Top Tips for Prepping for Your First In-Person Market
So you've booked your first market - how exciting! But also totally nerve wracking! I remember feeling both excited and terrified before my first market too. But now I've done 4 markets, both indoor and outdoor, and I've picked up a few tips and tricks that I wish I'd known at the start.
If you're prepping for your first in-person market, here are some helpful things that I have learned from experience - now I'm in no way a professional but every time I get more confident and I wanted to share my knowledge to help you feel comfortable too. And maybe I'll write another post in a year with even more tips!
- Prep for the weather
If you're doing an outdoor market, the weather will definitely try to humble you - so make sure you are ready for anything! Try and pack your products into clear bags to protect them from any rain and dirt. We love sunshine but remember to bring some sun cream and lots of water as you'll be standing around for hours.
The true enemy here is wind... if you've done a market in Brighton then you know! Make sure any lightweight items are put into baskets so they have less chance of blowing away. Basically try and tie everything down or put into boxes so they stay on the table.
And in the absolute worst case scenario your market may be cancelled due to the weather which happened to me last year!
2. Make your display stand out
Your table is your mini shop and your display is what draws people in. To start with I don't think you need to spend loads on a display, just use whatever you have lying around. It's important to think about how your products can be displayed clearly and creatively. Varying the height of your products helps (get some boxes or crates) and adding a colourful table cloth can really make your table pop.
I would recommend getting some sort of branded banner or something you can pop on the front of your table cloth so that people know who you are, I literally just painted mine onto a piece of fabric and it does the job. Making your brand personality come through is key; a bit of colour, cute signage and a friendly vibe really go a long way - and I think people do notice when your set up feels thoughtful and welcoming.
3. Clear pricing = less awkwardness
This one is huge, make sure you prices are labelled clearly! Whether it's using mini signs, price stickers or having one big price list so that people don't have to guess or ask.
From personal experience - most people won't ask they'll just move on. But when prices are easy to see, they're much more likely to engage and buy. And it saves you answering the same question a hundred time.
4. Be friendly, but don't hover
One of the most important things I have learned? Read the room. Greet people with a quick smile, say a quick "hey how are you?" and then let them browse in peace.
Markets can feel a bit intimidating for shoppers, and for sellers as well to begin with - it is quite daunting at times. But I always try to make people feel relaxed giving them no pressure to buy, just letting them enjoy the art and maybe have a chat if they want.
5. Bring the essentials
- cash and a card reader
- business cards
- snacks and water
- masking tape
- tablecloth, crates and other display props
- price labels
- a positive attitude and comfy clothes
6. Enjoy the day and learn as you go
No market will be perfect. Some will be busy, others quiet. Sometimes your bestsellers don't sell at all, sometimes they do. Each market will teach you something - about your customers, your products and yourself as well.
After every market I try to jot down some notes about what worked and what I would do differently next time. It's truly a growing process and honestly, it's such a rewarding part of running my business. I can't wait for the rest that I have coming up towards the end of the year.
So whether you're a bit nervous or bursting with ideas - just know that your first market will be a learning experience and you'll leave it with more confidence than you had going in. If you're prepping for your first one just know that I'm cheering you on!
Have any questions or want to share your own first market experience? Let me know in the comment or overs on Instagram @indiardenart