I have a very small baking business, and have been asked if I want to take part in big event for ladies that is held in my town. I live in a small town, but the event usually attracts about 400 people a year, which is great exposure for me. Essentially, women set up tables and sell crafts, beauty products, etc to people who come and pay admission to get in. There will be free dainites available to shoppers as well. I would love to take part, but am not sure how to approach it. I'm thinking that b/c there are free dainites for everyone, I can't see people buying cupcakes or cookies from me. So I was wondering if I should use the exposure more to my advantage, and maybe create a sweet table featuring samples of my baking for people to try, and then have a list of products that will be available for Christmas (cookie packages and dainty trays) and then take orders for those? I would also have a lookbook for people to see featuring my work. I would love to hear some opinions as to what I should do!

Need more info. What is the vendor's fee for a table? Can you be more specific about "dainties"? Are other bakery vendors attending?

The fee for a table is $35, and each vendor is asked to bring a couple dozen dainties (assorted baking items) for the shoppers to enjoy. To my knowledge, there will be no other baking vendors in attendance.

I'd pass on it. I did a similar event last year. Invested over $100 on table decor, packaging, and made dozens of truffles. Cost me $35 for my table and I didn't even break even. I ended up blessing all my friends with free goodies on the way home from this very frustrating day.
People came, they grazed, they looked and left for the most part empty handed.
The only people that bought from me were the other vendors.
Left a bad taste in my mouth.
Just got the reminder in my e-mail to "sign up for this wonderful money-making opportunity" as it is rapidly approaching.
NO thanks.

mommachris.

I'm curious as to what sort of items you had available to sell? Like I mentioned, I can't see people buying goodies from me when there will be free ones there, but I'm wondering if it would be a good way to get people to order for christmas?

I was selling cake truffles( balls) and other chocolate dipped and gift wrapped goodies. The packaging was smart, looked very upscale with a variety of prices....from one cake pop for $1 to a $20 packed dozen. All the money ( minus cost) was for my daughter's trip to Brazil. She was going there for a mission's trip.
It just wasn't worth all the effort. I lost money and heart. From now on I'll be making my candies for pre-order only.

momma chris