Friends, just like that, it’s August! Which means (1) summer is almost over 😥 and (2) it’s festival season!
Festivals–or markets, fairs, craft shows–have been such awesome experiences for DeLia and me and many of our weekends are spent attending local events in and around our hometown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
From festivals highlighting the changing of seasons to events celebrating the heritage of a town or community, there is no end to reasons we collectively cook up to have an excuse to bring the community together to share positive vibes, eat fried food, and let the kids run around.
In addition to being fun to attend (there is always something see–from parades to reenactments), selling our handcrafted goat milk soaps and lotions at booths we set up at these local festivals is quite lucrative.
Last year, selling our handcrafted products at these events accounted for 40% of our revenue. So far this year, it’s accounting for 44% as we’ve double-downed on attending events.
Additionally, the simple act of being present, setting up a booth, and passing out cards drives online sales for us–with a noticeable uptick in orders coming from the town we were just at in-person.
Most importantly, however, attending these events gets us in front of you, our customer.
As you just read, events drive significant revenue for us. That’s because you can see the brand, smell the soap, feel the lotion, and ask questions (our number one question is how to use shampoo and conditioner bars).
And last but not least, you can connect with us–see that we are family-owned, care deeply about our little business, and are eager to help you transition away from chemical-laden body care products.
After an experience like that, is it any wonder that our most frequent repeat customers are those we met at a festival?
So when you attend the next festival in your hometown, remember that you have the power to completely alter the trajectory of those small business owners selling their wares at booths. Engaging, complementing, asking questions, and buying is that validation we small business owners need to keep going (especially when we’re looking at a profit & loss statement that’s upside down 🙃).
We’re looking forward to seeing you at one of the many festivals and markets we’ll be attending.
Your friendly soap maker.
Sam
