Getting ready for your first Black Excellence Pop-Up? It can feel a little overwhelming but it’s also a powerful opportunity. Here are five essential tips (with a bit more depth) to help you make your first market a successful and empowering experience.
- Know Your Brand – This doesn’t mean having a logo or a catchy name, although those help! Knowing your brand means understanding your purpose, your audience, and what makes your products or services special. Be prepared to tell your story. People don’t just buy what you sell they buy why you sell it.
- Prep Your Stall – Your space is a reflection of your brand. Invest in visual merchandising: simple props, clean tablecloths, a product display plan. Don’t forget essentials: business cards, bags for customers, and a card reader. If possible, do a full mock-up at home before market day. Practice packing and setting up.
- Engage With Confidence – Energy is contagious. Greet people warmly, smile often, and be ready with a short pitch about your product and purpose. Try to spark real conversations as it builds trust and often leads to loyal customers. Remember: confidence grows through doing, and every market makes you better.
- Use the Moment – Markets aren’t just about transactions. They’re about traction. Take photos and videos throughout the day, post on social media, tag Black Excellence CIC (our instagram is @blackexcellenccic) and your fellow vendors. Offer a market-exclusive deal or a giveaway to attract attention. And most importantly, capture emails or social media follows from your visitors.
- Follow Up – After the market, thank every customer and follower. Send a quick DM or email with a discount code or new offer. Keep the momentum going with an update on your next appearance or new product drop. Your pop-up is just the start of a long-term customer relationship.
These tips are rooted in real stories from our community because we believe that when one of us wins, we all win. You’ve got this.
