Hello! Welcome Designer! I’m so glad you stopped by. I wrote this post for my Upright and Caffeinated Chalkers and thought I’d share it with all Designers because so many are new to direct sales and pop-up shops. Once you read this, you will be more than prepared for your next Chalk Couture Pop-Up shop!
First of all, what is a pop-up shop?
Well, a pop-up shop is similar to the traditional home party that you are probably used to if you have ever attended a direct sales event. You invite friends, they come and enjoy some girl-time, learn about the products, do a little shopping and socializing. Pop-up Shops are the same concept, but a little more casual. 
Where should you have a Pop-Up Shop?
Someone’s house is the best place, but you can also have it in a backyard, church basement or other casual gathering. A pop-up shop is not the same as a vendor event. It differs because you (or the host) is personally inviting people to attend, and it is usually held at the host’s house. Having a host and having them invite THEIR friends, family and neighbors will extend your customer reach. Having a host is a great way to meet new people and introduce the amazing Chalk Couture products to new potential customers. It also differs from a make-and-take where guests come for the purpose to make something and take it home with them. Want to know all about make-and-takes? CLICK HERE
What You Need
First of all, you do not need a ton of space. I had a pop-up shop in my house and only used my dining room and kitchen. You could totally just have a pop-up party in your kitchen if space permits. Here’s what I had.
When you first walk in my house, I had a little display of finished products and a few jars of chalk paste in different colors. This will give people examples of what kinds of things they can make. 
Next, in my dining room, I had all of my transfers, pastes, inks and surfaces that I had for sale. This way, people can browse through products and take home anything they purchase. If you are just starting off, you can absolutely omit this part of the party. You do NOT need to have inventory on-hand to host a successful pop-up shop! 
Make sure you have catalogs and order forms around each area of your pop-up shop. Someone might see a finished project that you made and want to write down what colors you used or the transfers used in the project.
PIN IT
I also had the newest Club Couture envelope which I had not even opened. I opened it while the guests were there so they could see the surprise transfer of the month!! 
Keep It Simple
The kitchen is where the majority of my guest hung out. I had a little area with snacks (mixed nuts and chocolate). you do not need to stress over food. People are not expecting to come over for a meal. Have some snacks like chips or pretzels, cheese, fruit or a dip. You don’t need to have anything fancy! Honestly, it made it easier to just have a few dishes of snacks where people didn’t need plates or utensils. 
I also kept it simple for drinks. A bottle or red wine, a bottle of white wine and some bottled waters kept my party-goers happy! Definitely place a catalog and some order forms by the drinks! It was a popular spot to stand around! 
Make sure there is an area for guests to try out the products. I had this set up right next to my sink, so that the transfers could be immediately washed. 
This was so popular and worked out well that I did it at my island. Guests sat on the barstools and watched as other guests played with the products. 
Finally, make sure you have a computer with your online chalk shop open. Guests can order directly from your shop while they are at your pop-up shop! 
Keep in mind that this is a casual party, intended to introduce guest to the products in a fun way! Make it social, have a good time and enjoy yourself!
