MSU Extension Product Center

Start Garden, an entrepreneur support organization based in Grand Rapids, MI, hosted Demo Day on September 18, 2024. Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC was among the ten winning businesses that were awarded a $20,000 prize and access to another $20,000 through a loan from Northern Initiatives.

Michigan State University Extension Product Center staff attended the event and observed several creative ideas for creating winning vendor spaces, including:

• Use layers of vertical space – as you can see from photo 1, Sticky Spoons Jam made several layers to display items and signage. Notice the different sizing of signage.
  
  
• Provide a postcard or business card – you want customers to walk away knowing how they can order more of your products.
  
  
• Use color to create an attractive and engaging display that people will be willing to wait for to see. Holiday events can be crowded. You need to give people a reason to wait in line to see what you have to offer.
  

  

• Use QR codes. There are many free online tools to create QR codes. Most people shop with their phone in hand. Don’t be afraid to collect customer information in exchange for mailing them free samples or a coupon for your products. See photo 2 for a creative use of QR codes on sample cups.
  
  
• Prepare samples following all guidelines. Follow the rules and regulations provided by the market or festival. For extra tips see this article from MSU Extension: “Guidelines for Offering Samples of Food and Beverage Products at Farmers Markets”
  
  
• Display your gift packages and shipping options. Lots of customers at holiday events are shopping for gifts. Have a section dedicated to stocking stuffers. Display gift boxes and provide written information for ordering and shipping. You may talk with customers that want to place a large order. Come prepared with a method for recording large orders and closing the sale.
  
  
• Collect information from customers. The more you can connect with your customers through social media, email and text messages the more likely they are to continue to make purchases. Don’t be afraid to ask customers for their contact information. Consider providing a small, free gift or a discount to customers to incentivize them to give their information.
  
  
• Make sure you have attentive, well-trained staff that will engage customers. Staff should be trained to assist people quickly and have knowledge about all products. If customers see staff sitting down scrolling on their phones, chances are that they won’t approach.
  
  
• Communicate your local ingredients and/or any charitable organizations your business supports. Many customers are willing to spend more if they know their purchase is supporting causes that they feel are important. Be sure to have signage that explains how your business is making a difference in your community.

Aiye Akhigbe, owner of Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC, has been selling her products in farmers markets for many years. She says, “When creating a display, stay true to your brand. Keep it simple and highlight your products to get noticed. Don’t overspend trying to create a perfect display. Use what you have on hand and add to your collection as you grow.”

Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC is based in Niles, Michigan and is a Veteran Owned and Certified Minority Business Enterprise. In April 2024, the MSU Product Center awarded Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC with their Barrier Buster Award. To learn more about Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC, visit stickyspoonsjam.com or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center assist entrepreneurs and businesses in developing products and services in the food, beverage, and agriculture markets. Its team of experts consult with clients on a one-on-one basis, helping new entrepreneurs navigate from concept development to launch and beyond. The MSU Product Center also offers specialized services such as labeling, packaging, and nutritional analysis. If you are interested in business counseling from the MSU Product Center, please visit our website.