For those new to tabling for your small business, it can be daunting. Whether you have an established business or are still getting your brand out there, tabling is a skill learned through trial and error. It is also an experience personal to your business, depending on how you intend to sell yourself and your brand. While perfecting your table and pitch takes time, it is essential to know the basics of tabling for any business, giving you the greatest chance of success.
Presentation One of the most important parts of tabling, especially for beginners, is having an eye-catching, organized, easy-to-understand display. It isn't uncommon to see a business with some product sitting in the middle of their table, and that's it. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if they are selling a product or not. To prevent yourself from falling under this umbrella, it is recommended to have a few key aspects on your table. A tablecloth is an easy way to give your table an attention-grabbing pop, while also establishing yourself as a formal presence. You can purchase a cheap tablecloth from the dollar store, a colorful one on Amazon or even use a thin blanket you have lying around. It can be challenging to draw customer's eyes to your table, which is why it is recommended to have a vertical, upright display for your products. Creating height in your display makes your table stand out. Having products laying flat on the table can be more difficult for passersby to see. Examples of this are a corkboard for pins or stickers, or an upright display rack for jewelry.
Signage Signage is vital to attracting attention to your table. If someone walking by doesn't know if you're selling anything of interest, they'd have no reason to stop. It's easy to take no notice of something while walking by. You have to grab people's attention in this busy world. Having a large sign taped to the front edge of your table is a great way to do so. Include the name of your business in a large font and your logo to help tell your story. In addition to this, if you take commissions or offer a similar service, having an upright sign sitting on your table promoting this is important. A simple way to do this is to fold a piece of paper in half, making it sit upright. Your goal is to make it as easy as possible for the customer to buy from you. Therefore, a combination of promoting any special services, labeling prices, and a QR code to your Instagram, Depop, Venmo, Paypal, or any platform you use creates an easy way for you to gain a follower and make a sale. Providing this information cuts down on the need for customers to do the unenjoyable task of asking questions, making them less likely to walk away.
Confidence in Your Pitch If you portray yourself as having confidence in your business, customers are more likely to trust your product or service. It can be difficult to know what to say when strangers approach the table. A great way to prepare yourself is by writing yourself an elevator pitch. Customers don't want to listen to you ramble. An elevator pitch, true to its name, is a concise, 30-60 second explanation of your business. What is special about your business? Why should people buy from you? A few examples of this are that you have low prices, are a minority small business, or have experience and expertise in your field. What do you want from your customer? This could be a follow on social media, a promise to attend an event, or to purchase your product or service. Customers don't need backstory in your opening pitch. Get to the point. Tell them why they need your product and why they should buy from you. Avoid yes or no questions, as this can shut down a conversation immediately. For example, never ask IF they want to buy your product. Ask HOW MANY of an item they'd like to buy. Perfecting your opening pitch will give you confidence in your business and will show customers why they should buy from you.
Friendliness and Openness Even if you do everything talked about above, including a beautiful presentation, signage, and a perfected pitch, none of that will be enough if you appear closed off at your table. Common examples of this include sitting down, being on your phone, crossing your arms, mumbling, or leaving your table for long periods. Instead, stand behind your table ready to greet customers. Smile at people as they walk by. Ask people how they are doing as they approach. If they're looking at a certain product, pitch to them. If you make your products, tell them that, along with the price. Include the word 'only' with the price to make it seem like a bargain. If they have questions, answer to the best of your ability and refer them to any social media they have. It's essential to remain friendly and personable, making the customer feel more connected to you and your brand.
A message from the author: Emily Levesque
Tabling for the first time is a daunting task for many. Even if you feel fully prepared, also be prepared for something to go wrong. It's normal for something to go wrong, regardless if it's your first or twentieth time tabling. Sometimes technology doesn't work, or it's a windy day. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to try. That being said, you now have the knowledge and tools you need to present your business and your passion to the best of your ability. Good luck, and I hope to see you out tabling for your business soon.