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This weekend I’m am loading the Van (oh my husband bought me a van- better than diamonds y’all!) and winging my way to Owatonna for my first pop-up market.

For those of you who are vendors or think you might want to be a vendor, I wanted to put down my thoughts here about what it takes to get ready for an event like this. Let me tell you, it’s a lot of work.

I’ve had a booth at Picket Fence Gals in Lindstrom Minnesota for almost two years now, so I’m familiar with what it takes to sell vintage items, but something like Rustic Mama’s Market which is a one day sale about an hour and a half away from where I live.

There are so many logistical things and business things you have to think about to accomplish a market like this.

Part of my problem comes in from a car accident I had in which I was injured. Unfortunately, this means I need a lot of help.  I have to give a shout out to my sister Jennifer who has really stepped up to the plate for me.  She is my muscle.  This is a photo of her packing my van.  My husband and even my daughter have all pitched in to make sure I can continue to produce items and I feel so blessed.

Business wise I didn’t think about things like a [amazon_textlink asin=’B00IFEHO66′ text=’counterfeit pen’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’1512′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4d096654-4d89-11e8-9f5d-7f29da1a9226′] (surprisingly expensive at office depot I should have ordered on Amazon), [amazon_textlink asin=’B00006ICSJ’ text=’sales books’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’1512′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7a51802a-4d89-11e8-ab1d-9119bb5e3aef’] so your customers get a receipt, a [amazon_textlink asin=’B000GOZZJG’ text=’cash box’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’1512′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9225f6fd-4d89-11e8-a7b4-23fc6fb720ab’], [amazon_textlink asin=’B0051MZSI6′ text=’calculator’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’1512′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a5a7dd21-4d89-11e8-a341-c5e8ed7ebf2c’], [amazon_textlink asin=’B01BSVGBKM’ text=’Square Reader’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’1512′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bcfff800-4d89-11e8-9ec7-f30b2a6d103d’] (assuming you’re willing to take credit cards, and bags!

Then there are all the identifiers that a business has like a banner with your logo, or one on your tablecloth.  Of course, you will need business cards! FedEx Office is amazing! They were able to run me up 100 business cards in less than a day at a reasonable price.  They can also handle most of your other needs.

I have been really stressed about everything I don’t know.  I even hopped over to Girl In The Garage and asked Jen a few questions about what I needed to do (like how much change should you bring for cash transactions).

Well, the van is packed (see how full it is!) and we’ve loaded my sister’s truck too.  I will write a post after the even with everything I’ve learned because I think there are more questions out there than answers.

Rustic Mama’s Market or BUST!

Many blessings to you all!

~S