As a bit of a market newbie (less than a year into em) I've learnt A LOT and would love to brain dump all of me lessons, so I can look back and remind myself, and hopefully help you in the meantime!
What Can You Expect On A Market Day?
Market days are some of my favourite times, but they can also be a little tedious and tiresome if you're not fully prepared with what's about to happen. You'll often get to the venue, get your spot, set up and be on your way. But knowing what to expect helps make sure you're initially choosing the right market days for you and your business.
10 Things I've Learnt
1. Research
First things first, before even applying to that market that has just followed you on Instagram - research. Where is the market? How much natural footfall is there? How much advertisement will there be to ensure customers will get there? Is the audience your target market? Asking myself all of these questions and if any of them are not right for my business, I don't put time into applying. It's very much been trial and error in this stage. Time of year wholeheartedly depends on if the market will be right on not too.
2. Have A Versatile Stall
Things can often change when you arrive to a venue. It may be a lot smaller or even bigger than imagined, so I like to make sure that my stall is versatile for my products. Can I utilise height more than width? Is a vital question I ask myself.
3. Utilise Your Time
Market days can be long days, sometimes with a lot of sitting around. I always take my drawing materials with me, or even a book. I've designed some of my favourite wall art prints sitting behind the table at quieter markets.
4. Don't Be Disheartened
Everyday is a lesson and that's no different at a market day. Even if I don't sell out, or sell anything at all in some instances, I try not to be disheartened - I guarantee I'll have made at least one connection that will come in handy in the future and more people will now know my brand.
5. Take Snacks
This should be tip no. 1 for us foodies. Taking plenty of energising snacks with me, especially if I'm doing the market alone, there might not be a minute to sneak off to buy something and no one needs to see hangry me on market days.
6. Chat To Everyone
Everyone can be a connection. Wether that's other stall holders, customers or the venue themselves. It could open new doors for studio spaces, collaborations and even stockists. I did a Christmas market in Sheffield at Hagglers Corner where I met Fi from Fifi's Closet and ended up stocking my cards and prints in her shop.
7. Have a Range Of Products
This is something that I learnt from doing many markets. My greetings cards are £3 each on market days and a market I once did cost me £45 for the stall. I am to sell 15 cards to make this money back. At that time, I hardly had 15 different designs to sell. Since then I have worked hard on expanding my product range from wall art prints in size A4 and A3 and over 100 greetings cards - with more coming very soon (hehe). Now I easily make a profile at market days.
8. Be Prepared For All Weathers
Outdoor markets can be SAVAGE, especially in the north. A couple of learnings here include always asking for an indoor pitch where possible and being picky with the time of year I'm attending markets. Jan/Feb are a lot quieter, whereas Christmas is the time to be there. Where I can I now make sure that as many products as possible are weather proof.
9. What Are Your Costs?
I used to see Fab Gab as my little hobby, which it definitely is, cos I love it so much. But it's a costly hobby. I learnt to be all over my costs to make sure I'm actually making profit, because if not whats the point? This includes ink, card, envelopes, my time, markets etc.
10. Learn From Your Time
All of the above are things I've learnt from doing markets for almost a year and I'm certain I'll keep learning at each one I attend, which is part of the beauty of it for sure.
Follow me on socials @fabgabthings to be in the loop of when me next market is!