Here is a list of things to bring when you’re setting up at an outdoor event:

• Calculator (get one with battery AND solar power)

• Cash box (w small bills for change)

• Receipts

• Gift certificates (make sure you number your gift certificates and keep track of the ones you’ve sold. I made my own in Illustrator but you can find free templates online)

• Sign up list for your newsletter

• Sign/banner (even if you don’t order a custom banner, make sure you have a large sign with your business name that is visible from some distance away)

• Tent (with or without sides)

• Table (for displaying your marketing materials)

• Table cloth (so you can hide your crates of stuff under the table). Paper is ok, but I advise investing in one made of fabric. You’ll be glad you did when there is windswept rain on the day of the event.

• Weights to keep the table cloth in place in case it’s windy

• Outdoor rug (in case the ground/grass is wet)

• Exercise mat or massage table

• Disinfecting wipes (to clean the mat/table in between dogs)

• Disinfecting hand wipes (for yourself)

• Towel (always good to have)

• Paper towels

• Promo materials (business cards, brochures etc.)

• Basket of free treats for dogs

• Basket of free treats for humans (people tend to stop where there are goodies to be had. Take your chance to talk to them and tell them about your business while they’re chewing on that taffy. Make sure it’s something most people are not allergic to!)

• Water (both for yourself and in a bowl for visiting dogs)

• Something to munch on (it’ll be a long day)

• Pen and paper (to jot down ideas, etc.)

• 2 beach (outdoor) chairs (for you to sit on in between customers, and for the humans to sit on while you work on their dog(s)

• Paper and/or plastic bags. At some events, people hand out a lot of promotional materials and you will see people walk around with their arms full of brochures, samples, etc. Offer them a bag to put everything in (with your logo printed on it, and one of your business cards/brochures inside) and they will be very thankful and remember you.

Pack up all the small items in large Rubbermaid crates with lids so that all your belongings are protected if it’s raining. Keep the crates under your table.

Another good thing to bring if you have it is a digital camera. Take pictures of your setup, tent, dogs, etc. Post the photos on your website/blog and in your newsletter.