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FIB - Scams 101 - Ye Olde Archives

One of my primary sources of income, in fact

Posted By: Mel. White
Wednesday, 13 April 2005, at 6:33 a.m.

In Response To: Setting up a table at fair (Deb)

> Hi. Has anyone setup a table at a fair and would have some advice?
Yes, I've done this at both indoor and outdoor markets.

> I am setting up a table in florida for earth day for miracle ii products
> (which are organic and fit in well with the theme). They suggest I rent a
> tent for 100 dollars which is a bit steep for me but it may be important
> if it's sunny all day or if everyone else has one.

See if you can rent an awning and not a tent. Awnings are open on all sides (in fact, you can buy a cheap one for under $100) and they're good for hanging signage or decorations on. If you think you might do more than one of these fairs, then invest in one and plan the decorations. Something eyecatching is good.

> 1) I was going to have people try out moisturizer and gel and give out
> brochures.

You *will* have product there, I hope? If not, it's simply not worth setting up if you're there to take orders (you can do that better at a home party.) Folks want something they can take home with them Right Then -- you don't have to have a full product line, but you need *something.*

> 2) I was going to take a little mirror and show how it cleans (ie put on
> lipstick and other things on it and then spray it off..)

Demonstrations are good, but what you REALLY need is a "shill" -- someone who will invite folks in for a look ("We've got Mothers' Day gifts for that Woman Of An Uncertain Age!") Once they're in, you do the demos. Teenagers, by the way, are often good at shilling (but do pay the darlings for their time. I always do this, and the teenager is happy with $6/hour and they usually bring in 4-10 times that amount per hour at a small fair.)

> Does anyone have any ideas (there is a great cleaning soap and a
> mositurizer which I thought would be the mian products to emphasize).

Look for something gift oriented. Yes, have your other products, but think about the upcoming Mother's Day holiday. You can triple your sales by orienting your product toward a nearby holiday.

Also, for the cleaning products, don't forget the "summer family reunion-getting the house ready" angle.

And have a few good stories, of the "Well, you know, I had this lipstick that I just loved and the top came off in my purse and it just nearly RUINED this pair of winter gloves that I had put in there, but I tried Rinso Blue on it, and I was just amazed that all the color came out..." Spin the tale out, make it humorous. People like chat and they like good stories. The longer they stay, the more likely they are to buy something.

> I am going myself I think so it's a lot to figure out. Another possibility
> would be to try and network with people at other tables .

Networking's good and will give you an idea of what else to try and where else to go. However, you have to time your approaches right (a good idea is to send your helper off for water and then have them stop at a nearby booth and ask if the vendor needs a cup of water. This breaks the ice in a thoughtful way and you are more likely to get a lot of information from them. And it's just "good neighborliness."

BIG KEY FACTOR: Plan your trip and GET LOTS OF SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE! I occasionally show up at these things just dead to the world, and it really shows in the sales.

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You'll find great information in this "Read Only" Archive, but remember..... things change.
Be sure to visit the Current Message Board when you're finished here.

We're very friendly, so don't be shy... just jump right in and post your question.
Scams outnumber legitimate biz ops about a bzillion to one, so it's well worth your time.



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