Everything Your Business Needs For Your Next Pop-up Shop Event

Originally Posted March 2022 / Updated April 2023

Quick storytime before we jump into the pop-up shop checklist? Cool, then the goods. The year She Got The Juice launched we received an opportunity to be part of a pop-up experience. A chance to connect with people in person—pre-pandemic—and get insight into what they loved, what moved the needle, and genuine feedback? Yes, please! So we went for it. Well, sales were good but the learnings were the most invaluable. At the time, we felt the setup was cool leveraging our creative side to save and make things work. Months down the line, we realized that the setup could have used more loving and needed an upgrade, so we promised to come in strong for future events. And well… here was the result.

BEFORE (the freshmen)

AFTER (the upgrade)

The Checklist: 10 Things Your Business Needs For A Pop-up Shop

1. Signage & Branding
   Your brand should be seen and heard. You’ll be alongside other companies, so why not make a statement? Use unique signage that will make your brand stand out. For She Got The Juice, a bright neon light, a 10×10 table sign, and a dope table display that resonated with the brand did the trick. Invest—whether small or big—into signage that draws people to the table and resonates with your brand.
   • Options: custom tablecloths, floor standup, acrylic signs, retractable banners, table signs
     
     
2. Marketing & Promotional Material
   Remember the last business card you received? Neither do we. Anyone who visits your space at the pop-up event should walk away with a piece of your brand even if they don’t purchase your product/service. While business cards and flyers are inexpensive options, they are often forgotten or trashed. Consider something different that sets you apart, which customers and prospects will hold onto for a while that always leads them back to your brand.
   • Cool considerations: stickers, key chains, magnets, note pads or cards featuring discounts, art, quotes etc
     
     
3. Technology
   This one’s pretty straightforward. Bring a battery pack(s) for your devices, an extension cord, surge protector, charging cables, and a credit card reader. If your vendor space provides you access to an outlet—great. Use the surge protector to power your devices without worries of fighting over outlet access with other vendors. Battery packs come in handy when you don’t have access to an outlet and use mobile or tablet devices to run sales. In addition, bring a backup device if you can to accept digital payments.
   
   
4. Payment Options
   You’ve probably thought about this but consider all your options and how you anticipate customers will want to pay. Put yourself in their shoes. At she got the juice, we typically offer four ways to pay: Cashapp, Venmo, PayPal, and good ‘ole hard cash. Yes, you’d be surprised, but folks—even amid the pandemic—are still loyal to the dollar bill. Quick tip? Because we use PayPal Business point of sale and Venmo, we scored free tools upon signup (QR code signs, payment processors, etc.) that we used the day off which were helpful since we had just started
   • payment options: Venmo, Cash app, PayPal, Square, Zelle, Cash etc
     
     
5. Help & Assistance
   Manifesting that your business sees a lot of foot traffic and sales. But listen—be prepared beforehand and ask a trusted team member, relative or friends to help support you on event day and assist where needed. Trust. You want someone on your side holding you down. Don’t miss out on a potential sale, snack breaks or opportunities to connect with new customers because you lack the help.
   
   
6. Display Options
   Do you know what you’ll have access to on the day of? Hopefully at minimum you’ll be provided a table, chairs and a tablecloth. If not, depending on your products or service, you may need it alongside other furniture or fixtures (mirrors, hat stands etc) you may need in case the vendor space doesn’t provide it.
   • I’ve got a pro tip to share with you. When I did a pop-up shop December 2022, I used bed risers to elevate my table. It not only gave it a noticeable height but also made it stand out from other vendors’ tables. Plus, it saved my team and customers from having to bend over constantly. Absolute game changer. Give it a try for your next pop-up event!
     
     
7. Supplies
   Other things you’ll probably want to have on hand? Bring pens, note pads, scissors, tape. Plus, bags and packaging for your products. Also, amid Covid-19 and interactions with so many people, bring sanitizer, wipes, and other PPE products if needed.
   
   
8. Time
   Give yourself the time and try to mitigate any stress. First, create a plan and checklist. After that, order your supplies, products and anything else you need for your set that will bring value to it in advance.
   
   
9. Selfcare
   Make sure you’re treating yourself on the event day. Wear something light, comfortable, and fly. Are you snackaholics like us? Cool. Bring a snack pack to sustain you. Flaming Hot Cheetos or those delightful Hibiscus Flower Sweet Treats from Trader Joe’s? Yes, please. Most importantly, hydrate. Grab some water or drinks with electrolytes. And at the end of the day, treat yourself and your team to a lovely lunch or dinner.
   
   
10. Products/Services
    This is a given but remember to take into consideration how much you should bring day of. You probably won’t need to bring all your inventory but you also don’t want to bring too little either.

9 Questions to Ask the Space Owner / Event Producer

• Will you have access to a power outlet if needed?
• How early can you arrive to set up? breakdown?
• Will there be WiFi available for use?
• How is lighting in the space?
• Where will you be assigned or positioned in the space?
• Will tables, chairs or any other furniture be provided?
• How many people do they anticipate will attend the event?
• Will the event be marketed and promoted? Moreover, will your business be included?
• What amenities will you have access to? Bathroom, break area etc.