Planning your stall at a craft or farmers market

So, the stall is booked at an upcoming craft fair or farmers market, but what do you need to consider when setting up a stall at a market? Consider these 10 points to make your next stall a great success.

1. Do your research

Find out as much as you can about the event, the number of people and the type of people expected to attend and find out about the other stallholders if you can. Check out the event in person if you can as you can do first-hand research and find out how long it would take you to travel to the venue. Understand what restrictions and limitations there might be – e.g. the size of the stall, is a table provided and if you need a power point is there one located nearby?

2. Location

Some events will issue an Exhibitor’s guide. This will show where your stall is located and therefore who is located next to you. This will not only help you when you arrive at the venue so you know where you are setting up but will also help you to avoid any unexpected surprises with your location e.g. If you are located next to the toilets or a draughty door!

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3. Design your stall

Plan how your stall will look. Consider the best way to display your products so that they will stand out.

Avoid having all your products laid out flat on the table, use props and stands to give some height to your stall so they can be seen easily.

Display your products in an appropriate way, so if you are selling at a Farmers market, you might want to avoid displaying in plastic boxes and opt for a more rustic feel to help convey the freshness of your products.

If you are selling jewellery, then stands and mirrors can look great. Be careful not to distract from the products that you are selling!

4. Branding

If you attend more than one event throughout the year, it is important to ensure that people recognise you from previous markets that they might have attended.

Make sure that your brand identity is consistent at each market so that your brand is clearly recognisable. Display your products in the most appropriate way.

So, if your jewellery is elegant then adopt this style or have a minimalist approach if your products are striking to allow them to stand out.

5. Promotional material

Make sure that you have plenty of business cards and leaflets available which are displayed prominently on your stall.

Many people visiting your stall might not make a purchase there and then but might take a card and visit your website/Facebook page later and buy from you.

6. Signage

It is important that all your products are suitably labelled with prices and any other key information, for example allergy information in the case of food. Consider what is allowed at the market as well as the venue and the space that you have available.

7. Practice

Set up your stall at home, display the products as you will at the market and then see how it looks from the perspective of a potential buyer.

If it helps, then get a second opinion – you never know but your partner or sibling might point out something that you haven’t considered!

8. Selling products

Have a range of products available to buy. Products at a range of prices always works well. Make sure that you have a cash float and if possible, have a card reader or use a payment app to be able to accept card payments.

You don’t want to lose a sale because a buyer only has a debit card! Consider how buyers will take your products home – you might want to have branded bags available for larger products and for jewellery and other gift items, smaller gift bags and tissue paper might be needed.

9. Communicate

Tell your existing and past customers that you will be at the event and invite them to come along. If you hold email addresses for your customers, then you can send an email via a tool such as Mailchimp using your distribution list.

It is also a good idea to post on social media before, during and after the event (Tip: Use the scheduling tool on Facebook to schedule a post for during the event as you don’t want to be seen to be on your phone at the event itself).

10. Don't forget!

Here are some key items that it is important to remember to take with you: Pens, paper, Blu Tack, Sellotape, scissors, stapler, drawing pins (if you have a display rd for example), spare labels, order forms.

Think about what you will wear. Make sure that you are comfortable as you are likely to be on your feet a lot but ensure that you look professional and fit with the brand that you have created.

Make sure that you have Public Liability Insurance for your event and that it is sent to the organiser in advance of the event if this is required. Plus make sure that you have a copy with you.

So, if you are planning to set up a stall at a Farmer’s market or jewellery at a craft fair, then consider these points to ensure that you have a successful event!

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