Howdy! I just got accepted into my first market (Horray!) and I have no idea what I need or what I should avoid. So, as the title says, what would you do differently if you were to have your first ever market again? What are things you would avoid? What are some absolute must haves? (There will likely be another market post in the very near future from me)
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Omg congrats 
and good luck 
Sadly I have no advice since I have never done markets 
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Be prepared for weather. Literally have never done my own but joined a friend on her last one and we were FREEZING the first day cause we did not anticipate being right by a door on a day that only got up to 35 degrees lol. We were popsicles. Brought thicker clothes and a heater the next day xD
If its going to be hot, be prepared with water. Also snacks. They have food vendors but obvs food trucks can be pricey and depending on your sales, you might wind up spending your profits on lunch 
Also I’ve heard a lot about theft lately so make sure you can see all your stuff!
Oh and good luck!!! Wishing you the best <3
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ahh same! i have my first market in august :)
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Make sure everything is accessible! One of the biggest mistakes I see people making is having their crochet makes RIGHT NEXT to them. I’m kind of introverted when it comes to shopping, so I really don’t like it when I have to make eye contact with the seller or have to reach right next to them to grab something. 
Just a thought. Good luck with your market!!
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folding tables with fitted tablecloths (or fitted bedsheets) not necessary because any type of table works but it looks nicer, a better way to know prices if that’s labeling boxes/buckets or having just a batter spreadsheet of prices, and put Venmo barcode in a picture frame (if you’re using Venmo/paypal etc.)
Oh and write down everything you sell and for how much, not specifically necessary but I found it useful
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I’d say to add a sign or something to show how much everything costs. It saves the customer the from having to ask and you from having to say 
I’m honestly not too good when it comes to making the booth look nice since I’m also still learning, but I’m sure you can find some references.
If you’re not sure what to make, you could check this out. It’s a list of items that I made for my last market with links to the patterns (free and mostly no-sew/low-sew).
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Good Luck
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I agree. It’s really important to have all your items priced clearly.
Even though I price all my items there are so many people who still ask how much something is.
Also, as a shopper, one of my pet peevs is coming across a stall that has no pricing. I don’t like having to ask and will often walk past a stall if prices aren’t visible.
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2nd part is real loll. One time I used this hot pink paper for my price labels and people still didn’t notice TvT
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gl with your market! I have no advice sadly cus I haven’t been to a market sadly..
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I agree, having a way to pay digitally is a good idea if you can get it set up.
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I always recommend using some form of shelving on your table. This raises your products off the table to display them better. It increases the about of room on your table for products and enables potential customers to see what you’re selling from a distance.
Make sure to have a variety of products that range in price, ie:- $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, and so on, to cater to different buyer’s budgets.
Make more of the low to mid priced products as these are the ones that will be purchased more quickly.
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My first market wasn’t beautiful, but I did sell out! I would definitely recommend having stands to showcase/make your things look neat and organized. Something I think I did well was have business cards and cute lil bags at the ready for customers!
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weather! make sure you check the forecast on the day of your market to make sure that you are prepared for anything, whether that is umbrellas, towels to cover stock, a tent, sunscreen, or extra water!
food! always bring snacks and drinks, especially if it is going to be a long or hot day. even if you don’t think you’re hungry, make sure you eat enough to keep your energy up.
record everything! bring a notebook and pencil (or something of that type) and use it to write down everything you sell and how much it sold for. this is SUPER useful for the future, as it can show you what sells well and what doesn’t.
display! an interesting and elevated display is everything. if your display is flat or a little boring, people will be much less likely to check your booth out. height, colors, and a cohesive theme(display pieces are all silver, black, gold, wood, etc) are your best friends!
stock! have a good variety of stock. if you only bring the “best seller” most popular items, you might not do as well due to the pure saturation of those items in markets. instead of bees, mushy bois, and axolotls, try more unique items! don’t get me wrong, it’s always great to bring those popular items, but it is also a good idea to make yourself stand out.
i hope this helps <3
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Plushies are absolutely popular. I would have definitely made some of those at my first market if I had known. My first market was in the fall and I had pumpkin decor and I wish I had lots more of that bc it sold out. Having different payment options is amazing. Like PayPal, Venmo, and cash. Have at least 15 $1 bills for change, along with some other $5 bills and stuff. Signage means more traffic. I wish I had had a slightly bigger better designed sign, with the prices clear and easy to read.
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Hi!
Here are a few tips of mine:
1: the small to medium sized plushies always sell better, so stock up on those
2: always add a super intricate or attractive piece that will lure and attract customers.
3: if you have a social media account, display the link or qr to let ppl know you’re an active business
4: oh and I like to prep my packaging and change neatly in order to save time and the hassle (like just making a simple compartment next to you with everything organized!!
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I was so much advice!
I’ve been doing for markets for about two years now, and these are some things that I would definitely change if I went back to my first market.
Number one, prepare for the weather, my tent was not weighed down, and it almost blew away along with my mother!
Number two have multiple things at the same item not just one of each thing it makes your booth look like a cluttered thrift store versus a nice boutique
Number three have a Square card reader, don’t just accept cash, check everybody’s Venmo because people will try to steal from me with Venmo and, make sure that you have good displayed pricing and tall displays
Number four don’t be afraid to talk to people when you engage with the customer they are so much more likely to come over to you and to buy something
And number five have a charity you support: not only does the money help make an impact immediately after your craft fair but it also it also encourages people to buy because people like to make sure that their money is going towards something good
I know that was a lot of words, but I had the spelling dictation thing on, and I had a lot of advice to get that so. Hope this helps anybody who’s doing their first market!
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Have fun!! Good luck you will do great! Also, DONT underprice yourself to make sales, you already have so much value!
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No idea but there are lots of experienced people here! Good luck!
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