For our candle business, we do vending events/farmer's market every single weekend, sometimes both days. We've been doing this for the last 2 years and through our experience of being out in the elements every weekend, here is a checklist of things that are a must for us to have at outdoor events.
- Food and water - be sure to bring food that can be eaten on the go and fast (it can get busy!) and of course, plenty of water
- zip ties - zip ties can come in hand when you want to tie your signage to your canopy or need to hold things down in the case of wind
- string - if you run out of zip ties, string will save you!
- tape - if you have things that rip (the wind can be a big issue with this!), tape it down!
- table cloths - don't forget to bring table cloths for your tables
- tables - be sure to do a test setup before you head to your event so you know how many table you want to set up
- chairs - we don't suggest sitting when there are customers walking by BUT you do get tired so chairs are a must
- canopy - don't forget to bring a canopy to protect your products
- canopy weights - be sure to weigh down your canopy with at least 40lbs on each leg, you'll be surprised as how fast the wind can move your canopy up if it's not weighed down
- canopy walls - bring walls to protect your products from the sun and/or rain
- scissors - you'll need these to cut your zip ties and string
- clamps - bring clamps to clamp down your tablecloths in the case of wind or to put up your signage on your canopy
- signage - get professional signage of your brand and bring it to your event! Customers should be able to know what you sell when they're walking by
- pricing - don't forget to bring a pricing list that can be displayed
- permanent marker/pens - sometimes thing sell out and you'll have to adjust your pricing fast
- table stands/product displays - bring all your product displays, play with height and don't lay your products flat on the table; height draws attention to your products
- shopping bags - you'll want to have bags ready for your customers
- tissue paper (if you sell any products packaged in glass) - protect glass products with tissue paper; we use the colors of our candle brand
- trash bag - you'll be surprised at how hard it can be at some of these events to find a trash can, so bring a trash bag to be prepared
- business cards/flyers - bring plenty of business cards and/or flyers to pass out to your customers
- card reader - you'll want to accept debit/credit cards so bring a card reader
- cash for change - bring plenty of change so you can also accept cash payments
- fake bill pen - if you accept cash, be sure to invest in a pen that can detect counterfeit bills
- portable charger - bring a portable charger so you can keep a charge on your electronics
- hand sanitizer - this one is a must for us, we encourage all our customers to sanitize their hands before and after they touch our products
- extra layers (if it's cold) - be sure to wear layers if it's cold because being outdoors can mean that it's freezing in the morning and then super nice in the afternoon; if it's going to be cold all day, then bring hat, gloves and a scarf
- hand and foot warmers (for cold weather) - it can get cold out there!
- propane heater (if it's cold) - this one has helped us SO much during cold weather; we've brought up to 4 heaters to stay warm
- portable fans (if it's hot) - this one is also important if it's above 80 degrees
- cooler and ice (if it's hot) - keep your food and drinks cold by being prepared with a cooler and ice during hot weather