Pop-up shops and market stalls are a fantastic way to connect with customers, showcase your products, and let people know more about your business (or even show them it exists in some cases), but running a temporary retail space definitely comes with its own challenges, and that’s especially true when it comes to technology. 

It doesn’t matter what you’re selling, the right tools can make your life easier and keep customers coming back for more, and with that in mind, here are some of the tech essentials every pop-up shop and market vendor needs to have.

Portable Card Readers

Let’s start with something pretty obvious, but absolutely crucial – a mobile card reader. The fact is that cash-only isn’t really something that’s going to work anymore, and shoppers are going to expect to be able to pay with a card or even a digital wallet. If you can’t provide that option, they’ll just go somewhere that does and you’ll be losing sales. 

Here is an easy to use portable card reader that’s perfect for pop-up businesses (and all businesses, come to that) – it’s compact and wireless and just connects to your phone or tablet so you can take payments no matter where you are. For customers, it’s convenient, and for you and your business, it reduces lost sales and improves profits – what could be better? 

A Good Internet Connection

Markets and pop-up spots can be tricky when it comes to getting a good internet connection, but if you want your tech to work, most of the time it’s the wifi that’s going to be most important. So, to avoid any problems, bring your own hotspot with you or invest in a mobile data plan that means you can stay connected to your tech all the time without having to rely on the wifi in whatever venue you happen to be in. 

A strong, reliable connection means your payment systems can work as they’re meant to without any delays, but it also means you can update your social media or sign new people up to your mailing list, and so much more – get that in place and you can do whatever you want. 

A Strong Social Media Presence 

Speaking of social media, it’s important not to forget how crucial it is if you want your pop-up shop to do well – after all, what better place to let people know what you do, where you’ll be, and what time you’re open until than posting it on Instagram or making a short TikTok or updating your Facebook page? 

You can start in advance with a countdown and use keywords for better engagement – it’s going to make a difference. Let people have all the details they’ll need to find you and make them interested in your products and services as well. Then on the day (using your good internet connection), you can post updates like pictures of your stall or setup or give stock updates in real-time, for example. That not only keeps customers informed, but it’s a good way to create some buzz around what you’re doing, and it’s sure to help. 

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