Happy New Year For 2011

To all the stall holders and customers, a Happy New Year 2011.
May you have a great market experience in 2011.
Your local market is for everyone.
See you there.
Best Wishes

This Wednesday At Penrith Markets The Last Before Christmas

Wednesday 22 December 2010 is the last Penrith market before Christmas. If you are looking for something different to buy, a last minute gift go along to this market. Be there just to enjoy the atmosphere. Open 8am - 1.30pm. Great prices, great variety of products and a real family experience.
Penrith Showground.
Open every Wednesday including 29 December 2010

Eric the Busker at Fairfield Markets

Fairfield markets has been going for 37 years and a very popular to visit every saturday rain or shine from 9-4pm. This clip features Eric the Busker. A very talented Musician in his past life who brings back many memories of wonderful standards to sing along with. Eric is available for markets, fairs, weddings in fact anything. Reach him on 02 9607-3376. Come and see us at the markets, share the mixed cultures and pop along and see me Terry at Just Moments in time every thing converted to DVD. Stall 582. http://www.justmomentsintime.com.au/.

Seen At Maitland Country Fair

The Chilli Stall Opens At Markets In Sydney

If you've ever wanted to sample taste a great range of Chilli you can find The Chilli Stall at the following markets.
Penrith Markets - Wednesdays.
Minto Boot Hill Markets - Thursdays.
Fairfield Markets - Saturdays.
Prestons Bazaar - Sundays.
Try and buy a huge range of Chilli at The Chilli Stall.

This is Devil's Delirium Rated 14/10













You can also find them at their website
http://www.thechillistall.com.au

Power Balance Wristband - Choice Magazine Warns

CHOICE verdict

CHOICE is all for the power of positive thinking, but we can’t find much positive to say about Power Balance. It has no discernable effect on flexibility and balance. Any benefit you feel while wearing it is almost certainly due to a placebo effect. So, zero stars for the Power Balance.
If the products were cheap, we could at least call them a harmless bit of nonsense, but at $60 for the wristband and $95 for the pendant they’re far too overpriced to laugh off.
Link to Choice Report Here

Customers Who Ask For A Discount

Discounting at markets:

It’s not like every single stallholder haggles and not every single buyer askes.

It’s a traditionally accepted part of the buying and selling paradigm. Haggling is built into it. The vast majority of people aren’t going to haggle, but there are a hard-core few who will, and in the hard core there are always some who are going to be really chintzy. There are certain shoppers who don’t even consider it a true market experience unless they talk you down a little bit.

Advice for stallholders:

Price tag everything. Customers are more comfortable with that. You have a starting point. If you discount your price, price everything with what is called a built-in bargaining advantage. If you know you need to get $8 for an item, price it at $10. If somebody starts haggling, then the built-in bargaining percentage works in your favour.

What to do with rude customers:

Don’t get angry, say, ‘You know, this is a really good deal at $5. If you’re not interested, somebody is going to snap it up later today. If you’re not willing to pay for it, fine, somebody else will be.’ Don’t yell at people. Try to keep it civil. But if somebody really tries to be chintzy, like offering 50 cents for something, just kind of laugh. It never pays to get belligerent with people, even the jerks. And they’re out there.

Power Saver Device Withdrawn From Sale

Power saver device withdrawn from sale after ACCC action

Bronze Swan will no longer sell the Enersonic Power Saver device after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission raised issues about the effectiveness of the device.
From March 2009 to April 2010, Bronze Swan marketed the device, which plugs into a standard electricity outlet and which purports to reduce the user's electricity consumption. Bronze Swan promoted and sold the Power Saver on its website , at trade and agricultural shows around Australia and also through its authorised agents. Bronze Swan sold around 2100 devices, each typically costing $139.95.
The ACCC was concerned that claims by Bronze Swan on its website and in its promotional material that the device would reduce consumers' electrical consumption and cut their electricity bills, were misleading and deceptive, or likely to mislead or deceive, in contravention of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
Bronze Swan has been cooperative in resolving this matter and acknowledged the ACCC's concerns by ceasing to distribute the Power Saver.
The ACCC has accepted court enforceable undertakings from Bronze Swan that it will:

• not engage in the retail sale, marketing or distribution of the Power Saver
• display a corrective notice on the Bronze Swan website for three months
• display the corrective notice for a period of 12 months at each trade or agricultural fair or home show that it attends
• send a copy of the corrective notice to all consumers and agents that purchased the Power Saver, and
• implement a trade practices law compliance program.

"Consumers today are very concerned about rising electricity costs and traders should not take advantage of those concerns by making misleading and unsubstantiated representations that their products can reduce consumers' electricity bills," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said today.

In July 2010, the ACCC instituted legal proceedings in the Federal Court in Sydney against the distributor of the Power Saver device, Auscha Corporation Pty Ltd and its Products Development Officer, alleging that Auscha made a number of false or misleading representations about the Enersonic Power Saver in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Those proceedings are continuing and a hearing is set down for 15 October 2010.
Link here
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/951584
And here
http://greenpowersaver.com.au/ 

Penrith markets fruit and Nut man.

Another stalwart stallholder of many years (12+) is shown here.

Thanks for your market support and friendly character. For the best produce be sure

to visit his stall.

Penrith Markets Great Staff

I have been promising to place these pics for some time so would be remiss to leave it longer.

Here we have the main support staff Robbie markets manager with Phil, Sean (good to see you still off the smokes), Vince Tables (just back again from malta) and Paul Paulie). Last but not least long serving Col. Not shown is Garry. Thanks to you all for your support and respect you show to us Stall holders over many many years.

Maitland Country Fair - Twice A Month Till Christmas

It's now October and Maitland Markets moves up a notch. Now on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month for October, November and December. This is a huge market with an incredible variety of stalls.

Location and times click here

The Best Time To Start A Market Stall Is Now

We are now in the lead up to Christmas trade. It is not good enough to make an appearance in the markets 2 weeks before hoping to make sales out of the Christmas period. If you really want to make this period work for you, you need an early presence around the place. Customers see your product and keep it in mind for that special purchase. It is a gradual build up to having successful sales campaign. So if you're thinking of a market stall, do it now. Make sure you pitch towards the Christmas sale. Retailers will tell you 60% of their annual sales are in the last 3 months of the year. So go out now make the commitment start a market stall. If you do it right you will feel a great deal of achievement by starting your own business.

What Ancient Markets Can Teach Today’s Retailers

An interesting article by John Bird.
Please click link below

What Ancient Markets Can Teach Today’s Retailers

The Annual Land Rover Expo - Stall Holders Required

Dear Market Stall Holders,

The annual Land Rover Expo is run by two Sydney Land Rover Club’s as a great day out for Land Rover owners and people interested in all things Land Rover.

In 2009 we moved to Castle Hill Showground as our previous venue had become too small. The 2010 Expo is on Sunday 26^th September, and we expect 400 – 500 Land Rovers and 1500 to 2000 people at the event. See http://www.landroverexpo.com.au/

 for details.
 We are looking to complement the normal 4wd accessory exhibitors with other market stalls of more general interest to the people who attend our Expo, and we have spaces available at minimal cost. 

Would any of your members be interested in joining us at the Expo? 
George Edwards,

Expo Committee

0414 711035

Parramatta New Farmers Market Thursdays

Parramatta City is starting a new weekly Thursday market, from 9am to 2pm.
“The new Thursday Farmers’ Market will attract a more diverse demographic from active CBD workers to eager shoppers, and will offer revellers an assortment of food from farm fresh fruit, vegetables and honey, to multicultural cuisine from Turkish gozleme, spicy Mexican and delectable Dutch pancakes - perfect for a lunch-break treat,” he said.
“The market also features arts and craft stalls, live entertainment performances and much more,” Cr Garrard added.
For general market enquiries or stallholder applications, contact Adam Elliot on 9806 5098 or email aelliot@parracity.nsw.gov.au.

Father's Day 5th September 2010

The wet weather has plagued the Sydney markets over last couple of weeks. It's now August and before we know it we will be in the run up to Christmas sales. Before that the next big opportunity for sales and promotions is Father's Day on Sunday 5th September. Try promoting products for the dads of the world. The best time to promote is now.  Put signs on your stall to remind customers.

New Monthly Market For Cessnock NSW

Cessnock Wine Country Market will open on the 4th Sunday of the month
at the Cessnock Showground starting 26th September 2010. 8am - 2pm.
It will have both outdoor and undercover areas. Lots of things to see and do.
Stallholders are required. Contact Kimberley: 0423 548 77.
Cessnock Showground is located at
Corner Sports & Barrett Avenue, Cessnock

Thanks for the support Penrith markets team

Must mention here,
The staff at penrith markets, Robbie, Colin, Phil, Vince, Paul, Sean, and Garry etc. Always with a friendly greeting and smile. Special thanks to Robbie the manager who has imagination and listens to the concerns of the stallholders. The idea was raised recently about diverting the through traffic of visitors through the undercover area. He ran with the idea straight away and has given it a try. It looks as hough we might be on a winner as all the stallholders I spoke to where happy.
He and his stall respect us stallholders as business folk trying to earn a living. It is a pity that some other markets managers do not treat their supporting retailers in this way.
Thank you lads on behalf of us all

Terry
Just Moments in Time
www.justmomentsintime.com.au

Spend A Wednesday At Penrith Markets

It really is worth a visit. Penrith Markets on every Wednesday 8.00am to 1.30pm. It is the largest mid week market, held in Penrith Showground. Hundreds of stalls waiting to serve you. There is a great variety of stalls selling craft, clothing, kitchenware, watches, books, antiques, food, pets, car accessories, computers and parts, shoes, jewellery, engraving, CDs and DVDs, lawn mower repairs, key cutting, fruit and veg, cosmetics, plants, posters, restoring of old home movies and photos, personalised names and meanings, and the list goes on...
The showground is centrally located within a vibrant shopping precinct. The Nepean Shopping Centre opposite and the nearby Penrith Plaza. Come to Penrith and spend the day. The market is a 20 minute trip up the M4 from Parramatta.

From next Wednesday 23 June 2010 the management will change the flow of foot traffic though the market to include the undercover area. This is a great innovation and stalls located in this area are very happy with the changes. This involves the closure of a short section of the roadway outside this area. Stalls located in this area will be turned to face the undercover area.
Other news about the place includes a visit to the Penrith Markets by the Leader of the state opposition Mr Barry O'Farrell  M.P. with a state By Election being held in Penrith this weekend. He was seen wandering talking to stall holders and customers at the market. It was also reported PREMIER Kristina Keneally was in the nearby shopping centre and Jackie Kelly former Liberal member for the federal seat of Lindsay was seen shopping in Penrith Markets.

A Few Interesting Links For Ideas

Operating a Successful Market Stall 
Markets - Checklist & Tips
The Market Scene 
Top 10 list of what makes an eye catching display!
Selling craft and home made goods

Attention All Stallholders Specials Wanted

Hi fellow stallholders.
I have started the ball rolling with a viable "SPECIAL".
We need to provide our valued visitors to the markets and even more
than them potential 'new' visitors to our Markets with reasons to come.
Also reasons to visit this Web Site.
We need you to think about a real special, not something boring like "Belts for $5.00.
You also need to put a limit on it for say one month. The advertisements must not get stale.
With this in mind we shall be veting the offers. Like with the popular Aldi Stores they offer loss leaders. The idea is to get folk into the store. Give them reasons to buy, more important get them to buy 'NOW'. I tell my potential customers to go home, visit this web site, print the offer and come back and see me.
We know it is a cost and we do not want you to go broke with the offer.
Send ideas and Images to me and I will do art work for you as in my offer voucher. You are also welcome to come bye for a chat either Penrith Markets or Fairfield Markets.

Thanks for reading, Best Regards
Terry

How Do I Explain This?

Walking around Maitland Country Fair I came across this most unusual stall.
How do I explain it. It reminded me of the old days visiting side show alley at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The lady frozen in the block of ice. The lady with no head, being kept alive with tubes out of her neck.
The head sitting on the sword. The sheep with five legs.
So about this stall at Maitland Fair. A white tent, simple simple signs making an incredible claim,

'See The Strangest Thing You Will Ever See.'
What could it be? Is it funny? Is it sad? Is it horrible? Is it extreme?
What is it? I stood and watched people enter the tent and look in the box which
had a question mark on the lid. None were disappointed. The looks on their faces.
What was it? 'See the strangest thing you will ever see'
I overheard a lady ask 'How did you get it into this country?'
What a great attraction for any market. I just loved the idea.
Plenty saw 'The Strangest Thing You Will Ever See'
Did I see it? Well no. I just stood there watching the faces leaving the tent.
SEE THE PHOTOS HERE

Some of the questions we are asked and the things we overhear.

• Are you here every week?
• Is this all you've got?
• Too much to choose from. (Then walk off.)
• Can you change $100 note? (8 o'clock in the morning)
• I can do that.
• How much is that? (Even when we have a price tag on everything)
• How much for three but I only want one today?
• Will you still be here after Christmas? (After14 years in the one spot)
• I must get one next year. (Even when it's March)
• Don't touch. (Mothers to children eating food over the top of our product)
• I bought this elsewhere can you exchange it?
• Do you have it in any colour that is not on display? (Um! No!)
• I've seen it cheaper elsewhere in the market. (You know there is no other product similar in market)
• I bought a product from you 5 years ago. Do you still have the same ones?
• Do you know where else I can buy these?
• Why weren't you here last week? (Um! It was pouring rain)
• I haven't quite got enough money. Can I have it for $10 instead of $20 and I'll bring you the rest next month?
• Can I come to your home to buy? (Well no. I don't have a market stall set up in my house)

Penrith NSW Sunday Street Market Is Going To Re Open

It will start on the last Sunday of the month beginning 30 May 2010 9am - 2pm.
High Street. For more information
Penrith City Centre Association

Reasons To Visit Your Local Market

• Wide variety of goods at affordable prices
• Healthy open air activity all year round
• Sense of community
• Atmosphere
• Dependability
• Individual service
• Environmentally  friendly
• If you are new to an area, it’s a great way to meet local characters, hear local gossip and find out what is important to those who live in the area.
• You’ll find goods that you won’t necessarily find in shopping centres.

If you treat the traders with friendly respect, in most cases they’ll welcome you back like an old friend.

Handy tips:
Don’t confuse markets with car boots.  Car boots are a very different affair.  The major difference being, car booters are private sellers out to make extra cash.  Market traders are business people who are out to make their living.
While haggling over price might be acceptable at a car boot, market traders do not take kindly to this practice.  Don’t believe everything you see on TV.  You wouldn’t haggle over the ticket price of $10.00 in a shop so treat a market stall as an outdoor shop.  If the trader wants to give you a discretionary discount, leave it up to them.
The most annoying question for a market trader is ‘what’s your best price?’  The best price is the one on the ticket!

If you would like to set up as a market trader.
Do your research, talk to traders, find out stall prices, research your product – decide whether you could cope with cold temperatures throughout the winter, business can’t just stop then! It’s not as easy as it looks.

There are different types of markets.
1. City centre markets (sometimes indoors). Sydney's Paddy's Market at Haymarket is a great example. City markets are usually open 4-5 days per week.
2. Weekly town markets, find out from the council or tourist office what day the market is on.  They are usually on one or two days a week.   Eg. Fairfield Markets NSW is on a Saturday all year round. Penrith Markets NSW Wednesdays all year round.
3. Farmer’s Markets are usually on once or twice a month, selling fresh produce straight from the farm.
4. Flea markets might be on the same day as the weekly town market.

Try something different from the everyday shopping malls, visit a market and hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised.

Effort Appreciated

Hi Folks,
A quick comment must be made here for the effort, expertise and time spent on this site by John. From a quick idea raised by myself that we should do something to start an informative
proactive web site promoting our markets and us a marketeers. He ran with it filled with enthusiasm ably assisted by Margaret. Input is what is required, idea's and imagination.
Please feel free to approach myself at Fairfield or Penrith markets with contributions and thoughts. Or Email me here at terry@marketstallholdersaustralia.com. or to my business email at terry@justmomentsintime,com.au.
In a few short weeks this site is proving to be better than most. Please inform others of the address the more hits and visits we get the better it will be. If you have a web site then please link to us. John and I have a few ideas to further develope the site as we want to give reasons for both stallholders and most importantly the public to look us up. This will be along the lines of real specials and incentives. Also stories about us as marketers.
Its back to you fellow stallholders
Best regards

Terry
Just Moments in time

Hey I did it J & M

So You Want To Run A Market Stall Business

Westfield, Stocklands, Harvey Norman, Penrith Markets and Fairfield Markets all have something in common. They are an organisation of Entrepreneurs gathering groups of independent retailers together under one roof. Most of the departments inside of Gerry Harvey's wonderful organization are independent businesses. Frank Lowy's Westfield Plazas are a gathering of businesses as separate shops  department stores and mass merchants the likes of Woolworths and Coles. These large companies in future will be called 'Majors'. Fairfield Council & The Penrith Paceway play host to two Western Sydney Markets a collection of people retailing their wares and services to the public. As retailers they in no way by description differ from the mammoth organisations the majors.
I have been in the field of management, marketing and sales for many years. Heading up large companies in many diverse fields. I have also written many books, courses and articles on sales management and marketing. One thing must be emphasised here and that is that there is NO difference between the principles operating in these various organisations. To make a market stall work and earn money you must apply basic retail and marketing principles, read on…

SO YOU WANT TO RUN A MARKET STALL BUSINESS

To sell items of services in a market it must fit into one of two categories.
1.    A service line or common commodity or
2.    A unique interesting stimulating product or service.
By unique it is meant that it must stand out of the ordinary. Examples are
Hand crafted goods, foodstuffs, art, Computer based services, Home services, basically not the sort of thing one would find easily in  any of the majors.

Item one the 'Service Lines are those everyday goods that one can find in the majors. But you must offer something different that is perhaps also unique. This could be a personal service, knowledge, competitiveness or other angle rather than just being there. The unique items and the service lines both compliment each other. Overall the most important thing is, 'that we all must provide a reason for the public to visit us, buy from us and come back for more.'
Now for a little more detail under these headings.
1.    Where are these Markets ?
2.    How do I contact them ?
3.    How do they operate and details with pricing ?
4.    What will I require regarding Equipment ?
5.    What are Insurances and Government/Council Regulations ?
6.    What research should I do ?
7.    Basic Marketing and Sales advice.

Where are these Markets ?
There are Markets all over Australia holding weekly events  on individual days of the  week and both days of the weekend. Others are Bi weekly or monthly.
The best source for overall detail is the Markets & Fairs Magazine or web site to be found here, www.marketsandfairs.com.au
Venues are varied, car parks, parkland, school playgrounds, scout and other halls, roadways and showgrounds as with Penrith & Fairfield Markets. Most will be in the open so please refer to our equipment section for cover guides.

How do I contact them ?
Again a lot of information is available on the web sites above, however it is best to contact the names and numbers of the authorities given to check the latest details.

How do they operate and details with pricing ?
Trading hours are varied there are morning markets, daytime, some evening and night markets. An example is to start trading at say 8am and go through until 4pm.
The setting up has to be considered for it involves a lot of time, some of it doing nothing but waiting. Most markets operate on two levels, Casual Stall Holders and Permanent Stall Holders. The latter mentioned are usually afforded a few benefits mainly that of a permanent position or site and a reduced rental price. Having a permanent spot is if you are wanting to be a full time trader  the  ideal situation for the following reasons.

·   You do not need to queue waiting for an available site and sometimes miss out. You might be in a different spot each market so clients find it hard to find you.
·    You can go straight to your area and set up ready to trade. You can plan your layout to suit the same area. Things like power and cover can be chosen each session. You have a steady address for clients to find you.
·    Site rentals cost a little less and other benefits might apply.
Typically if a market starts at 8pm you should allow at least 90 minutes to set up. This does not allow for waiting for allocation of the site. So be ready for some very early morning starts. The other end of the day also demands consideration, yes you have to dismantle and pack away your stall for the next time. This also can involve several hours. So if you arrive at the market at 6am you might well drive out at 6pm. This is a 12 hour day not counting travelling.
Typically one can expect a daily site rental of about $50 and table hire of about $5. Other costs might be for power etc. Do not forget your other hidden costs like travel expenses, insurances, food, printing and ticketing etc.

What will I require regarding Equipment ?
The only thing you can expect on a market site is the bare minimum. An area of concrete, bitumen, grass or packed soil. The size is typically about 3 x 3 metres some larger and different dimensions. Again casual traders can expect different shapes each session. So you have to provide all that fits into this area and transport it to the site. A list of basics might be,
1.    Tables the new moulded folding are great, see Bunnings or Officeworks. Some make do with some trestles or saw horses and boards or doors. The normal size of a folding table (legs up, some fold in half) is 1.6 – 1.8 meters.
2.    Table coverings
3.    Cover. Umbrellas or Gazebos are common. They provide badly needed shade. Make sure you are shaded as sunburn is painful and dangerous. Also beware of the wind. The writer has seen a 3 x 3 gazebo take off and go straight up to 100 meters in seconds. Do not think that in high winds you can hold it down you cannot. You take it down or Achor it. Remember your umbrella can injure or kill. If you know your site shape and dimension set it up in the garden or driveway at home for fit and test.
4.    Seating a fold up chair with a back not a stool is a blessing.
5.    Power cables and adaptors.
6.    Trolleys or carts to move your gear to site.
7.    Boxes to pack it.
8.    Pens, card and other stationery.
9.    Insect killer oh yes a godsend in summer. Warm clothing in Winter.
10.    Change for the obvious transactions including payment of site rentals.
11.    Your legal requirements like, Stallholders Insurance copy,
12.    Last but not least plenty of Water in a cooler for summer months. Food for the day as buying on site, though one loves to support fellow stallholders, can be expensive.
What are Insurances and Government/Council Regulations ?
You should be aware of these requirements. Most Market managements require that you have a public liability cover before you trade. This will basically cost you about $2-300 for about 10 million cover. It is a very good idea to be covered.
Any electrical items are sometimes required to have an electrical inspection certificate of safety testing. This includes all appliances, extension cords, adaptors etc.
You are what is known as a small business, this means that profits on earnings are subject to income tax. Speak to your accountant.
If you trade under your own name you do not need to register as a business. If you trade under another name like 'Jane's Jams and Preservatives', or 'Peter's Perfect Picture Framing', you must register the name with The Department of Fairtrading. A certificate and business number will be issued for a nominal fee.
You do not legally need an ABN it only makes dealing with the ATO easier.
If your turnover is under (at the moment) $75.000 you do not need to register, pay and complete Business Activity Statements and charge GST.
Also check that goods are legally able to be sold ie second hand goods, Licensed, like livestock and not illegal copies or counterfeit. Check your local area. 

What research should I do ?
Right, now we need to start facing some facts. Selling at Markets is not an easy task. It takes hard work, dedication, tenacity, enthusiasm and most important a product that will Sell and make enough profit for you.
A very good basic idea is that if you are not making enough to earn a living or what you really want after 6 weeks pack it in.

So how can I research this ?
Not only is your product unique  but is there  demand ? Ask the questions of family and friends. Pose the question of price how much is a reasonable price both to pay and to sell in sufficient quantity.
If it is a service line that one can get anywhere how many other stalls have it. Are you competitive and still leaving enough profit. There are at times to many computer ink stalls. If 100 ink cartridges are to be sold at a profit of $2 that is a profit for the whole market of $200 less expenses. Not bad, but if there are 10 stalls then that is $20 potential spread each. Not good. The same goes for Belts, Toothbrushes, Bags and other items. Computer accessories abound and the margins are not great.
Your position in the market is also important, next to smelly toilets, ease of setting up, good traffic flow are worthy of study. So to is the market its self. How long has it been running. What promoting and advertising does it do. Visit the market between say 11am and 2pm and look at the traffic. Talk to existing stallholders. Many markets come and go. Both Fairfield Markets and Penrith Markets are over 30 years old. Remember not all potential customers visit markets many folk never do.
Why do I as a successful marketer choose this medium. Because I personally reach a lot of potential clients for a very low dollar outlay. Yes I do loose some clients because of credibility.

Basic Marketing and Sales advice.
The above section on research forms an important part of Marketing. What is marketing. Simple the actions applied to the method of successfully  selling a product on service. This covers the procurement, sales, delivery and  after sales follow up. There are many hundreds of books on the subject, far to much to cover here.
If you are selling something from the marketing point of view, think the following.
Can I get it, is it in consistent sufficient supply, can it be sold, can I sell it, can it be sold here, will sales grow, will it continue to sell, is there enough profit ?. If all of these questions are answered positively then you perhaps have a viable product or service.
Selling
No matter what your item or service is you must sell it. If you are enthusiastic about something you tell people. This is selling we all do it. You must sell your product. What it does and what it means to your customer. Not just what its function is, but the benefits of the product. Sell the sizzle, flavour and smell of the sausage not what it is. build and practice the sales storey.
At the same time you must sell yourself, you must create the impression of believability and credibility. Be tidy and professional even though we operate from markets. Believe in yourself. Remember markets have been around since ancient times. Long before shops and shopping centres.
In selling follow the basic rule of what is known as the 'AIDA' principle
Standing for Attention. Interest, Desire and Action.
Your Stall, Your Product and Yourself must follow this Plan.

Get the Customers ATTENTION and you must get it within  very few seconds.
Your Stall must get them to at least look at you. Movement colour anything to get them to look. Then hold their Attention and create INTEREST. Start them thinking about what you have. Make them want to ask questions. Do not answer to many questions with printed information. This will force them into conversation with you.
In doing this you build interest in you. You are part of your product.
Then you must create DESIRE that is simply you have to get them to want the product. And most important want it now, not next week or sometime soon but NOW.
This involves simple incentives like free gifts discounts etc. Something tangible not the same old tired Today only signs. Remember discounts are a reward for favours given. What is your customer willing to do to earn the discount or reward. If you are sufficiently ready to buy my product I will offer you this deal. But only if you say you will buy now. Then make the offer. Remember the most common statement you will hear at a market from a prospective customer is will you be here next week. This most of the time is an easy put off. Only when you have got your customer sufficiently interested  in your item and have built a desire for it do you go to price and ACTION. The last most important is to ask for the sale. You cannot move to this stage unless the others are covered. It is no use offering a special discount on an item if the person you are speaking to just does not have a need for it. If they ask for a discount then say if I give you a discount (not mentioned what it is) will you buy from me TODAY ? if the answer is no then no point is offering the discount. They are not sold…
So you must follow this simple plan. Sell yourself and your what's it. Believe in what you do. And if you have a product that is saleable and needed you will do well. We look forward to seeing you at our markets.

Terry Bailey
Owner: Just Moments in Time
www.justmomentsintime.com.au

First Time In The Markets

• Arrive at the earliest time that stallholders are permitted to. Make sure you have everything set up and ready to go. This will give you plenty of time if any problems arise along the way. You will also be able to relax and take a breather before the real work begins.
• Practice setting up in your garage or yard. You can take your time, experiment and rearrange until it's just right. Doing this will give you a fair idea of how you’d like to display your products and will also save you time setting up at the actual market
• Keep within your stall boundaries. 
• Write a list of the things you will need to bring along and check them off as you pack. It’s usually good to have a timeline of what needs to be done during the weeks leading up to the market day. Make sure everything is packed and ready go the night before, as you will most likely need to be on the road early in the morning. 
• Arrange to have a float that includes coins and notes. Have more than you think you will need. It can go straight back into your bank account the next day if need be, just be prepared if someone hands you a $50 note for a $5 item .
• Make sure you have all your items priced individually or group items of the same value together and have signs. Most customers don’t like to ask the price.
• You will almost always need to write down something during the day. Whether it is details for a custom order, or to keep track of which items have sold, you will be better prepared with a notebook and pen.
• Now, remember, just relax. Be yourself and have fun – that’s the most important thing. Enjoy your experience. You'll have a great day meeting and talking to people and of course selling your wares.

We are competing with shopping centres

An experience in the markets should be different to that in a shopping centre. Whether it be in a car park, local park, purpose built market. Many people love to window shop. They may not buy today, but if the experience was memorable they will remember you in the future. Have a flyer on your stall, people hate them in their letter box  but love to pick them up from your table. Thank them for their engagement with you. They may even visit your stall a couple of times before making a purchase. Many people have to justify a purchase to themselves. Always greet their inquiries with a smile.

Mother's Day 2nd Sunday in May

Don't forget to promote Mother's Day on your stall. It will create interest in what you are selling. Remember this is one of the biggest days in the retailing calendar so take advantage. As I walk around the markets I haven't seen one sign on a stall for promotion.

Market Events

Tell us about what events are happening at your local market.

Can We Help?

If you have a question about markets maybe someone out there can help.

Public Liability Insurance

Most markets require stallholders to provide $10m Public Liability Insurance. Who do you use?