Was their last event successful? What is the expected foot traffic? Are the event sponsors and media partners reputable? Exhaust every question imaginable before coming up with a decision.
The location of the bazaar should also be considered. If the location is not easily accessible then less people will drop by.
3. Know Your Market
It is very important to know your target market so you can join bazaars that they would actually make an effort to go to. Look at the branding, target market, and location of the bazaar and make sure it is in line with your branding and target market, as well. If these aren’t in line then you shouldn’t even bother with the bazaar. Even if you join the best bazaar in the world, if it’s not one that your target market would frequent then there will just be hundreds of people just passing by your stall. If you’re lucky, a handful of products may be sold. Now why would you want that?
4. Visual Merchandising
Do not underestimate the power of visuals. The entire look of the booth can make or break a sale. Since bazaars are packed with booths, customers base their purchasing choices on their first impression of a booth. This is where the booth set-up and visual merchandising come in. It is important that the booth is attractive (to entice customers to enter) but, at the same time, reflects your brand. Showcasing your best items upfront is the best way to attract customers.
5. Cut Costs
Since getting a booth in a bazaar is a financial venture, making a profit is vital. It is important, especially for first timers, to cut costs wherever you can.
There are various ways to cut costs. Sharing a booth with another brand cuts your rent expense in half. Manning the booth yourself instead of hiring a sales lady saves you money as well. Bringing your own food saves you the hassle of buying food from the stalls at the venue. These are just simple examples of ways to minimize your expenses.
6. Be A Girl Scout
Like anything in life, you should always be prepared for anything. Take some time to go over what you need or might need for this venture and just have them ready. It also helps to run-through possible scenarios that could happen and come up with solutions to each scenario.
From the top of my head, bazaar essentials include petty cash, business cards, tape, markers, pens, paper, packaging, and the like.
WARNING: There are people out there who take advantage of the bazaar set-up and find ways to steal. Gadgets are the no. 1 target so keep all of your electronics, especially laptops, in check.
7. Build Your Network
Don’t even attempt to be an island, you will only be hurting yourself. Building your network is very important to make your business successful. Interacting with your current customer base and acquiring new business relationships is the key to sustaining a successful business.
There are two types of relationships that you can acquire at the bazaar setting: customers and entrepreneurs. Building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs comes in handy when it comes to acquiring inside knowledge on improving your business. It is self explanatory to build relationships with customers.
8. Be Memorable
First impressions are very important. Leaving a good impression with every single person you come across benefits your brand. The way you come across to the public affects the way people see your brand.
Don’t forget to have your business cards handy when you meet new people.
9. Don’t Be Discouraged
You can’t expect to earn thousands of pesos overnight so don’t give up on your first attempt at this venture. It is a step by step road to success so take every step slowly but surely and experience your business progress.
10. Learn From Your Mistakes
No matter how this venture leaves you, either up or down, learn from it. There are so many things that cannot be taught or read about. Experience is the best teacher so value all the lessons you take away from every venture.
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Happy Hunting!