Top Tips for Trading at Markets
We really want our traders to get the most out of the markets they do with us. They’re paying for the opportunity, they’re giving up their day at the weekend (plus all the time spent prepping and packing). Some people travel a fair distance to be with us, so it’s got to be worth it right? We’ve all got bills to pay!
We’ve seen it all when it comes to market stalls so we wanted to share our top tips. There are things to mention from our standpoint as market organisers, and we’ve gathered some top tips from traders too.
Food/Drink Traders - Signage
We have a food court area at our markets with seating and entertainment. Customers are looking around making a decision what they’d like for lunch, or to drink. What you offer needs to be CLEAR. If you sell coffee you need a big sign saying COFFEE. If you’re selling pizza get a huge sign saying (you guessed it) PIZZA. A boards showing amazing photos of your dishes is great, along with a clear menu showing prices.
And smells… get cooking even if you’ve got no orders on. Engage all the senses and get the tummies rumbling!
Branding
Make sure your signage is cohesive with your branding. Include your logo and brand colours. If you need some signage designed, or branding for that matter, speak to our friend Olivia Chapman ochapmandesign.com
It’s great if you can invest in a robust, easy to erect, gazebo that features your branding.
Tasters
If you’re a trader selling food or drink products have tasters. “Samples are always a great idea for food sellers” says Rachel from Slab Fudge. “Customers get to try the product and it’s a good conversation starter.”
And don’t just wait for people to come to you. If you have a second pair of hands, get them to go out with a tray of tasters. Maximise the opportunity!
“Tell them how delicious it is” says Paul from Jonah’s Mead.
Engaging with passers by
People want to be wined and dined! Say hello! Ask them how their day is going. Chances are they’ll look at what you’re selling, have a chat and maybe buy something CHA-CHING.
“It’s finding a balance with interaction” says Charlotte from Wild Jewellery. “Greeting everyone with a smile, but not standing over them because they like to browse without feeling pressure.”
Don’t sit down looking at your phone. Stay standing, catch people’s eye, be open and friendly and be ready with information and selling points, for example “everything is handmade by me and I only use sustainable materials. Feel free to pick things up and try things on.”
“Most importantly, enjoy it!” Says Gemma from Paper Wishing Stars. “If you’re passionate, it will shine through in your work and people will gravitate to you.”
Eye-catching display
Think about how you can display your products so they can be seen easily and passers by will be enticed to stop and have a look. “Get height on your table/display” says Gareth from Paraheroes. “Don’t overload your table, keep it simple.”
Make your display Insta-worthy! Include plants/props maybe. Bits from home can be used to add height etc. Also, think about how you can theme your pitch according to the season, for example Spring/Easter, Autumn/Halloween, Christmas.
“Get yourself out there, go to markets and see how other traders are displaying their stock.” Advises Gemma from Paper Wishing Stars.
Make Friends
Try and make time to browse the other stalls, gather flyers/business cards, follow their socials. Introduce yourself to the other stallholders. You’re all independent, creative small business owners, you’re bound to have lots in common, have advice to offer etc. And you can nick their display ideas!
That’s it! See you at our next market, our Young People’s Market on 25th May!