5 Sales Lessons From Vendors Hawking World Series Merch Outside Fenway Park Here's what these master marketers have learned in the trenches.

By Patrick Carone

Billie Weiss | Getty Images

The battle wasn't confined to inside the stadium.

As the Boston Red Sox took on the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 2 of the World Series, countless vendors looking to score with souvenir-seeking fans fought it out all around historic Fenway Park. While the Sox managed to beat the Dodgers for a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series, there were plenty of smaller victories outside the park among the relentless merch-hawking business owners -- and lots of happy (if drunk) customers.

Related: The Most Successful Companies Led By BIZ Experiencess

We circled the stadium before the game to learn some hard-earned tips from Fenway's seasoned sellers. Check them out in the slideshow above.

Have Brass Balls, Regardless of Gender

Sly, programs: "No matter if you're a man or woman, it takes brass balls. No one's gonna give it to you, and it's not coming easy. It's my fiancee's birthday, and look where I am -- she's not happy. If you're not willing to sweat for what you believe in, it's never gonna work."

Everyone Is a Customer

Jason, programs: "I'm just helping a buddy out -- my first time is doing this at the World Series, so it's a whole different ballgame! The advice he gave me was, "Be loud,' and, "Everyone who walks by you is a customer.'"

Get There First

Emily, hats/shirts/jackets: "We like to be the first people here. We have the best location, and say we have a slow day, I'll have a good head start because I was here early."

Keep an Eye on Your Customers' Hands

Zane, programs: "I'm 17. I found this job on Craigslist, it's a pretty good gig. During the summer I work every day, and during the school year I do it when I can. I watch everyone walking by, and if I see them touch their wallet, that's a good clue they're going to buy something. Sometimes I get played, though, because it turns out they're just going for their ticket."

Keep on Yelling

Steven, home run towels: "I just keep yelling. I don't care if I see people behind me, in front of me…I keep on yelling. I've been doing this four hours tonight, I did it four hours last night. My voice is shot."

Know What Your Customers Want

John Schwegman, director of commercial product, GM Fleet: "Our Silverados become a big part of our small business customers' lives both personally and professionally -- and we've designed them to function for both. Professionally, the Silverado is the perfect home office on the road to thanks to its embedded connectivity offerings, while also providing world-class interior comfort the driver needs and appreciates."

The 2019 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss is the prize for the World Series MVP.

Patrick Carone

BIZ Experiences Staff

Special Projects Director

Patrick Carone covers all aspects of BIZ Experiencesship, specializing in the automotive, entertainment, hospitality, spirits and cannabis industries.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Starting a Business

These Brothers Started a Business to Improve an Everyday Task. They Made Their First Products in the Garage — Now They've Raised Over $100 Million.

Coulter and Trent Lewis had an early research breakthrough that helped them solve for the right problem.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Jobs AI Is Most Likely to Automate, According to a Microsoft Study

These careers are most likely to be affected by generative AI, based on data from 200,000 conversations with Microsoft's Copilot chatbot.

Business News

Starbucks Built a New 'Luxury' Office Near Its CEO's Newport Beach, California Home

The 4,624-square-foot office was disclosed as part of Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's compensation package before he started the role last fall.

Leadership

How Business Leaders Can Uphold the Ideals America Was Founded On

As America's 250th anniversary approaches, business leaders are called to help reclaim the values that once defined the nation.

Growing a Business

Your Retention Crisis Won't End Until You Make This Shift

If your company is in a high-turnover industry, it is within your control to be transformational or transactional with your employees.