Hi friends!!
I cannot believe my first market was almost a year ago. Oh how the time flies! It was simultaneously the most terrifying and joyful things I think I could have done to move forward with selling my art. I’ve learned an incredible amount in the past year of markets and I wanted to share my top 5 tips with you.
Are you interested in vending at a market or upping your game? These tips are perfect for beginners and are very real situations I’ve been faced with. And for those market experts: let me know what I missed!
Tip 1: Be prepared for WEATHER.
The majority of the events I’ve vended at have been outdoors. If you’re attending an outdoor event be prepared for whatever Mother Nature will throw your way!
Don’t rush to the store but I highly recommend bringing a 10x10 tent. Check in with your market coordinator as they may have specific requirements for tent color or size. They may even allow you to rent a tent for an added fee. See if a friend or family member has a tent you can borrow before you break the bank! For my first market, I buddied up with a dear friendor (friend+vendor=friendor… I made it up) and we split a booth. She brought her tent and we both had separate 6 foot tables.
Outdoor markets have the potential for wind. Tack down anything flowy or loose (table clothes, signs, paper goods). I promise you don’t want to be chasing down your beautiful art work when you could be making a sale.
Additional outdoor market necessities include sunscreen, plenty of water, and a comfy chair.
Tip 2: Socialize!
Chat it up with your potential customers and fellow vendors. Even if you’re not making big sales you can still be making big connections! I have met some of the kindest and most helpful folks from art markets and I always make it a goal to make at least one social or professional connection when attending.
I like to keep business cards at my table (and in my bag). You can design and print them for super cheap on canva.com
Something I’m adding to my booth is an email list. Many vendors will have one on their table. I’m always sure to add my name. I love seeing what other artists are up to. They often include information that isn’t on their social media like special discount codes.
Tip 3: Jazz up your display!
Draw your audience to your booth. Sitting in a dark corner at a night market? You might want to bring fairy lights or those little tap lights that look like a hockey puck.
It can be difficult for potential customers to really take in your products if they’re jam packed on a table. Elevate your products by creating “levels” in your display. Pick up wooden crates to stack. The Target dollar spot sometimes has great (and affordable) shelving options.
I’m ALWAYS drawn to shiny, sparkly, and bright. One of my favorite displays has always been disco balls hanging from 10x10 tents. I also love displays that are easy to move around in. Tents can be awkward so it is wise to think about the flow of traffic through your space.
Top 4: Show me the money $$$$
Modern problems often require modern solutions. Lucky you! You’re living in the age where payments exist in a million different formats. How will you receive money from your goods? The most common forms of payment at art markets include card, cash, and Venmo. Some vendors will even take PayPal, cash app, or whatever else is out there. Bottom line - Find a way for payment that works for you! I like to recommend providing a few options. The more (reasonable) options, the more likely people will be able to purchase your goods/services.
- You’re dealing with cash? Awesome, don’t forget change (I always forget).
- Great, you’ve got an app that takes cards. Practice your new fangle-dangle app (square, Shopify, etc).
- Do you need internet to make it work? You may not have a plug or access to internet the day of. How can you plan for this?
Personally, I like to use my iPad with Shopify to track all payments (yes, even cash and Venmo). This helps with inventory and mapping trends.
TIP 5: Bring a buddy!
You know the saying, many hands make light work. You’re going to want some hands on “support staff”. Support can look like a lot of different things, it could be helping with set up or clean up, minding the booth so you can take a pee break (IMPORTANT), helping with social media, cashing out customers or packaging purchases. You’ll want someone you trust with money and your goods. This might be a parent, a sibling, a partner, or a friend.
OKAY, NOW YOU’RE READY TO ROCK!
I promise you’ll learn tips and tricks along the way. These are just a few I’ve picked up from my own adventures and from other vendors over the past year or so. The scariest part is getting yourself to sign up and commit to a market. You’ve got this!!!
However, if you’re still not quite ready to vend you can always participate and support local artists in so many different ways instead. Attend local markets, shop small, engage with vendors through social media, add yourself to their email subscriber lists. It’s the best way to get “in the know” and prepare for upcoming events.
Want to get on my email list to be the first to hear about new items, blog posts, discounts, and events? Add yourself HERE.
Thanks!
Ally
BONUS Tip: Snacks, snacks, and snacks!
You’ll likely be stuck at your booth for most of the event. I know I get hungry but I can’t always count on food vendors. Bring all of the snacks! Some of my favorite are fruits, veggies, pretzels, and popcorns. What about you?