My Top 10 Tips for Doing Your First Market
Hi lovelies! It’s been a while. Considering I just had the busiest, most back to back end of the year in terms of markets and events, I thought I’d share with you some key snippets to take with you for markets if you’re new to them or just haven’t done that many and are thinking where to start, as that was me once upon a time!
So lets dive straight in:
1. Take enough stock, but also remember that you’re the one having to transport it all, carry it, set it up (store it!) then do the same all over again for take down, so be wise in what you bring. Every market space, size and set up is going to vary slightly so take a good amount, but remember, you can’t bring it all especially if you have a wide product range and only a table to display it all. I make sure to always say there’s more on my website when I hand a customer a flyer.
2. Have a standard, go-to layout that you know works for you. Naturally, the more that you do the more you learn what works and what draws customers in, but if you have a go to it makes setting up a whole load easier (and quicker!)
3. Have clear pricing. Not everyone wants to talk straight away and often like to browse and make their own decision (and often at larger events they look first, do a loop and then come back to buy later). Also, if you are busy with other customers, at least they can still take note of the price if you’re unable to help them at the time.
4. Branding. For me, markets have been a brilliant way to put my name out there and increase brand awareness. Lots of people love my things but for example, an expecting grandparent likes the name art but doesn’t know the name of the baby yet. People DO come back when they’re ready, so make sure you have info you can give to them to take home, whether that be business cards, leaflets etc.
5. Engage with them! People love to know more information and if you can open a conversation you’ll be surprised to see how often that leads to a sale.
6. Have different levels - eye line is always a good way to draw customers in. Different heights give customers more things to look at. For example, you could add boxes for some height. If you’re reading this it’s more than likely you’re a creative wanting to sell your wares, so get creative with your stall too!
7. Get to know other makers. I’ve said before that markets for me are so much more than just sales. If it’s a quiet show or over lunchtime, get networking! You can learn so much from others who have done events before or even just from a business perspective.
8. Be organised! Have clear labelled boxes. 1. it makes trips to the car/van less and 2. it makes setting up and taking down SO much easier. And invest in a trolley to again save trips to and from your vehicle.
Also allow yourself plenty of time for set up so it’s not a last minute rush.
9. It’s taken me a while to learn this one, but, know it is okay to take a break. You can’t be expected to be at your stand for the entire day if you’re doing it on your own, your neighbours will cover you. And, if a customer really wants something and you’re not there, they will come back! With that said, I would generally recommend having someone else with you anyway. It just makes it so much easier to go for loo breaks.. go have a breather, have some food AWAY from the stand and if it’s really busy, you know there’s someone else that can help answer a question or take a sale.
10. Find the ones that work for you. Everything is trial and error at the beginning but learn who your crowd are. There’s no point doing every market under the sun if no one is going to buy from you because your product doesn’t fit the event or they aren’t your target audience. Sounds obvious, but not every location is for everyone!
11. And finally, a bonus tip - if like me you’re an animal lover, do ones that allow pets. Trust me, it’ll make your day so much more fun :D
I hope that helps some of you that may be starting out or starting to think about doing more events for your business. Be prepared, they are hard work and incredibly tiring, but so so rewarding.
Lex xx
