Discuss the process of getting your t-shirt line into brick and mortar stores and selling offline. Topics include industry tradeshows, events, line sheets, sales reps and other retailing tips and advice.
Ok, so I'm gathering info on the different festivals and events in my area.
Now I'm trying to make a check list of the things I need to take with me
please help me out by adding things to my list or comments.
Products (in plastic totes, or on hangers) (shirt, tote bags, & more)
Tables (to display my product)
chairs (for me and my helper)
business cards
table covers
TENT
display stuff (like hangers or grids to hang things on)
Plastic customer bags
receipt book
cash box or cash bags
change
signes
Thats all I got so far. PLEASE help me out thoes of you who have gone to these festivals... or even if you havent but can think of something, that would help.
Tent stakes or something heavy to weigh down your tent. I've seen water jugs, dumbells, pvc pipes filled with concrete.
Tarps (to cover your things up in case of rain)
Sunscreen
Cooler with drinks
Hand sanitizer
Bug Spray
Some of the things I listed are easy to over look because you're thinking about what you're gonna be selling, but you'll wish you had them if you forget tham
From my experiences I've been able to back my car up to my tent which opens up a world of things you can do. You can buy cables that hook directly to your car battery that won't drain it. Then you can have a fan, small radio, or even (Christmas type) lights on your tent thats a biggie.
I don't know what kind of festivals you're doing, but when I do concerts I pre-roll shirts and rubber band them so they're easier to deal with. Make sure the size labels are showing though, and separate sizes b/c things can get busy at times. Also a backpack/duffel bag is a good idea in case you or your helper want to get mobile.
Adding machine (and adding machine tape) - for those who buy multiple items
Mailing/email lists signup sheets, and a clipboard/pen - In the future you might want to set up an online store, and you can use this to inform confirmed customers about it.
Business card holder (you mentioned business cards, but you might also want a little, inexpensive holder).
Duct tape!
Cheap, plastic toolbox - for your small items, such as extra pens, a screwdriver, duct tape, etc.
Roll of paper towels - Once in a while someone will spill their Super-Big Gulp all over your table. Or, just when little cleanups.
Electrical supplies - extension cord, clamp on lighting, etc - make sure you light yourself up! Be seen! Obviously, make sure that electricity is available first......
Someone above mentioned tarps - make sure you take some clamps or bungee cords to secure the tarps or the wind will blow them away in the rain!
Not in the "what to take" category - but very important - do a DRY RUN before you go! Set up the entire "booth" so that when you get there you know where you are going to be putting everything and you can set up quickly and efficiently. There is nothing worse than thinking that you know where everything is going to go, and then something doesn't fit, or your plan doesn't work out exactly as you planned....
Can you expand on the insurance, Joe? What kind and where would you get it? Is it a policy you can get temporarily or do you have to keep it throughout the year?
Can you expand on the insurance, Joe? What kind and where would you get it? Is it a policy you can get temporarily or do you have to keep it throughout the year?
Some festivals require it. Those that do, will either have it where you can buy into a group policy they have or they can recommend you someone.
For those that don't require it, you should still consider it. Liability is important, including products liability in case someone is injured from the sale of your products. And property coverage for your stock and equipment, especially if you are leaving stuff overnight at the festival, whether they are providing security or not.
festival check list 
thats a biggie. 
