Heyyy guys! I think this is long overdue. All of my market knowledge (at least most of it) in one post! I won’t link patterns, but I will give ideas, tips, and help.
What to bring
There’s so many supplies you need, and some are specific too certain people, but these are the basics.
- Extra price tags - I get mine off Amazon, you can get 100-500 for only $10-15
- Writing utensil - for tags, signs, writing down sales… You want something erasable too
- Bags - for putting your products in after selling! Clear ones are best, so people can see your stuff
- A way to track sales - I use a sheet I made on excel. It’s pretty simple: it let’s me list the item, and it’s price
- Cash box/other payment options - always bring spare change. I usually bring 10 $1 bills, 5 $5 bills, 2 $20 bills, and 8 quarters. If you’re taking card, have your reader ready. I also recommend Venmo (or PayPal, Apple Pay, ect)
- Signage - you can use these for bulk items, display, etc. I use mine when I have lots of 1 thing. I also have 3 acrylic signs… 1 for payment options, 1 for my mystery boxes, and 1 for my custom loaf cats
- Tables - always see if tables are provided! If not, I bring 3 4ft tables and one 5ftx5ft card table
- Chair (s) - same thing! See if they’re provided, if not bring one for you, and your buddy!
- Display pieces - crates, bins, baskets… Use things to help elevate your display, and make it eye catching! I use things I already had/that I stole from my house lol
- Tape - YOU’LL NEED IT. Wind is your worst enemy
- Tablecloths - I have yet to invest in good ones, but I should
- Crochet kit - scissors, yarn, stuffing, safety eyes… You can make things at the market, and repair things as needed
- Business cards - not needed, but helpful
- Safety pins - for price tags, or anything else that might need secured
- Water - stay HYDRATED
- Snacks - maybe even a lunch, or money for food trucks if the venue has them
- I’ll add more as I think of them!
Inventory
This can definitely vary, depending on the season, venue, area, and maker.
- 1-2 big showstopper items. You want these to draw people in, showcase your best work, and really look good.
- $5 bin - I get SO. MANY. SALES. from my $5 bin, it’s crazy
- A few $30-$40 items - these would be a level below your showstoppers
- $6-$25 items - these will be the majority of your inventory. I keep all my $5 items in that bin
- Keychains - also $5! You can get the fixtures off Amazon for really cheap. I recommend making a variety, eg. not 5 each of 3 designs
- Scrunchies - $3, my cheapest item!! Great for a quick buy/gift
- Mystery boxes - my newest addition! I don’t have much to say about these yet, but I’ve heard they’re good sellers for others
Tips
- Bring a buddy, or at least have someone pop in every once and a while, so you can look around, go to the bathroom, eat, ect.
- Study the set up info carefully. Do you need a canopy? Are stakes allowed? Do you need weights? Load in time? Load out time? Where’s your spot? Be prepared!
- Prepare for the weather. Bring layers, sunscreen, and bug spray, especially if it’s outside. Inside, you don’t have to worry as much.
- Be nice and welcoming! ‘good morning, how are you, anything I can help with, let me know if you have questions’, ect. People love getting to know the maker!
- Have as many payment options as possible. Make it convenient for the customer! I offer cash, card, and Venmo. I use Square for cards, definitely recommend it!
- Don’t worry about crocheting in bulk!! There are two types of market makers in my experience: the bulker, and the make whateverer… Lol. I’m the second one! You DON’T need to make 10 of each item. You can make what you want! I actually find more people buy if they can find something specific to their tastes.
- Pack the car the night before. Trust me. Don’t wake up earlier than you have to lol
Whew! Let me know if you have any more questions, I’ll be sure to answer!
perfect advice! I’ve done markets before but never for crochet yet, this covers a lot of non-crochet market preps too!