How to Handle A Failed Vendor Event

So you did everything right.

You booked the event in advance.

Paid the fee.

Made sure you had plenty of inventory.

Watched all of the TikToks and YouTube videos on how to make a table more inviting.

Spent hundreds of dollars on tables and chairs and tablecloths and display boxes and flyers and gas.

Woke up early and make sure your outfit makes you look ‘put together’ and ‘fun’ and relatable.

And yet… you sold nothing.

This happened to me last Saturday.

It definitely wasn’t a bad event. The venue was adorable, it had tons of invites and shares and was well organized.

However.. no one came by the booth really. They glazed over it.

And as we sat and realized that even with all of the eye catching displays and a variety of heights and products..

Sometimes the crowd just isn’t your crowd.

And honestly.. that is FINE.

In the moment it felt like a bust, but then my sweet chauffer husband reminded me that 1)People don’t know what Lemoncholy IS..and 2)A lot of the people there were a much older crowd.

Sure.. the older crowd likes to read my posts, but what does a 71-year-old grandma need a black beanie for?

And it is true.. when you compare my things to hand crafted pottery or hand stitched teddy bears.. supporting a business with a bunch of skateboard decks and beanies certainly is the last thing on a lot of people’s lists.

So -

What can you DO though?

Honestly.. I just directed them back here. I printed out a ton of QR codes with a coupon on them that lead them directly to my website. If people stopped by my table, I gave them a coupon. I told them to read my blog, and if they did they could come back and use their visit as a coupon for my table.

Did they come back and use the coupon?

No.

Did they use the QR code to visit my website?

Yes!!

We are building BRANDs here, dears.

I’m trying to really get a GRASP on what I’m putting out into the world.

It started as an idea for a clothing brand - and turned into a lifestyle. My mantra of embracing the sour - and all that life throws at you became the banner I wave on this blog. I want to encourage you to be real and raw and to share - while looking cute doing it.

And I am very aware that building things block by block takes TIME. I went from table to table meeting other small business vendors. While my customers were few and far between, getting to know the businesses and demographic around me really made the entire day feel worth it.

I want to build relationships with those around me - not just focus on the numbers.

So next time your vendor event is looking a bit gloomy, can you point people to your website? Can you befriend the girl at the table next to you, and plan an event together?

Join together, know that next time you’ll be prepared, and enjoy getting to know this new community!

Welcome to the Island of Misfit Small Businesses-

You will hate and love it here.

XOXO,

Windham