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Having hosted dozens of handmade markets over the last decade, Picks and Giggles has built a reputation for curating the best local vendors and services our communities have to offer. 

 

Holding a high standard of excellence for our markets not only ensures that we can create amazing customer experiences, but also helps us cultivate a strong network of like-minded business owners who can motivate, inspire and support each other for the long haul. 

That’s why we take great care when selecting vendors for a market. We aren’t just facilitating good brand experiences; we’re building a culture. 

If you’re thinking about applying for a P+G market or other larger handmade vendor event, there are a few things to keep in mind. We are all about supporting new businesses and helping you take the next step forward, so that you and your business can shine! 

Here are four of our top tips for submitting a strong vendor application that will stand out among the rest. 

How To Prepare A Strong Vendor Application 

1 // Show up on social media

 

You have to talk about your business to have a business. If you’re not posting about your handmade business on social media, you are missing out on key opportunities! 

Our number one piece of advice to any handmade business owner is to be active on social media. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer FREE opportunities for you to market your business and build your audience. As you connect with your followers and they get to know who you are, this builds customer loyalty. 

At Picks and Giggles, all of our market vendors receive a social media package of professionally pre-designed posts that they can use on their own social platforms to promote their business. These media packages include graphics about the market location, time & date, and even some fun DIY posts that businesses can customize to their liking. 

2 // Send high quality photos of your products

 

Photography is a huge piece of your brand presence. Good quality, high resolution images enhance your professional image and can be a powerful tool in supporting your brand story. In fact, close to 70 percent of website shoppers say that product images are very important when deciding whether or not to make a purchase (source: MDG). 

Think about the people and brands you love to follow. As business owners, imagery helps us tell our stories and communicates our level of investment in what we’re offering, which in turn generates customer interest. Images are often the first touchpoint for prospective customers, and the quality of a product just can’t be conveyed if images are blurry and poorly lit. 

While it’s true that a lot can be accomplished with an iPhone, it will always have limitations. Getting professional photography (or some good camera equipment) is a business investment you will never regret. 

 

3 // Share your story

 

Tell us what makes your business unique! Every business starts with someone’s dream, and every dream starts with a person and their story.  We love hearing what makes you tick, and why you do what you do! 

Storytelling is crucial to building your brand. In fact, 55 percent of customers report being more likely to buy from a brand if they have a compelling story (source: Nutcracker). 

If you don’t believe in your story, no one else will. Your story is a pillar of your business that helps hold everything else together. Get used to telling it, over and over again! 

 

4 // Include a customer review

 

Send us a review or two of your product or service! Having a portfolio of happy customers is a huge testimonial to who you are as a business. Positive customer reviews communicate trustworthiness and professionalism – which is exactly what we’re looking for. 

 

We are so excited to be able to resume in-person markets this year, and look forward to meeting many more amazing entrepreneurs and local makers!  If you live in or around the Greater Toronto Area, be sure to check out one of our upcoming events – we’d love to meet you.

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