Indoor Pop-Up Essentials: 10 Items Every Vendor Should Have

Since starting my  small business and becoming a regular pop up vendor at a variety of markets, festivals and conventions, I've learned some important lessons on how to become a profitable and successful pop up vendor. I'm proud to say that my booth is often one of the more popular booths at the events I attend, and I believe it is because of the attention to detail and marketing decisions I make for my small business, on top of offering quality products. In this blog post, I'd like to share some of the top 10 must haves for small businesses when selling at a pop up event (specifically for indoor events)!

1. Company Signage

When I say signage, I would say definitely have the following types of signs for your small business:

• Company Signs or Banners: Have a sign that can be seen easily from afar that shows off your Company name, logo, and/or tagline. This is because in this day and age of increased social anxiety and technology, people don't always want to engage directly with your booth right away, because it means there has to be some sort of social commitment. By being able to see what your booth is all about from a safe distance away, the consumer can decide before they approach you to look at your products or services. I recommend a banner that can be seen above your booth either on a banner stand, or somehow displayed to be shown clearly from afar. Just make sure it is higher than you and your table (you don't want to block the view if you or customers are standing in front).
  
• Having a table runner sign with your logo in front is nice, but once people are standing in front of your table, no one will be able to see it. I often see people who only set up their tables with just the table runner as a way to show their company signage--it looks nice, but the ability to use height to your advantage in your display is crucial to standing out above the rest (so long as the event organizers allow it and you aren't obstructing the view of other vendors).
  • PRO TIP: Make sure your sign text and logo is legible, clear and has good contrast in color so that it is eye catching and easy to understand right away!
  • Get at least a 6ft wide banner by 1-2 ft" tall. Most events will provide at least a 6ft space for a 6ft table. If you plan on doing outdoor events, you can also use this banner on your tent! Just make sure to print on outdoor safe UV proof materials so you can use it for both indoor and outdoor.
  • If you can squeeze in a website, social media handle, or QR code, even better!​​​​

Heavy Duty Backdrop Stand with Base, 10ftx10ft Pipe and Drape Stand Adjustable Metal Frame Photo Back Drop Stand with Carrying Bag

I use this one--I like that the weights on the bottom of the legs are flat because a lot of the other backdrop stands have a three pronged triangle leg that often poses as a tripping hazard and takes up valuable space behind your table. This can be difficult when there is limited space at an event. These often have sections so you can make the stand as wide as you need it (it doesn't have to be 10ft, but it can get that big if you need it to be).​

US Weight 40 Pound Canopy Weight Set of 4 and Carry Strap with No-Pinch Design - Easy Installation and Removal to Secure Tents, Canopies, and Umbrellas at Outdoor Events

​For extra stability, you can place these weights around the poles of the backdrop stand. I don't always use them for indoor events, but I have them to use for my 10x10 outdoor tent when I do outdoor events as well.

2. Payment Method Sign

Make it easy for customers to pay you by having a visible sign that clearly lists all the payment methods you accept. The more options you offer, the fewer sales you’ll miss out on!

Interestingly enough, sometimes I have customers that automatically assume I only accept cash and are hesitant to make a purchase because they only have a credit card or digital payments, (even when I have my payment methods sign clearly posted!), and they will still ask me if I accept card. When I tell them I do, they visibly look relieved and are then able to make their purchase.

While some vendors may have personal reasons for not accepting certain payment methods, the reality is that setting up services like PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and other digital payment platforms is quick and simple. Providing multiple payment options isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a seamless and positive customer experience. When a customer is ready to buy, you don’t want payment limitations to be the reason they walk away empty-handed.

• Some things to consider:
  • ​I often see younger audiences (high school and college age) prefer Venmo and Apple Pay
  • Zelle has no fees!
  • If you get the Square Card reader, it accepts most credit cards, debit cards, as well as Google Pay, Apple Pay, CashApp, etc.

• PRO-TIP: Include VISUALS like icons or credit card symbols and other payment method logos in your payment methods sign--these catch people's eyes faster and gets the message across that you accept more than 1 payment method.

Acrylic Sign Holder 4x6 Inch, 3 Pack Sign Holders Vertical , Double Sided Display Clear TableTop Sign Holder

These 4x6 acrylic sign holders are a good way to show case your payment methods, or any kind of signage on your table, whether it be pricing, social media and contact info, or more.

3. Card Reader

While cash is great, most people nowadays don't carry a lot of cash on them and prefer using credit card or contactless payments through their phone or Apple watch. I always ask each customer how they would like to pay, and I've found that most folks prefer to use digital payments. 

Never miss an opportunity to capture a sale by not being able to process credit cards or contactless payment methods. I use a Square Card Reader to process anything from credit cards, debit cards, to Google Pay, Apply Pay, etc. Additionally, I also set up business accounts to accept payment through Venmo, Paypal and Zelle.

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