One of our regular traders ChilliWinter has been generous enough to share their top tips for successful market trading.

1) It’s the whole market community’s responsibility to promote the event. The more you get to know your fellow traders/the locality, the organisers, the more you can all engage with each others audiences: always stronger together.

2) Tell everyone at face-to-face events, on social media, and in newsletters about events coming up. Be consistent in the format this is presented so people get to recognise at a glance what it is you’re telling them about.

3) Don’t just ‘reshare’ the market organisers posters, social media posts and stories, that’s bland and not engaging. Captivate your audience with it by adding some key words, a poll, the location and timings, a moving graphic etc - build some excitement the week before, a few days before, and on the day.

4) On the day: be early/on time. Readiness for passersby, engage them from the get-go. Put out signage that shows a freebie or special offer. Make your prices clear. Take video/pics of the whole market: show your face/s with other traders and show some excitement. Maybe speak too, reminding the audience the timings of the day/where parking is, any freebie/special offer, live music and good food etc.

5) Don’t sit down behind your stand doing a crossword. Try and relax, and have casual, friendly conversation with the passersby. Be mindful of your body language: too laid back or passive and they’ll pass on by, too full on and they’ll pass on by quickly! Avoid talking about the products, focus on finding out what they like, if they’re local, if they come to the market etc. Gentle conversation starters are usually welcome and more authentic, and conversations will flow better. Have a card/QR code ready so they know where to find you next / your Etsy shop / online / socials.

6. After the event, use any video content with music and polls / moving graphics to show what a lovely day it was (why and how), and say where you will be next time. Use polls or questions, etc.

7. Being face-to-face at a market is the BEST way to capture your customer’s attention, and for them to get to know you. See it as marketing. You might pick up a new stockist, or find out from fellow traders about other events. Be open to other people’s tips and suggestions.

8. Just because a market doesn’t generate many sales the first time you’re there, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work for you. You can have a ‘bad day’ when it’s sunny, and a better day when it’s raining. The time of the month (eg end or beginning) are usually when people spend more, but not always. Whats been in the news headlines in recent days does make a difference on people’s spending attitudes and habits. So give a new venue say, three chances before making up your mind if it works for you or not.

9. When planning markets, fayres and events, do your research. Get to know the organisers and the location a bit. Find out what the demographic is like in the local area. Visit the market before signing up. Listen to what other market traders have to say. But remember their experience doesn’t necessarily mean yours will be the same. So if it’s not so good for them it might be for you, but vice versa.

10. Over time build up equipment and props that give your stall presentation a wow factor. It can be expensive, but there’s no rush, do it slowly, and make use of old wooden crates and pallets to make your own shelves or boxes. Eye-level height makes a really difference, if everything is flat on a table it’s hard to see from a distance, and less attractive to look at. Lighting is also important for cloudy days, or darker winter days, or indoor events. You can use rechargeable battery lights or a large battery unit for charging. Make sure people know they can pay by cash or card; make sure you have an app and know how to navigate signal / WiFi / 4G or 5G… another reason to get to know your fellow traders is sometimes people share each other’s signal if yours isn’t working, which can be a lifesaver!!

Ultimately, have fun - enjoy your markets and events. Keep an open mind and keep adapting what and how you do them.

chilliwinter.co.uk