Setting Up A Market Stall For The First Time

Be Prepared
The amount of planning involved takes longer than you think..  There is always room for improvement in how to display your service, how to decorate, how signage is so important to tell customers what you do.  Don’t under estimate the length of time required to prepare for your first day of trading at the market.
Do Your Research
Different markets operate under slightly different rules so it’s worth chatting with the market manager for some advice and tips on how to run a successful market stall.  Daily rates are available to hire a stall but Traders are responsible to fully decorate their stalls.  Unless you are a permanent trader, stalls are usually assigned on the morning of trading day.  So there is a potential you may get turned away if demand far outweighs spaces available.
Signage
Good, large, easy to read signs will make your stall stand out from the rest.  Consider colour schemes, and general décor when dressing your stall so that you maximise impact and attract the most customers on trading day.  Be sure to confirm exact dimensions of your stall before buying equipment such as drapery for decorating to avoid a poor presentation on trading day.
 Display
Always get into the head of your potential customers.  What would most likely draw customers to your stall?  How will you display your products?  Do you plan to drive revenue based on competitive pricing or on the uniqueness of your products?  There are many display stands, market stall supplies, sign and poster providers that can enhance the overall feel and look of your stall.  Example: A market trader who sells handmade cards will benefit from card display stands for the counter top or floor based stands to showcase the products.
 Too Much Clutter
Most customers will only have time to pass by each stall once during their visit, so be sure to stand out from the crowd by having good signage, pricing and explanation of what you do.   Although you may have tons of products you would like to show your customers, extra care is needed to consider placement of each item.  Try not to clutter your stall by randomly placing products all over the table.  Try to be creative by pinning or hanging some products on the side and at the back of your stall.  Spend time to create a warm and welcoming, clutter-free market stall for your customers.