How to Sell Your Work

Are you a maker? Do you want to start a small business and sell your creations at shows, events and online? We can help.

Vendor Workshop
Friday May 3, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Truckee Roundhouse, $35.00
Register at: truckeeroundhouse.org/schedule

The Vendor Workshop covers: Business Name, Business License, Seller’s Permit for Sales Tax, Payment Services, Sales, Expense and Sales Tax Tracking, Online Presence and Website, Business Cards, Booth Signage, Large Booth Gear, Event Gear, Shade Structure for Outdoor, Events, Book Events , Recruit Help, Price Tags , Pricing your Goods, Plan Ahead, Manage Expectations

Private Coaching available for: Spreadsheets, Business Philosophy and Branding, Website Design, Marketing Materials Design, Vending Online. Contact us for more information and rates.

Below a free list of supplies needed to vend at an outdoor event.

10×10 Shade Structure For outdoor events, shade is a must. EasyUp type structures are great, just make sure it’s 10×10. Larger structures may not be allowed. Always bring ratchet straps or heavy rope, weights, sandbags or simply 5-gallon buckets to fill with water.
Folding tables: Available in 8′, 6′ and 4′ rectangles and 3′ squares or rounds, find at Home Improvement stores or online.
Folding Chairs: Have a folding chair for yourself, and one for your helper or visitors Table Cloths: For a professional look, acquire enough table cloths to cover table to the ground. Chose a color theme and shop at thrift stores. Use large binder clips to secure cloths to the table.
Fixtures: Obtain suitable fixtures. Folding shelves, wood boxes, wood blocks and old suitcases make great risers.
Clothing Racks: Lightweight racks that can be disassembled are available online. Create sturdy clothing racks using custom sized poles and joiners, these can be disassembled for transport.
Storage Bins: Invest in a modular flip-top storage bins, which can also be used as risers. Buy at home improvement stores.
Power: If the event provides power, bring a 25’ grounded extension cord and a power strip. If you need to provide your own power, look into purchasing a Battery Bank.
Gear Boxes: Obtain a heavy duty divided gearbox for small gear. Designate a heavy duty bin for heavy gear.
Supplies: Pack assorted sizes of S-hooks, binder clips, zip ties, bungie balls, bungie cords, clothesline rope or paracord, masking tape, gaffer tape and clear packing tape. Avoid duck tape which leaves a residue.
Tools: Bring a paratool or pliers, a hammer and assorted screwdrivers.
Cart: Consider a folding flat cart or dolly to haul in your gear.
Cargo Straps: To secure things to your roof rack or truck bed and to secure your shade structure in windy conditions.
Step Stool: A small folding step stool is safer than standing on folding chairs.
Administrative Supplies: Pack a notebook, pens, sharpies, scissors, safety pins, scotch tape, price tags, sign-making materials for last-minute signage needs.
Safety Gear: Sturdy gloves, shoes and clothes for set up. Use a back-brace If you are prone to back problems.
First Aid: First aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, Emergen-C, nail clippers and cough drops.
Snacks & Drink: Use a cooler-bag to pack snacks, prepared foods, cold drinks including caffeine and water in a refillable container. Include: Flatware, napkins or bandannas, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and a trash bag.
Payment Services: Be prepared to accept credit cards with Square, Venmo and cash: $40 in ones, $60 in fives, and $5 in change
Booth Signage: Make or order a banner with grommets, with your business name and simple description or motto. Custom Banners available on Etsy or Vistaprint . Create rigid signs for specific product, if you don’t want to price things individually.
Hand-written or printed signs can be laminated or or put into picture frames that can stand or hang. Punch holes in the corners or use binder clips to hang signs. Loose paper signs at outdoor events blow around.