How To Get Customers To Remember Your Stall

Customers do not always buy on the day.
So it is important to get people to remember you.
The best way is to have a quality business card.
Flyers are good but usually end up in the garbage bin. 
Quality cheap colourful cards can be purchased on the net.
We found customers that held onto our contact details were able to
be in touch with us years after we had left a particular market.
Cards make you look professional and really are a cheap form of
targeted advertising.

Selling Of Counterfeit Products

What effect does stalls selling counterfeit products have on your market?
Lots of counterfeit products are available  from DVDs, CDs, T-Shirts, handbags, caps, headphones etc.
Do not try to sell any of the products on your stall. In Australia trade marks are heavily policed.
It is a really bad look for your market to have stalls enclosed in police tape.
The consequences are serious.
What happens to the customer's perception?
1. They think all stalls are selling dodgy products.
2. The market gets a bad name. If it's a customers first visit to the market they will certainly be getting the wrong idea.
3. It is usually followed by bad press in the local paper, on TV and radio.

Should the market management stop stalls selling counterfeit goods from trading?
Well, I think the markets we've traded in, the Managers have been effective. They will close down stalls quickly. They are not trained to recognise counterfeit product, quite often these products are sold under the counter.
So make sure you are not selling counterfeit goods.
    

Who Is Our Competition?

Who is competing with your market stall?
Stallholders would say to me they had unique products for sale and had no competition in the markets.
This is a wrong assumption to make.  I will explain it this way.
A customer visits the market with a defined amount of money in their pocket to spend.
Only under exceptional circumstances will they change their mind.
A customer comes into the market with $50 in their pocket.
They walk around the stalls spending $20 here, then $15 there. At the food stall spends $10. The customer then comes upon your stall with $5 still in their pocket. You have a product selling for $10. You overhear the customer say to a friend 'I really like that but don't have the money this week' and walk away. If you and your product made enough of an impression they will make your stall the first stop next market day.

So who is your competition in the market? The answer is every other stall.

Is It Time For Spring Cleaning Your Stall?

Father's Day is the first Sunday in September. This year it is 7 September. It's time to start selling products aimed at Dads. Make your customers aware that the day is getting close. Have products suitable to give Dads in a prominent position. Make signs letting customers know.
Stallholders would say to me 'It will be quiet on Father's Day at the markets.'
It's not true. Many families are looking for somewhere to go and take Dad. The markets are a family friendly place to take Dad. Well run markets will promote the day with free entertainment eg children's rides, singers, clowns, face painting.

Penrith City Council’s Sunday Siestas

Penrith City Council’s Sunday Siestas are back on Sunday 19 October and Sunday 2 November 2014 this year at Tench Reserve, Nepean River!Please find attached the Application Form which must be filled out entirely and sent back to myself if you wish to trade at these markets.If you are selling any type of food, you must complete an application to sell food also.
If applications are not fully completed or your public liability is not sent, you will not be
to trade at these events. Penrith City Council reserves the right to accept or reject any application.


All applications need to be submitted by Friday 8 August 2014.
Application Form
Temporary Event Application To Sell Food
Should you require further information, please contact myself on 4732 7652.


Kind Regards
Sheree Bonello
Events Officer

2014 Echuca Moama Celtic Festival

Hi there,
I am writing today looking for any stall holders that would be interested in joining us at our 2014 echuca moama Celtic festival held on 14th-16th march. If there is any interest please email echucamoamashow@hotmail.com
Thanks in advance
Tiffany Graham
http://www.celticfestival.com.au/?page_id=48

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!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Well this is the last week for sales at Markets before Christmas 2012.
Hope stallholders and customers had a wonderful year.
Stallholders take the extra effort to jazz up your stall. Add some decorations.
This is the biggest week retailing for the whole year.
Have a great holiday period.
Back with more hints and tips in the New Year

Christmas Is On Its Way

This is the time of year you really need to set your stall up with 'The Christmas Spirit'. The shops are now decorating for the season. It is worth the effort to spend a little time on your stall. It can be done cheaply. Maybe hanging a few Christmas stocking, a bit of tinsel, a few stars will put the customer in the buying mood.
The 2 month lead up to Christmas should be the most profitable time of the year. So gear yourself up to sell and remember to dress up your stall. Carry stock that is seasonal but do not overstock. Make Christmas packs.  A lot of impulse buying goes on at this time of year.

Fun Selling Shoes

A shoe stallholder at one of the markets I attend was having a laugh. He said a funny thing had just happened to him. He'd decided to sell out a range of joggers he had been selling for $40. A hand written sale sign was made exclaiming the shoes for '$10 a pair'. He didn't expect the first customer to come along to ask if there were plenty of different sizes. The customer asked him to pack up 50 pairs. This was done at the expense of dealing with other customers. Feeling proud of himself said "that will be 50 x $10 = $500". "$500", she said. "Yes" and he repeated the calculation. "Oh I'm so sorry I didn't have my glasses on and thought they were $1 a pair.", she said apologising.  True Story

Stall Holders Required Smith FamilyGoverment House Open Day

Planning is now underway for The Smith Family's Government House Open Day, to be held on Sunday 24th March 2013. 

If you are interested in being an Arts and Crafts Stall Holder please 
email Maree at GovHouse@theearlybird.com.au  
or Phone 02 6126 5900.
The 2012 Open Day was a resounding success, with over 6,000 attendees, raising valuable funds to help Aussie kids in need transform their lives through education.

Take Your Market Business Seriously

I attended a market on the weekend. A new stall had set up. The product doesn't matter but it would require personal contact with potential buyers to sell it. Credibility I feel would be very important as the stallholder was asking buyers to believe the claims about the product without proof that it actually worked.
There were three people (2 girls and 1 guy) working in the stall. Product at the front and they sat at the back amusing themselves with laughter, dancing to a music player, neck massages. Why were they at the market? To amuse themselves or sell product. This was a premium market with a premium rent, they sold very little all day. What I'm saying is when selling your products at a market  treat your market business as a business or you will not succeed. 

What Skills Will I Need When I Start My Market Stall?

The qualities and the skills you should have when running a market stall are:

• Having strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Have good negotiation skills
• Have excellent customer service skills
• Have numeracy skills for dealing with money
• Have energy and enthusiasm
• Be sales focused and be able to promote their market stall creatively.

 Do not worry you will build your skills as you manage your stall.

Brag About It - Featured Stall -

Natural Soy Candles and Melts in a large range of fragrances . Homeware including candle holders, oil burners and much more. All candles and melts are hand poured and highly fragrant.
Party Plans are available.  
Every Wednesday at Penrith Markets NSW. (Undercover area)
Parklea Markets NSW every Saturday and Sunday plus Monday Public Holidays. Stalls 737 - 738


http://www.bragaboutit.com.au

Sweet Feet Impressions - Featured Stall -

 Hi and thanks for your interest on SWEET FEET. 
I say without doubt that I have great pleasure working with babies and young children in the making of Impressions and Sculptures. What started up as a hobby some 35 years ago, (overseas as a lost wax jewellery designer)  has now progressed and become an Independent business;  I am the proud owner of SWEET FEET situated in a suburb of NSW. My commitment is offering our customers unique, creative and very individual sculptures of their babies and young children Hands and Feet.Being independently owned, allow me to select the highest quality products giving a wider choice and options to suit the client. Even after so many sculptures  that I have made, I still experience at the different shapes, sizes and beauty of the little hands and feet moulds that I make.
The happiness of the parents when they collect their products is gratifying.
Best Wishes.
Rosa,
SWEET  FEET  IMPRESSIONS. 
Please contact SWEET FEET:  Mobile: 0433 07770
www.sweetfeetimpressions.com.au 

Find Us:
1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturday every month:
Fairfield Showground Market, Smithfield Road, Prairiewood,
Stand 567  (from 8am to 2pm)

School Holidays And Easter Weekend 6 - 9 April 2012

There are many markets over the Easter Weekend. A couple I can think of Fairfield Markets NSW Easter Saturday. Pareklea Markets NSW Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Have a great day out and it's free. No charge for parking at either of the markets.

Stallholders Should Wear Appropriate Footware

When setting up your stall you should wear proper covering on your feet. It is so easy to drop a table, heavy box, frame work for your stall on your feet. I saw a few weeks back a young girl drop a table on her foot while setting up her stall. Only wearing light sandals she had no protection. Her foot covered in blood and in considerable pain she made a hasty retreat from the market. I don't  know of her outcome but haven't seen her since. Another stallholder complained he nearly cut his foot on piece of glass. When I looked at his feet he was wearing thongs (flip flops).
We all need to protect ourselves as most of us won't get accident pay :-)

Barbara & Meryems 6 years at Fairfield markets

Hard working mother and daughter team, and good friends of mine. It is nice folk like this that make working in a market pleasant. Anyone else like to be featured here come and see me.Terry stall 852 Just Moments in Time