Vendors Are Customers Too

One of my problems with being a vendor at craft shows is making too many purchases. Since there are always two of us at the table, we often walk around and talk to other vendors. Which of course, leads to buying stuff. Many vendors do this, often times before the show or when they can "sneak away" for a few minutes.

A few weeks ago at a large craft show I was making my normal rounds before the show actually started. I came across a very large, nicely set up display of homemade gourmet mixes. You know the kind - dip mixes, teas, breads, etc. The table was set up for the most part, with samples already set out. There were cute signs and information carefully layed out on the table for customers to read, and at least 2 vendors working this table. The name itself caught my eye, since it's one I had thought I'd seen online, so I wanted to ask them a few questions.

I stood there for a few seconds, waiting for one of the vendors to finish her conversation with a personal friend. After a minute or so, they began to talk about a mutual friend of their's and his medical conditions, which happen to be something most wouldn't want to hear when looking at food. I couldn't get away from their table fast enough, I was disgusted! Not only did the vendor not acknowledge me in any way, but proceeded to talk to a friend about matters you do NOT want to hear when around food. Several hours later, I purchased a beer bread mix from their competition just a few tables down.

Some might say, "What's the big deal? The show hadn't started yet and you were a vendor!". While it's true the doors hadn't been officially opened yet, there were still other people around. Don't forget that vendors are customers too. There hasn't been one single show that I've been to where I didn't buy something from another vendors, or a vendor didn't buy from us. We treat EVERYONE like a customer, and because of that sell to several of the other vendors every time.

Basically what can be learned from this is don't ever write off a person as not being a customer. It doesn't matter how nice of a set up you have, if you aren't giving your full attention to every single person that walks by regardless of who they are, you are going to loose out!

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Anita DeFrank & Kara Kelso, authors of Direct Sales Success, specialize in coaching direct sales representatives to reach their goal of becoming successful in their field. For additional help at offline events, visit http://www.directsaleshelpers.com/offline-events.htm