Embracing AI: Smart Tools Every Vendor Should Be Using
Want to dip your toes into AI for your business? We’re not tech wizards, but we’re happy to share a few easy tips and point you in the right direction — no geek-speak or tech skills required. As a vendor, your time is precious. Whether you’re running a booth at a market, promoting your handmade […]
Survive and Thrive: Summer Outdoor Vendor Tips for Iowa Markets
Summer in Iowa means bustling farmers markets, lively art fairs, and hometown festivals—prime opportunities for outdoor vendors to connect with new customers and boost sales. But with the sunshine comes challenges like heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or new to the vendor scene, here are some essential tips to help […]
How to Become a Cottage Baker in Iowa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do you love baking at home and dream of turning your passion into a small business? Iowa’s cottage food laws make it possible for home bakers to sell their delicious creations without needing a commercial kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up sourdough loaves, cookies, or homemade pies, here’s everything you need to know to become a […]
Vendor Vibes: A Market-Day Mindset Tip
Guest Contributor: The Bean Boss, Wesley Bryantwww.bluestrawberrycoffee.com At every market, vendors show up with dreams, displays, and a goal to sell. But let’s be honest—sales can be a rollercoaster. This week, we’re featuring a fantastic tip from our very own Bean Boss, Wesley Bryant of Blue Strawberry Coffee Co., who offered a powerful mindset shift […]
Take Charge of Your Success: What’s Holding You Back?
This week, something really clicked for me—not at a vendor event, but during a weight loss management class. We were talking about how our thoughts affect our feelings, and how those feelings shape our actions. I couldn’t stop thinking about how this applies to creatives, makers, and small business owners. So many of us are […]
Don’t Get Fined: The Real Cost of Using Photos You Don’t Own
If you’re a vendor promoting your business through a website, Facebook page, LinkedIn, online ads, or videos—this message is for you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing a photo off Google or saving an image from Pinterest to use in your marketing. After all, it’s just a picture, right? Wrong. Using an […]
Booth Success Tips for Indoor & Outdoor Markets
At Made in Iowa, we want every vendor to feel confident and ready to make the most of their market day. Whether you’re setting up inside or out, your booth is your storefront—and first impressions matter! 1. Create an Inviting Booth ● Smile & Say Hi: A friendly face goes a long way. Even if […]
🎪 How to Spot a Scam Event Planner: Protecting Yourself as a Vendor
As a vendor, whether you’re selling candles, art, baked goods, or handmade jewelry, every market or show is an opportunity — not just for sales, but for connection and community. But not all events are created equal, and sadly, not all event organizers are honest. Scam events do exist. Some are low-effort cash grabs; others […]
Welcome to The Booth Boss: Your Go-To Vendor Advice Corner
Whether you’re a seasoned seller or stepping into your first show, The Booth Boss is here to guide you every step of the way. This resourceful hub is part advice column, part how-to manual — written by a vendor, for vendors. From display tips and pricing strategies to weathering slow sales days and handling last-minute […]