Advice for starting a business, please help?
I am trying to sell home made candy in the state of Utah. I’ve never done this before, and I was wondering how I’d go about getting places I could be a vendor, any ideas anyone would have to get me out there? Am I looking for an events coordinator? Is there any way I can get help setting myself up at local farmers markets and whatnot?
Thank you so much for all the help. Have a great day! 
We’ve already got ALL the requirements. We’re 100% legal, and now we’re looking for the NEXT step.
Thank you!
You are looking for the "Market Manager" that is the person who runs the market. Simply go to farmers markets while they are open and ask any vendor who the market manager is and they will point out that person who should be on site while the market is open. if the market has no manager assume it is not well run and don’t waste your time. Same with fees, if the market is free just remember you get what you pay for. Most well managed markets charge around $10 a day per space.
Another thing, don’t assume just because you made the candy it will sell (even if it is really the best in the world). You will be new and it will take at least several months to several years to build up a customer base.
You will need a nice display-table, table cloth, nice display baskets and an EZ-Up type shelter. Also say "good morning", "Hello" or some other nice greeting to everyone who walks by your stand. the market will not supply such items, these vendors must supply themselves. Expect to spend around $300 for a decent set up. And on the shelter don’t go for the cheapest you can find, these generally last 2 to 3 markets before falling apart and you are out $80 and have to buy another. I like EZ UP and Caravan shelters and they run around $250 for a low end high quality shelter
I have never been to a market where people were not very helpful setting up and tearing down
May 24th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
first of all get a business license and then check your state for food regulations. I would start off looking for craft shows around the city – many festivals will have vendor booths etc you can sign up for. you may want to check local shops – coffee – etc to see if they would let you consign inventory there.
Another idea is to hit some high rise business area – some businesses have a vendor day – check hospitals too. How great would it be to let everyone know the candy lady will be in the lobby Friday with her stuff. maybe a flyer (after approval) distributed in a large office building that you will be in the lobby from 8 AM to 9 AM next Friday.
just some thoughts – good luck
References :
May 24th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
i LIKE WHAT jbs SAID
be safe with your city laws check to make sure YOU can sell on streets or to local busineesses maybe you have biz owner you been customer with long time ask him if you can set up out front and give him a share !
As long as it dosent interefere with his biz like a competion of same products !
References :
May 24th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
You are looking for the "Market Manager" that is the person who runs the market. Simply go to farmers markets while they are open and ask any vendor who the market manager is and they will point out that person who should be on site while the market is open. if the market has no manager assume it is not well run and don’t waste your time. Same with fees, if the market is free just remember you get what you pay for. Most well managed markets charge around $10 a day per space.
Another thing, don’t assume just because you made the candy it will sell (even if it is really the best in the world). You will be new and it will take at least several months to several years to build up a customer base.
You will need a nice display-table, table cloth, nice display baskets and an EZ-Up type shelter. Also say "good morning", "Hello" or some other nice greeting to everyone who walks by your stand. the market will not supply such items, these vendors must supply themselves. Expect to spend around $300 for a decent set up. And on the shelter don’t go for the cheapest you can find, these generally last 2 to 3 markets before falling apart and you are out $80 and have to buy another. I like EZ UP and Caravan shelters and they run around $250 for a low end high quality shelter
I have never been to a market where people were not very helpful setting up and tearing down
References :
I have been selling at and managing farmers markets for more than 15 years.