Must-Haves for Acing Your First Market!

Ok so it's your first market... you're excited but it's so daunting. Whether you're selling handmade crafts, baked goods, or unique vintage finds, making sure you're well-prepared is key! This blog will cover the essential must-haves that'll help you make an impression (and hopefully some sales 🤞).

Once you've made your stock/inventory, you'll wnat to...

Choose the Right Setup

Firstly, think about your setup. Look to instagram or pinterest for inspo and save a few of your faves. Think about how you could take inspiration and make it your own, or make it work for your stock.

Typically market spaces are around 6-8ft, so it is a good idea to find a sturdy 5-6ft table. The foldable ones are easiest to set up, take down, transport and store. Here is a link to the ones we use!

Ok so we have some inspiration and a table...

We'd recommend a table cloth to match your brand, or a nice plain one. It generally looks cleaner and more professional to have a table cloth, and a bonus is that you can store things under the table and make sure it's hidden/covered.

Essential Display Elements

So we have a table, table cloth, stock and inspiration. Now let's take a look at display. You can get some great display items on amazon, customs pieces on Etsy, or some great deals for second hand pieces on marketplace, ebay, or charity shops! Our top tip is to vary height in your display. It can really help catch shoppers eye and adds some interest to your layout.

Banners/signs with your shop name are always a good idea too! Use bold visuals and colours to stand out and be remembered.

And of course, don't forget business cards!! Even handmade ones work well - as long as they have key info like your website, socials, or contact information. (I always add a QR code to mine for ease.) Some shoppers may not be able to buy something today, so will pick up a business card and shop with you at a later date.

Payment Options

Make sure you offer a couple of different payment methods. Bring change in a cash box or bag you can keep close to you for those who'd like to pay in cash. It's becoming more popular for people to want to pay by card, so we'd recommend signing up for a tool like Square or SumUp to be able to accept card payments through your phone or a small machine.

Pricing Labels

Some customers like to chat and ask questions, others just like to browse quietly. Either way it is a good idea to display prices for everything you have on your table. You can use sticky labels, card, a small whiteboard/chalkboard, acrylic stands, a printed list - there are endless options. Just make sure it's easily visible and clear.

Wrapping Up

And finally, make sure you come to the market with a smile! Greet shoppers with a smile, or a friendly 'hello'. You can offer to answer any questions they have or leave them to browse. There isn't really set 'rules' for this part...

Stepping into your first market can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. With these must-haves, you’re setting yourself up for success! From your sturdy setup to engaging customer interactions, every detail plays a part. Remember, market success isn’t just about selling products; it's about creating memorable experiences.

Stepping into your first market can be scary, trust us, we know. But with these top tips you're setting up for success! But remember, a successful market isn't just from amount of products sold - it's about making connections and having fun!