Becoming a Successful Vendor

Do you have a business and want to become a successful vendor at Texas State? Here are some tips and tricks on how to get started!

Getting Started

To become a vendor at Texas State University, you have to send in an online application. After getting approved and confirming your spot, you will be able to start preparing and getting your inventory loaded up.

Tabling and Branding

The first thing people see when you are a vendor at an event is your table. When setting up you want your table to be eye-catching.

When setting up your table make sure it is:

1. Cohesive. Having a cohesive table and brand will make your business recognizable to students, faculty, and the community. Make sure your brand is not only cohesive, but something you enjoy looking at. You want to be proud of the image your table is presenting.
2. Logo. 
3. Business Cards. You want to promote your business as much as possible and having a business card is a great way to get started. It doesn’t have to be anything too crazy, but having business cards set out on your table will make you look professional. 

Make sure to include:

• Your business name
• Contact information
• A brief description on what your business is. 
• Attach a QR code, website name, or social media handles.

Communication

Communicate with your customers and make your table interactive. The way you communicate with your customers is just as important as how you present yourself and your table.

1. Make your spot interactive. Having a prize wheel, free stickers, or even music playing in the background will draw attention to your table. 
2. Newsletter. Ask customers to sign up for an email newsletter. On the newsletter you can send out upcoming events you will be at, promote new products, and send out surveys. This will not only keep customer interaction high, but will also allow you to gain feedback. In the surveys you can ask questions pertaining to your business and the customer's experience. This feedback will allow you to continue to grow and learn as a business.

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

One of the most helpful things you will find when having a business is having support to help launch your entrepreneurial ideas. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, CIE, at Texas State is a resource for you to help with your business endeavors. 

Whether you already have a business or are looking to expand on your entrepreneurial ideas, the CIE wants to help you succeed. 

The CIE holds various events and workshops to help you achieve your goals as a student entrepreneur.

For more information about the CIE events and activities, check out our upcoming events.

To learn more about becoming a successful vendor attend:

• Wednesday, September 9, Behind the Table: Secrets from a Successful Vendor with Regina Bautista, owner of Regina’s Crochet Crafts

Here, Regina Bautista will give you information on how to become a vendor and some helpful tips and tricks for getting started!

Follow us on all our socials - LinkedIn and Instagram. To find our events list, visit our linktr.ee for a full list of events.