Do you have products to sell but have no store and no market exposure?
Consider selling at bazaars.
Seasonal bazaars are organized during the shopping months of November and December as well as during other special-themed months like February (Valentine’s) or May (fiesta time).
Various industry events, on the other hand, feature travel expos, bridal shows, construction and furniture displays, food sales, agriculture and trade shows, regional bazaars, weekend markets and so on. Start-ups can learn how to choose the right venues for their business in order to maximize their limited resources.
Most organized bazaars have their own screening process and not all applicants are taken in. Start-ups learn to be at par with seasoned entrepreneurs in presenting their business ventures when they apply for space in a bazaar.
Weekend markets and bazaars have rental fees ranging from five hundred pesos a day to seven thousand. Two or more start-ups may find it practicable to share booth rentals to save on fees while enjoying maximum exposure.
This model is cost effective because there is no fixed cost in space or store rental. Bazaars have fixed dates so you get to pay for the space on these dates.
Selling in bazaar can also get you close to your market. You get quick feedback regarding your merchandise and your service, especially if you man the booth yourself.
Targeted customers are easy to find, thus saving the start-up the challenge of gathering a target audience on its own. Specialized bazaars and organized events are starting to have a big following these days. These bazaars take care of gathering its own target customers.
However, you have to choose the bazaar you join carefully.
Canvass different bazaars first before getting committed to join one. Spend some time to study the place and the crowd. Do they charge entrance fees? Are they air conditioned or otherwise well ventilated? Are people buying or just strolling around? What products sell the most?
Keep an eye on the kind of customers the venues have. It should match the market for your products. High-end cakes and pastries, for example, will appeal to middle to high-income buyers.
Last but not least, you have to determine for yourself if you have what it takes. Joining a bazaaris requires physical stamina and discipline. Typically, you need to have set up your booth and ready to sell by 7 am. That means you would have travelled from your home to the venue, hauled merchandise, and laid them out for maximum exposure. You need to keep up a cheerful front as you deal with customers and try to entice them to your booth. You wouldn’t be able to call it a day till it’s close to midnight.
The returns may however be worth the hard work and sacrifice.
Photo: From yellowpages.com.au
