Hello Friends! Selling your wares during the summer months can be rough. Reaaalllll rough. Starting out my new business, I am spending tons of time outside. Here are some tips I have learned so far 🙂
1.) Prepare the night before. Although this sounds like it’s common sense, you will be surprised how easy it is to not be as prepared as you thought the day of your fair/show case. What I like to do is create a check list so that everything goes as smoothly as possible. I make sure that my products are appropriately packed for traveling and double check my check list on the day of the event just in case I overlooked something the night before. Organization is key to any successful business.
2.) Get a good night’s sleep! Not even good, get a GREAT one. Try to get at least 7 hours. I honestly prefer 8 but some of us aren’t so lucky. Be sure to turn off all lights, televisions, radios and anything else that will keep your subconscious active. The more sleep = the more cheerier and proactive you will be. No one likes to purchase wares from a grumpy salesperson!
3.) SPF! SPF! And more SPF! Trust me, sunburns (as many of you know) are NOT FUN! A couple of weeks ago while at Coney Island selling my crafts, I didn’t think to put on sunscreen because of the cloudy weather. BIG mistake. Even with an umbrella and clouds in the sky, sunscreen is still important to put because you can still get burned. So to avoid this:
Make sure to use plenty of protection! I actually had the pleasure of speaking with Makeup Artist Samantha Lennon on how important SPF is. “The first thing to know about SPF (Sun Protection Factor) following a number is that the number is a basic indicator of how long you can stay in the sun before getting burned” Lennon says. “UVB rays from the sun cause sunburn and UVA rays from the sun are the silent killers because you don’t feel it but they are the primary cause of skin cancer, wrinkles, and a weakened immune system. Even on a cloudy or hazy day, all the sun’s rays are present and damaging to your skin. As a general rule, it is best to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. You must apply sunscreen liberally (meaning not a little layer) and most people do not. Not applying SPF has to many consequences so don’t take the chance!” So what are some great products to use? Lennon explains, “Most people think SPF can be too oily, break them out, burn or all of the above. Products are formulated better than ever, and you want to look for ones that are fragrance free, oil free, and/or mattifying. A few of my favorites are from La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid 50, as well as Estee Lauder Time Zone Line & Wrinkle Reducing Lotion SPF 15, and Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25. There are a few options that should fit everyone’s budget. And don’t forget to apply liberally on your chest and on the back of your hands.” Besides getting sunburned, Skin Cancer can result with no protection. Be smart and use some!
4.) Drink Lots and Lots of Water! Feeling like you just swallowed a bag of sand isn’t fun, neither is dehydration altogether. Drinking juice or soda won’t cut it either, WATER is key. Some symptoms of Dehydration include dry mouth, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and weakness; all aspects that you can definitely do without when selling your wares to potential customers. Be sure to also know exactly where a bathroom is in the event that you have to use it. Also, set up an effective system to protect/manage your wares when you have to leave your table.
5.) Bring the appropriate accessories! Is there a chance of showers? Is it going to be hotter than the Sahara Desert? Researching the temperature the day before will allow you to bring (or not bring) certain things that can deem necessary to your selling experience. Because I sell candles, I have to make sure that the temperature on my table is cooler if it is 100 degrees outside. I bring my handy 8 ft. umbrella along with coolers, ice packs and a portable fan. Although the umbrella mainly serves to block out the boiling sun, it is also great to have if it begins to drizzle. Either way, make sure to have accessories for all sorts of weather conditions!
6.) Decorate! This is one of my favorite things to do when selling to the public. Decorating your table not only makes it more appealing for potential customers but adds more depth to the products you are selling. Being one of many basic marketing strategies, decorating your selling space reflects your lovely style to customers and even leads to more potential purchases! If you are not decorating savvy, there are plenty of websites out there that offer inspiration. Don’t be afraid to look!
7.) Have a safe money system! Envelopes really won’t cut it. They can get wet, get lost and take long to go through if you’re piling up cash. I prefer a cash box. They are light, transport easily and lock!
8.) Last but not least, STAY POSITIVE. Sometimes you may go a few hours without making a sale but keep your head up! You never know if someone may stroll by and purchase half of your stock! Therefore it is important to keep a smile on your face along with a positive mind set. We all win some and loose some but it is important to keep your cool 🙂
Although there are plenty more tips to discuss, these few helpful tips should add to the success and happiness to your sale. Good luck! 🙂
Paige's Perfections 