Being a small-business vendor often involves traveling to events that attract your core customers. Whether you sell vintage clothing or vegan treats, your business demands exposure to the right crowds who're in the mood to splurge. Small-business owners have several options when it comes to selling their goods and services, from festivals to flea markets. Explore the costs associated with these commercial spaces so that you can see your items move like hotcakes.
1. Flea Markets Flea market booth rental prices vary widely, so it makes sense to compare costs before you settle on a particular event. Generally, a 10-by-10-foot space costs between $40 and $200 per day. Some events, such as Kobey's Flea Market in San Diego, California, ask for a seller's license in addition to the space's cost. Their spaces are usually defined as two parking spots in a lot divided out for the event. Other events, including Traders Village in Arlington, Texas, charge for spaces based on being covered, uncovered or sheltered within a building. Consider your goods and services before selecting these spaces. If the weather is agreeable, an uncovered space offers a low cost for maximum selling power. Flea market booth rental prices can also be charged by the day, week or month. Each event is unique, which gives you a chance to have a regular space if the selling is plentiful on most weekends. For example, try Dated Faded Worn Vintage Swap Meet for a quarterly event on your schedule. Spaces range from $120 for a 7-by-12-foot space with no wall to $170 for a 10-by-14-foot space with a wall and social media posts included. 2. Pop-Ups Nearly all events require a fee from the vendors. Renting a trendy, pop-up shop is another opportunity for small-business owners because of the low costs associated with the office or retail space. As an pop-up host, the average cost of a pop up shop is an hourly fee based on the space's size. They can range anywhere from $85 to $200 an hour or more. Consumers love pop-up shops because of their limited time of being available. They must buy now or lose out. The average cost of a pop up shop is reasonable when you compare it to your returns.
3. Art Festivals If you're comfortable with a pop up shop cost, think about expanding to art festivals. They're a bit more expensive, but they can draw thousands of people to the site over several days. The Taste of Addison in Addison, Texas, costs between $250 to $1,000 for each space during this event. Alternatively, try the Deep Ellum Art Festival, which costs at least $5,000 for a 10-by-10-foot space. Although these charges are substantially more than a pop up shop cost, the returns can be significantly higher because of the event's popularity and clientele's purchasing power. Keep in mind that every event has a unique cost that's based on popularity, location and other factors. If you decide to skip a few events because of cost, remember that your effort put in at other locations can make a difference in your sales numbers. Small-business vendors can see success when they focus their minds on stellar service for every customer.