i recently signed up for my first market EVER (eeeee so excited bc i live in a small ahh town and they don’t do fun stuff like markets, and if they do it’s expensive!). i was wondering if there were any seasoned or experienced crocheters that could give me first market tips, things they wish they knew, how the buying process works, how should i store cash and such, packaging things i should buy, sales advice, things to do at your markets (like a 3$ grab bin), where to buy stuff for markets, etc! i know there’s a lot lol, but anything will help!!
i already have some patterns in mind, but if you’ve done a market, perhaps put your bestseller?
guys i don’t have any likes left i can’t heart comments for like 24 hours so id appreciate if you could like others comments! i will try to respond to all comments
I would say it’s honestly a lot of trial and error. Once you do your first market, you’ll really start to see what you need to improve or change.
My first market was at a flea market, and I was definitely stressed it was my first time, plus checking in and making sure I set up my booth on time. But overall, it was still a fun experience. After my initial setup, I only sold about 5–6 items and barely made my booth fee. It could’ve been my location, but I also realized my setup needed improvement. I literally just brought a table and was baking in the sun
Now, I’ve upgraded a lot. I take card payments, keep extra cash for change, and I have a nice tent for sunny days. I also invested in display props, and that’s made a big difference in how my booth looks and attracts people.
So my biggest recommendation is: prepare with what you have and just go for it. Your first market will teach you so much. And honestly, being surrounded by other crafters and handmade businesses is such a good feeling. Even though making inventory can be stressful and time-consuming, it’s all worth it on market day. It really made me appreciate how much goes into running a small business—markets are a whole experience.
What kind of crochet items are you planning to sell?
my market is part of a young entrepreneurs program in my area!
i’m planning to sell:
maybe a couple bandanas, mostly amigurumi and keychains, pouches, a 3$ grab bin with things like mini leggy frogs, bookmarks, icy pop holders, and perhaps mystery bags for 7$?
how do you usually package stuff? i think for purchase options i’ll have cash, zelle, and cashapp? i’ll need to set up a cashapp account though
also is there a way to take apple pay without getting the customers number or having a card reader?
Wow, that’s amazing! I bet you’re going to learn so much there—it’s really nice that you’re joining your community like that
Your inventory sounds great too. Having multiple options is always a good thing. For packaging, I usually use kraft bags (I buy them in bulk on Amazon), and I stuff them with printed tissue paper—I like using a green leaf print. I also always add an extra business card in each bag just in case.
I definitely recommend getting a Square card reader so people can easily use Apple Pay or their cards. You’ll make more sales that way. Some people carry cash, but almost everyone has their card or phone on them. The reader is usually around $40, but if you can’t get it right now, you can just download the Square App and have people pay directly from your phone—that works too. You’ll just need to set up your account.
I’m wishing you all the success on your first market It’s such a fun experience.
I make crochet rose earrings, and they’re actually one of my best sellers at markets. If you’d like, I can send you the pattern for free—it’s also on my shop page if you want to check it out
I would defiantly sign up for a square account! You can download the app and then accept card payments right from your phone! It is free to set up and only takes a small percentage of each sale as a processing fee!
For your setup, i would recommend to use vertical displays, as these tend to attract more customers if your products are at eye level instead of flat on a table. I would also provide bags for your customers. I buy brown paper bags for super cheap on amazon. If you want to, you can even buy a stamp from Etsy with your business name and logo to stamp the bags with! This will help people remember your brand and maybe buy from you again! If you have social media, an Etsy shop, or a website i would get business cards. I get mine from Canva but you can also just print them out on cardstock for a more affordable way! Also my best seller is mini loaf cats! One of my fav YouTubers for craft show advice is Cameron’s cute creations! She has a ton of amazing tips and display ideas on her channel!!!
I hope this helps! Good luck with your first market!
thank you so much! i’ll set up a square account. brown paper bags sounds good, but i don’t have a official shop or anything, im thinking perhaps setting one up before the market.
Ouhhh I have only ever gone to one market but have watched almost every video on YouTube for tips! Here are my fav
1: bring twice as much inventory as you want to sell etc: if you want to make 500 dollars, bring 1,000 worth of stuff!
2: for branding, I don’t really bring business cards, I just use a we code link to my Facebook/website!
3: bring lots of change, and for online I love square! ( I have heard venmo and zelle arnt the safest)
4: try and make your table coordinated !
Like if your business Colors are crème and green, get a green table cloth with crème bins for inventory!
one of my personal bestsellers is the tulip duckie pattern by hugglenhooks! i also recommend having a wide variety small plushies for people to choose from. i see a lot of people that make a bunch of axolotls, mushie boys, etc, and those are all great to have. however, they’re very common and might not sell well. i make one or two of basically every cute pattern i find and i completely sold out at the last market i did. i also recommend pricing every item individually because it makes it easy for you and the buyer to see the price. for display items, do not buy from michaels unless the item is on sale or you’re okay with super overpriced and cheaply made things. i do recommend taking inspiration from items you see there and looking online at places like amazon or target for more affordable and similar items. also, make sure you bring lots of $1s and $5s to make change for customers, as well as a way to accept cards (try getting a Square device).
jeez sorry for the long paragraph hope your market goes well!!
To start off I bought a lot of my stuff from hobby lobby and walmart, just kind of in their craft sections and decor areas. Every now and then I would find some really good things in there, clearance or discount spaces.
I typically keep all my money in a money box that has a key. But I think if you have like a Fanny pack or some sort of small bag.It can also help you keep money organized and just on you. I’ve seen people do this, and honestly I feel like it’s a really smart thing.
Some advice I would give is just try to be polite. Everybody , even if there’s walking by just ask how they’re doing and just say hi. That is how I have met some really great people, and actually got some customers just because I had talked to some people. But then again, I am a very extroverted and happy and lovey in person, and I know not everybody is like that, but maybe just like a hay or a high could just show that you’re open and very polite. Also, just be very confident with everything.You do.It’s your first time, but at the same time, you’re doing something you really want to do, and love and you’re just gonna learn as you go.
I have learned that small projects like the mini, mushroom boys or just like pocket pets or squishies really are big sellers, especially with little kids, because they want a little thing that they can carry with them all the time. Also, for packaging and stuff like that, I just bought some of the Brown paper bags, from I’m pretty sure it was walmart, and I just used those, and I typically ask if someone wants a bad or not. Depending on their answer I just put their crocheted thing in a bag, and I give it to them.
I really hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, please feel free to message me or just ask more. I have been doing markets for a couple of years now and I don’t know everything but I do know a lot.
thank you so much! i think when it gets closer to my market in august, i’ll most likely message you with a few questions. i believe i have the general idea from everyone and the couple videos i’ve watched!
it was my first time, plus checking in and making sure I set up my booth on time. But overall, it was still a fun experience. After my initial setup, I only sold about 5–6 items and barely made my booth fee. It could’ve been my location, but I also realized my setup needed improvement. I literally just brought a table and was baking in the sun 
hope your market goes well!!