how to get a small stall at events

Sid_Wolf

I make dog products (wont go into details), and have sold these online via pet related forums and fb etc

I will hopefully be at a car boot this coming weekend, but I would like to reach a more specific market (away from the net) without the overheads of a shop

Something which appeals to me is stalls at pet related events, but I have no idea how to go about this? Do you simply approach organisers?

What I would love is to be able to have my sewing equipment and supplies on site, as the appeal in my products is that the customer chooses any combination of ribbon etc, so I would like to be able to have all my materials with me and have them able to choose which combinations they want, and have it made to order while they go off and enjoy the rest of the event. For this I would need an electric supply, is this possible at events like this?

Pennywise

Just phone and ask them. Most will do stall-bookings "in house" but some may use external agencies. You won't find out until you ask them. They'll give you a contact name and then you can take it from there.

Re power, again, you need to ask them. Some events may provide power, but usually at additional cost, but subject to the nature of the site, H&S etc. Most outdoor events will probably require you to bring your own power supply such as a generator for high power needs, or battery pack for low power equipment, or maybe you can get a converter and use your car cigarette lighter socket if you'll be parked alongside your stall.

paulwf

There is a stall selling home made dog biscuits at my local farmers market and they have been there for a couple of years so must find it viable. They take their dogs along which draws people over to their stall as everyone stops to say hello to the big sleepy dogs.

Could you start off by selling pre made items? It will make staffing easier and you won't need any electricity. Online shopping can also be different to high st. Online customers like to play around with different options before placing an order. Face to face people often like to grab and go and customisation can often confuse (people that hang out on specific forums tend to be experts who like customisation). That's a sweeping generalisation but don't neglect the market for pre-made no fuss ready to go products.

InsideInsurance

It is certainly as simple as contacting the organisors. Most will have the details on the show's website, if you look at PATS as a pet related example they have the following http://www.patshow.co.uk/page.cfm/Link=5/t=m/goSection=5

You would need to check with the organisors what exactly you get, what insurances are necessary (some require you to have PL cover in addition to your normal Product Liability but others dont) and any information about the space for any banners/ advertising you want to have created for your stand.

The people I have known to go to exhibitions have always said they only get a % of the returns on the day but also get a lot of additional customers from the shows after the day. It is therefore good for you if you work out a way to track where your customers are coming from to know if it is worth while doing it or not.

Sid_Wolf

Thanks guys

Yea I will have a variety of items made up for quick sale, and can give them contact details if they wanted something different

I'm going to start on ebay I think as well as the forums, see how that goes and if I get as good feedback from there (because they dont know me they may be more honest? though I do think my products are of good quality, I use them on my own dogs!) I will look at getting a stall.

This time of year is the event/fun dog show season, so taking my dogs along is questionable depending on the weather (I have siberian huskies), but I do have a very friendly staff type dog I can borrow for the day to draw people in with (though he may not be as appealing as the 'snow dogs')

OldGreyFox

Useful site for finding events is http://www.stallfinder.com/events-c9.html