Summer vendor season is officially in full swing-and whether you're planning to sell at outdoor markets, block parties, or festivals, this guide is your go-to prep plan. Whether you’re a first-timer or a pop-up veteran, these practical tips will help you show up confident, organized, and ready to sell. Plus, I’ve included a free checklist you can download to make sure nothing falls through the cracks!
☀️ Why Pop-Up Shops Are a Big Deal for Small Business Owners
There’s just something magical about summer markets. Maybe it’s the sunshine, the smell of kettle corn in the air, or the sound of music playing in the background while people stroll with snow cones and local coffee in hand.
But beyond the fun vibes, pop-up shops are a golden opportunity to:
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Get in front of new customers who may never find you online
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Build trust and connection through real conversations
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Test new products and pricing
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Grow your email list
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Collaborate with other vendors
I’ve seen firsthand how in-person events can breathe new life into a business. And I’ve also seen the behind-the-scenes chaos that can come when you're not fully prepped. So let’s make sure your booth is stress-free, scroll-stopping, and set up for success.
📦 Inventory & Booth Setup Tips
Let’s start with the foundation—your stuff and your space.
✔️ Do an Inventory Check
Make sure you’ve counted your product and packed more than you think you’ll need. There’s nothing worse than selling out halfway through and missing out on potential customers.
✔️ Clear, Obvious Pricing
People don’t want to guess or have to ask. Use small signs, tags, or printed price sheets to make everything easy to understand at a glance.
✔️ Table Setup & Display
Flat tables = boring. Instead, create layers and visual interest with:
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Crates, baskets, or boxes
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Risers to add height
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Tablecloths to pull it all together
Bonus: Do a full mock setup at home. Take a photo and bring it with you so you (or your helper) can recreate it without stress.
🧰 The Ultimate Vendor Kit (Don’t Leave Home Without It)
You’ll want to pack a vendor kit with everything you might need, even if it feels extra. Trust me-future you will be grateful.
Essentials to Pack:
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Payment tools: card reader, Square, or contactless payment options
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Cash box and small bills
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Shopping bags or branded packaging
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Business cards or flyers
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Portable phone charger
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Scissors, tape, safety pins, zip ties (yes, really)
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Water, snacks, and hand sanitizer
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light sweater (because, weather)
Think of this like your “mom bag” for events—it may look like a lot, but every single item has a purpose!
📲 Promote It Before You Pop-Up
Showing up is half the battle, but if no one knows you're going to be there, you’re leaving sales on the table.
Start Hyping the Event at Least 1-2 Weeks Before:
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Post countdowns in your Stories
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Show behind-the-scenes prep: packing product, building your display, loading your car
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Share location, hours, and parking info
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Tag the event and other vendors to cross-promote
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Tease exclusive in-person-only offers (freebies, bundles, or discounts)
People love to feel like insiders—so let them in on your journey.
💡 On the Day of the Event: Energy + Engagement
Once your booth is up, it’s go time! Here’s how to make the most of your in-person presence:
Be Approachable
You don’t need to be a sales machine—just smile, say hi, and stay off your phone. Greet everyone who walks by. A warm hello can turn a casual browser into a buyer.
Capture Content
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Take a selfie at your booth
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Get video of your setup
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Snap photos of shoppers (with permission!)
You can use this content for future posts, email marketing, and even vendor applications.
Collect Emails
Set up a QR code or simple signup sheet for a giveaway or discount. These are your warm leads—nurture them!
Make Vendor Friends
Seriously. Some of my best biz collabs and friendships started in the vendor row. Say hi to your neighbors. Follow each other. Support each other.
🎁 Don’t Forget Your Free Pop-Up Checklist!
I’ve compiled everything from this post into a printable, easy-to-follow Pop-Up Shop Checklist. It includes all the prep steps, a packing list, marketing reminders, and post-event to-dos so you’re never scrambling last minute again.
👉 Download Your Free Checklist Here
Pop-up events don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Some of my most profitable vendor days happened when the back of my booth looked like a hot mess. What matters most is showing up, being present, and planting seeds for future growth.
So take a deep breath, grab your iced coffee, and remember—you’ve got this.
And hey, if you’re doing a pop-up soon, tag me on Instagram @aguonstudios so I can hype you up. If you’re local, I might even stop by!