Vending 101: Lessons from the Road (and the Parking Lots, Parks, and Craft Halls)

It's been a whirlwind season of events lately — some indoors, some outdoors, and some so hot I thought my tent might melt! I’ve seen it all. I’ve been to farmers markets where the meat and produce vendors didn’t show, and I’ve been to events where two people working my booth never sat down because we were so busy. Some moments are exhausting, some are exhilarating, and some are a mix of both. Staying positive in the challenging moments isn’t always easy, but that’s part of what makes vending interesting. With all of that in mind, I thought it’d be a great time to answer some of the questions I’m asked most often about vending at art and craft events.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into choosing the right market, keeping things organized, or how to stay positive when the weather isn’t cooperating, this one’s for you.

How Do You Choose Which Events to Vend At?

Choosing the right events can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. It’s worth taking some time to research the organizers themselves. Some are brand new, while others have years of experience. That makes a huge difference!

Try looking up reviews or chatting with vendors who’ve participated in their events before. Pay attention to how well-organized things seem. Did vendors receive clear information ahead of time? Were the organizers attentive and helpful? Sometimes, the difference between an excellent event and a flop is as simple as communication.

If you can’t find much info online, go visit one or two of their events first. Chat with the vendors there — they’ll give you the real scoop. A high turnover of vendors (lots of new faces every time) can be a red flag, while loyal vendors who return again and again are usually a sign of a solid, well-run event.

Also, take note of how the event itself is promoted. Are there social posts you can share? Flyers? A website? Do they help vendors advertise, or are you on your own? If tickets are being sold, make sure you know where they’re sold and at what price. All of these details affect how successful the event will be for everyone involved.

What Do You Bring to Make Setup and Teardown Easier?

I cannot recommend enough the use of a very large beach cart. Truly — it’s worth its weight in gold! I’ve seen vendors use laundry carts, moving dollies, and all sorts of creative rolling contraptions. However, my personal experience has been the best with a heavy-duty beach cart that has big wheels, brakes, and cup holders. I found mine on Amazon, and it completely changed how I move my setup in and out.

The key for me was paring down what I bring so everything fits in a single trip from my vehicle. It saves time, energy, and sanity — especially when everyone’s trying to load out at the same time.

How Do You Price for Events Versus In-Store?

Pricing can shift depending on the event. Your store rent is a fixed cost, but vending fees vary, and that changes the equation.

If an event fee is modest ($20–$60), I usually keep my prices the same as in-store. I’ll hand out business cards and invite people to visit the shop for a bigger selection. That helps turn event visitors into store customers.

For higher-cost events (especially multi-day or themed ones), I may raise prices slightly or create special themed items. For example, a book festival might inspire extra pens and bookmarks, while a gothic market might call for dark, spooky pieces even if it’s out of season. Specialty events often mean specialty materials — and a little extra planning — so pricing adjusts to match.

How Do You Handle Bad Weather or Low Traffic Days?

Those days are part of the bigger picture. You’ll have amazing ones — perfect weather, great crowds — and you’ll have rainy, sweltering, or slow ones too. Staying positive isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. The trick is remembering that you’re still representing your business no matter what the day looks like.

People might not remember your exact words, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. If they duck under your tent to escape the rain and you’re friendly, kind, and upbeat, they’ll associate that warmth with your brand. But if you’re grumbling about the weather or the turnout, that mood sticks too.

It’s not easy — especially when you’re tired, wet, and hungry — but gratitude really does shift everything. I remind myself that I get to be there, meeting new people, sharing my work, and making connections. I’ve seen firsthand that a positive vendor can turn a bad-weather day into something memorable, both for themselves and the people around them.

What’s Your Best Tip for Connecting with Customers at Outdoor Markets?

Think connections first, sales second. Outdoor markets can be busy, distracting places, and people are often half-focused — chatting, checking phones, hunting for a specific booth. Instead of trying to “sell,” just start a conversation.

My favorite tip is to compliment and follow with a question. “I love that bag — where did you get it?” “What a cute kid — how old are they?” “That dress is gorgeous — does it have pockets?”

This works for anyone, and men can absolutely make it their own too. Maybe someone’s wearing a sports shirt: “I love that team — did you catch the last game?” Or noticing someone’s shoes: “Those look great — are they comfortable?” A hat, jacket, or any small detail can spark a conversation. The key is genuine interest, not style of compliment. When done sincerely, it naturally draws people in, no matter who’s giving it.

A question opens the door for a real exchange, and genuine interest always feels better than a sales pitch. I’ve had people circle back later with friends or family because they remembered that brief, positive interaction. You never know where a kind word might lead.

How Do You Keep Inventory Organized Between Events and the Shop?

Our POS system tracks inventory across all sales, whether in-store or at an event, which makes life much easier. But even a simple spreadsheet works when you’re getting started.

The key is to know your stock at a glance so you’re not packing up for an event and realizing you’re out of your bestsellers. Start simple — list general categories like pens, coffee cups, journals, and earrings — and refine as you go. If you sell themed or seasonal items, you can track those separately once you know your rhythm.

What’s the Biggest Lesson You’ve Learned from Vending This Year?

Positivity and gratitude go a lot further than you think. Every event, every person, every organizer — they all remember how you treated them. I’ve seen vendors who barely look up from their phones and don’t get invited back, and others who radiate kindness and end up overbooked from word-of-mouth alone.

Even when events flop (and they will), there’s always something to learn. I try to thank the organizers, tag the event, and share a few photos as a recap afterward. Being heartfelt and grateful goes a long way — both for your reputation and your own mindset.

Vending can be wild, unpredictable, exhausting, and sometimes downright challenging. Every event adds another story to the pile and another lesson to tuck away for the next one.

If you’ve got vending questions or stories of your own, I’d love to hear them in the comments. And if you spot me at a market, come say hi — I’ll be the one with the beach cart and the big smile.

Community Connections: The Heart of Vending

At the core of our vending adventures is the community we cherish. We thrive on the connections we make with our fellow artisans and the families who visit our booths. Each event is an opportunity to share our creativity and passion with others.

We often host workshops that allow our Collectors to dive into their own creative projects. These gatherings are not just about crafting; they’re about building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

Our Free Library is another gem in our community. It’s a space where we can share stories, ideas, and inspiration. We encourage everyone to take a book, leave a book, or just come to chat.

So, let’s keep the spirit of creativity alive! Whether you’re a seasoned vendor or just starting, remember that every interaction is a chance to spread joy and warmth. Together, we can create a vibrant tapestry of creativity and connection in our local area.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get crafting and connecting!