Setting Up A Market Stall

It can be an exciting and terrifying experience setting up your market stall for the first time. You’ll be starting early and may not know anyone else so a little preparation is needed before you charge ahead. Before you start, make sure to visit markets and take notes on what you like so you can see what size tables and market tent you’ll want to purchase. Have a look at the other stalls and see what sells well. Make sure there is no one selling anything too similar to you at the market you are choosing to start at.
It is a good idea to practice setting up your stall at home first to see how long it will take you to get everything out and ready.

Walking through the markets observing market stalls, here are some tips.

 

1.SMILE and don't hide behind your tables. There is no point sitting there and expecting sales to come to you.  They just won't. It's a fine line between being too much and too little though.

 

2. Offer your business card if you can't close a sale.

 

3. Give customers a really good reason to come back!

 

4. A beautiful decorated table can go a long way.  Please hide your boxes with a cloth which covers your table to the ground.

 

5. Make an effort! Add some sparkle, some lights, some glamour, some fun.

 

6. Use stacking boxes to create a lovely display on several layers.  Get creative with your table.

 

7. Do give customers the market dates and times business card so they know where and when to find you for next time.  Customers will return to find you.

 

8. Offer discounts and try to have a 'SPECIAL OFFER TODAY ONLY' or something along those lines. At some markets customers ask for discounts more than other markets. Price so you have the discretion or offer a discount on multiple purchase.

 

9. Sounds obvious but make sure your prices are clear and that it is obvious what your product is.

 

10. Offer to look after their item until they have finished shopping. They may buy more when they return.

 

11. Budget something for everyone's pockets. Kids/Teens/Adults etc. 

Everyone likes to feel they can afford something.

 

12. Remember that people always need GIFTS/THANK YOU'S/BIRTHDAY PRESENTS - tell them to bear you in mind.

 

13. Be positive, and return again to the market to sell as experience shows repeat stall holders do the best over time!  If it doesn't work the first, second or third time, remember this is normal.

 

14. You might need to adjust your stock and change your displays or prices. 

 You need to work out what people want to buy from you and adjust accordingly.  This will always be a matter of trial and error.

 

15. People will buy from you if the price is right, and the item is a 'MUST HAVE' and they will tell their friends about you too!

 

Start A Craft Stall At The Markets

I would suggest that when beginning to sell your craft work that you do not spend a lot of money on set up costs, keep it to an absolute minimum until you are earning money from your craft.

Costing of products: It is entirely up to the individual seller how they price their items. 

If, after checking what other traders are asking for comparable items, you don't know where to place your prices, why not start off on the modest side? That way you won't price yourself out of the market and if you can't keep up with demand that may be a hint that you can afford to be a bit more pricey in future.

When costing out your products the general rule of thumb is the cost of the materials plus 60%, however, this may make some products unaffordable for your customers, so common sense is advisable, perhaps add a little more to your lower cost items, which would allow you to reduce your higher cost items? We would advise that you do not include your time in the costs as this can be impractical and can make your goods too expensive to market. 

Stock levels: Do not make too much. It is better to sell out or to take orders than to store a huge amount of stock.. You can make more in between events. As you get more experienced and attend more events you will have a better idea of what sells more quickly and what you should have in terms of stock.

Flyers and advertising: Always have some flyers to give out to your customers and prospective customers. These can be easily formatted on your computer and printed off at home, they should show your name, business name, contact details and any events you have booked for. These sometimes can be kept by people for a long time before they make a purchase, it is not unknown to get a phone call and order a year after an event.

Your best advert is word of mouth, so be friendly and helpful. Regular trading at one location gives your customers the feeling of security that you will be available should they have any problems or want to buy from you again. It can take a year or more to build up a customer base. 

Treat your stall as your shop window, a way to advertise your product. It is hard not be sensitive about products you make yourself, but just because you may not sell well at an event does not mean that there is anything wrong with your product, it may just mean that the customers are going away to think about it and then come back and purchase from you next time or ring you up to order from you and this may be months later.

Welcome your customers, be friendly even if you are having a bad day! It may turn out to be great day by the end of trading!