I started my soap brand back in October, and once I started doing vendor events, I learned very quickly that not all events are the same.
Some events are great. Some are just starting out and still learning. Some are not organized well. And sadly, some can even be scams.
That is one of the reasons I share events in this group. I do not want other vendors wasting money, time, gas, inventory, and energy on something that may not be legit. I am not here to bash anyone. I am just sharing what I have learned from my own experience.
One thing I have learned is this: pay attention to the people hosting the event.
A good event host is not just collecting vendor fees. A good event host is building something for the community. They are bringing people together. They are giving small businesses, makers, crafters, food vendors, artists, and local brands a place to be seen.
That matters.
I make soap and men’s grooming products, so yes, sometimes I show up to events where other people also sell soap, skincare, beard oil, or similar products. But that does not bother me. Competition is part of business.
At one of my regular Friday events in Daytona Beach, there is a woman a couple booths away from me who also makes natural soap. We get along great. We talk, share tips, and support each other. Her brand reaches a different customer than mine. She sells more toward women and feminine scents, while my brand is focused more on men’s grooming.
A few booths down, there is also a gentleman who sells beard oil and men’s products. He does not sell soap, but he is still in the same general space. And guess what? We all get along.
That is how it should be.
A community event should not feel political. It should not feel like favoritism. It should not feel like one vendor is being protected while another vendor is pushed away just because they sell something similar.
Think about it.
At a taco festival, there is more than one taco vendor.
At a BBQ festival, there is more than one BBQ vendor.
At a pickle festival, there is more than one person selling pickle-related items.
That is the whole point. The community gets to come out, enjoy themselves, meet different vendors, and decide what they like best.
There is enough room for everybody when the event is truly about the community.
That is why I respect the events I continue to support. My top event hosts right now. I will tell you next week who my top vendors are
These are events where I have felt welcomed, treated fairly, and respected as a vendor. They bring together people from all walks of life selling jewelry, soap, signs, food, crafts, art, candles, clothing, and everything in between.
They understand that a strong event is not about protecting one vendor. It is about creating a fair space where the community can come out and support local businesses.
So my message to new vendors is simple:
Do your research. Be careful who you send money to. Watch out for fake vendor sign-ups and scammers. Apply through trusted sites when possible. Ask questions. Talk to other vendors. And do not let fear of competition stop you from showing up.
If someone else sells something similar to you, do not panic. Focus on your brand, your story, your product, and your customer.
There is nothing wrong with healthy competition.
The right events will not make you feel like you do not belong. The right events will give you a fair chance to show what you bring to the table.
And if you are just starting out, my advice is this:
Start. Show up. Learn. Adjust. Keep going.
Every event teaches you something.
