Vendor Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to working as a vendor at an event, so many factors are out of your control. Your booth placement, your table neighbors, the environment you’re in, the vibe of the crowd…No one thing can make or break your event – but letting them get to you can. That’s why, as with so many things in life, you should make the best of what you can’t control and put your biggest focus on what you can control. How you dress, how you talk to visitors, your information giving and gathering – each of these things can be the difference between an event being a bust or a blowout. So, in order to set you up for success, here are some dos and don’ts for your next event. Dos: Dress professionally: In general, it’s best to think business casual, but with a branded flair. Avoid overly flashy clothing – keep it classy, polished, and approachable. …But dress for the event: On the other hand, if your event calls for something flashy and fun, tailor your wardrobe to that expectation while still maintaining a professional and approachable style. Greet every guest: Make your booth a welcoming space. Say hello to visitors, even if they’re just walking by. Smile, offer a friendly hello, and open with casual, non-salesy conversation. Be courteous to other vendors and visitors: Loud music, taking up too much space in common areas, and overusing scented sprays can annoy or overwhelm others around you. Use respectful, inclusive language: Speak clearly and thoughtfully about intimacy and self-care. Remember, you don’t know everyone’s relationship status, gender identity, sexuality, or comfort level with intimate discussions, so ask them questions about products in order to help guide the discussion and your recommendations. Be prepared with knowledge: Know your products and answer questions confidently. If you don’t know the answer, say, “Let me find out for you,” and make sure to follow up. Don’ts: Don't let your booth get too messy: Events can be busy. Make sure to keep your booth tidy at all times. Reorganize as needed between waves of traffic. Visitors will understand a little messiness if you’re busy, but never let it get out of hand. Don’t be on your phone constantly: It’s okay to check in occasionally, but don’t appear distracted or bored, especially if no one is stopping by your booth. Don’t speak negatively about other vendors: Maintain professionalism and kindness at all times, regardless of what other vendors are doing. Don’t overshare: As a seller of adult products, it can be easy to gain a comfort level with intimate discussions that others may not share. Even if it’s a fun or edgy event, always read the room. Start every conversation with an educational and informational tone, and meet your visitor with the same energy and openness they bring to your discussion. Don’t eat meals in your booth: Snack discreetly if needed, but save larger meals for breaks away from the table. Try to keep your energy upbeat even if (especially if) the event is slow, or you aren’t getting very many visitors. All it takes is one conversation to help turn your event around. Overall, remember that, when you're working a vendor event, you’re not just representing yourself – you’re representing your business and your brand. That means showing up as someone who is professional, warm, and well-prepared. Always ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable shopping from someone who looks and sounds like me right now?” If the answer is “yes” – then you’re on the right track.

Vendor Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts

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