Consumers in the U.S. continue to do more than 90% of their shopping in brick-and-mortar stores, according to CB Insights. And while e-commerce sales rose to 15% of total retail sales in 2018, the importance of a physical location where consumers can touch and feel items cannot be undervalued. However, many new businesses often can’t afford the investment and overhead of a permanent location. And rising rents and utilities are forcing some established businesses to leave storefronts and rely solely on e-commerce sales.

Fortunately, there are still some cost-effective ways to get your products seen and sold without an online presence. From farmers’ markets and craft fairs to holiday boutiques and swap meets, we’ve got some ideas for you to explore that can help launch your new business or supplement established sales.

Take it on the road

The perfect temporary “store”  location is different for every business. Not every company can sell their products at the local farmers’ market or retail boutique. So get out and do some research. Visit a variety of markets, boutiques, swap meets and trade shows where your products might fit in. Try to avoid places with too much competition or not enough foot traffic. And make sure you have a strong business plan before renting space or making any investments.

Farmers’ markets & swap meets

These great local events are perfect for setting up shop on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. It’s easy to establish a consistent presence so your customers know where to find you. Sell at different markets in the the same region to expose your products to more prospects. And let your regular customers know so they can refer friends, family and co-workers. Referrals from loyal customers are one of the top ways to attract new customers.

Trade shows, festivals & fairs

Selling at industry-specific events puts you directly in front of your target demographic, and is an ideal way to build leads. Events like holiday boutiques, art festivals and craft fairs are great for showcasing items and interacting with prospects. If your budget allows, visit other regions to reach even more customers. Always check out events in person before signing a contract to make sure it’s the right fit.

Shopping mall & market kiosks

Whether you lease a kiosk through the mall owner or you own a cart you can take from location to location, kiosks are a great way to reach a large market. There’s no need to stock an entire store with inventory, and you can pick and choose when and where you want to sell. Kiosks are also great for interactive products or items that need demos, as you can attract passersby with fun, informative presentations. Make sure to come prepared with samples and a sales plan to show the property owner why your business is a good fit.

Popup shops

The current market for popup shops is growing. Every brand from Barbie to Girl Scout Cookies are trying their hand at the new shopping experience. Opening a temporary storefront for a few days or months, allows businesses the flexibility to book a spot when it’s most profitable. For existing brands, it’s a good way to capitalize on seasonal events. Try opening near a special holiday or occasion that ties closely with your brand. For instance, if you sell artisan chocolates, open on or near Valentine’s Day. If floral arranging is your thing, set up shop on Mother’s Day.

Boutiques

Sell your products at local retail shops. Visit stores in your area, and meet the owners to discuss a potential partnership. Bring samples of your products and examples of how they display so they can see how it will fit in with their store. Also, bring a sell sheet that you can leave with them. If the shop owner agrees, set up a display and spend a few days a month in the store. This will allow you to connect with customers and tap into their prospects that visit the location.

Prepare your setup

Presentation has a huge impact on sales. Whether you’re selling from a booth, table, kiosk or in an empty room, make sure to have a well-thought-out, attractive display.  Ask yourself the following questions and make a checklist of items you need to help create the ideal setup.

1. What do I need to display my products?
   First and foremost, make sure to have professional signage featuring your company name and logo. Map out what tables, shelving, linens, decorations and other items you might need to showcase your products. And always make sure your products are easy to view from all angles. If possible, set up a demo beforehand so you can see how it looks, and avoid last-minute trips for forgotten items.
2. Do I have a way to accept credit card and mobile payments?
   In today’s world, it’s best to avoid cash-only payments. So invest in a payment tool that allows you to accept credit cards and mobile purchases. Giving customers the option to use services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo make it easy and more likely to get transactions completed. Also, feature a sign that shows what payments you accept.
3. What’s the best way to collect customer contact information?
   When people visit your booth, you should have an easy way to quickly capture their contact details. Either enter it on a tablet, or have a a designated signup sheet. Make sure and have plenty of pens and extra paper in case you get busy. To attract attention and gather more leads, have a contest or giveaway to get shoppers to leave their contact information. It could be something as simple as having them drop a business card in a fish bowl.
4. Do I need carryout bags or containers?
   Make sure you have several options to help customers carry away purchased items or samples. Brown bags with custom labels is an easy, cost-effective way to extend brand exposure when customers carry away your branded. Also, keeping some larger boxes and bags on hand is a good idea in case someone wants to make a bulk purchase.
5. Should I offer incentives?
   Free samples, seasonal items or special discounts can be a great way to lure in new customers. If offering edible samples, make sure to have items such as napkins, toothpicks and a trash can so customers don’t have to go elsewhere. Also, make sure and keep the area clean at all times.

Create personalized takeaways

Get your company name and information directly in customers’ hands with printed collateral. Not only can you directly hand people exciting details about your products, but it’s a great way to strike up conversations and build relationships. If a prospect isn’t quite ready to make a purchase, your printed materials will provide the information they need so they can order later.

• Brochures: Highlight important details about your business, company values, product offerings and contact information with a brochure. Include high-quality imagery if possible.
• Product & service sheets: List features and benefits of your products, highlight customer payback and include contact and purchase details.
• Business cards: Include your company name, contact info, website and social media details on your business cards. Add a tagline or short description that sums up your company.
• Coupons: Provide discounts to customers that make purchases, and offer incentives to  potential prospects.

Regularly selling your products at the same events will help build your brand and establish a reliable presence. But always keep your eyes open for new opportunities that will expand your brand reach and boost revenue.

Also, make sure to get your business license, a sales tax permit, insurance, payroll and all legal requirements necessary in your county and state.

Check out our articles on ways to attract more customers and expand your brand to get more tips and ideas for growing your business.