TOMS Womens Canvas Review

Hi friends,

We are always trying to find ways to assist children in need and wanted to share this information with our readers. I recently purchased a pair of TOMS and I wanted to post a review on the product. I was pleased with the overall shoe is indeed very comfortable and I can wear these shoes all day with ease. Also,  it felt rewarding to know my one purchase helped provide a child with a pair of much needed shoes.

For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need

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Outdoor Vending Review

Hi there,

About a month ago I had the pleasure of participating as a vendor at an outside art event in Miami, Florida. As you all know I am a certified event planning professional and have recently launched an online consignment boutique. I wanted to take some time out and write a brief review of my experience as a first time vendor at this event.

Here are a few things in which I love or didn’t love about the event. Yes, you know I must give my honest opinion about my experiences rather good or bad... so here we go.





Pro's                                                                       Con's

Enjoyed the fresh air                                             Being exposed to Miami's humidity

Nice turnout                                                        Age demographic was older than anticipated

$25 vendor fee                                                    Passed put over 100 flyers and business cards

The event was actually nice however we quickly learned the location of the event was nestled in the middle of a retirement beach community. The products we were showcasing are mainly for 20-35 year females. I enjoyed the event however and promoted the products via business cards and flyers. 

Lesson learned: Although I asked the event organizer regarding the age demographics of the target guest, I should have went a step further and find out more about the area's demographics as well. 

 

Photos from our outdoor vending experience 

SMH What about the vendors!

Hello friends,

It has been a while since my last post and this past weekend I attended an event as a vendor for the first time in a long time. Everyone knows me as a event planner of events such as Chocolate Chat Atlanta, Women's small business expo in Miami etc. Since the launch of my new brand Eleanor B. online women's retail store I will start to participate as a vendor at various events as a marketing tool for the store.

My future posts will reflect my experiences not only with planning events but also, my experience with vending as well.

Now the good stuff... Keep in mind I only give constructive criticism... okay here we go...

•  I immediately noticed the lack of promotional efforts leading up to the event (Bad sign)
• No promotional efforts for the vendors were in place such as logo or website mention etc.
• Poor turn out.My opinion is if you cant predict your turn out then maybe you shouldn't tell your vendors your expecting 250-300 guest and have less than half actually show up.. just my personal opinion. 
• I can't tell anyone how much to charge for vendor tables however be mindful of small business owners budgets and also the FACT that your are uncertain of your turn out. As a vendor If I pay $100 or more for a vendor table YES, I expect to see some traffic. Again, just my personal opinion.  

My advice to you as a vendor..

1. Ask the right questions.. I will explain later
2. Pick and choose wisely to maximize your marketing budget
3. Find out what events are already going on the day of the event
4. If possible ask around to other vendors their last experience with the particular event 

My advice to the event organizer...notice I said organizer not planner BIG difference.

1.  Be mindful of small business owners with ridiculous vendor fees when only 50 people attends your events.
2. Research what other events are going on in your city before you organize or plan an event
3. If possible be realistic with your expected attendance numbers it only make vendors unhappy when we prepare for a certain amount and less than half attends. 
4. Hire Marketing help notice I said HIRE not obtain volunteers  BIG difference.
5. Show appreciation to your vendors and sponsors because with out them you wouldn't have a budget for the event.

Ahhh feels good to get that off my chest lol I must say it was an experience made a few bucks back and obtained a couple emails for my email marketing campaign.

I would love to know how you feel please leave a comment with your opinion since everyone has one. Peace & Blessings to you.

Curious about my new brand Eleanor B.?  Lets connect on face book
 https://www.facebook.com/Eleanorbcom

Curious about my projects as a event planner? Review photos and testimonials on the links below

Luxe Events: https://www.facebook.com/luxeeventsatlanta

Chocolate Chat Atlanta: www.chocolatechatatlanta.com

Happy Vending ! 
Dianna Hicks