13 tips for preparing for an awesome Market Stall

If you want a successful stall you need to start preparation as soon as you have been accepted for the event.

1. STOCK UP. Start building your inventory. Make as much as you think you will likely sell and then double it. There's nothing worse than running out of stock before the event has finished. Buyers want to see a well planned but full table.
2. VARIETY. Have a selection of colours and sizes. Have a range of price points to suit all budgets.
3. HAVE A THEME. Make sure that your stall makes sense. A jumble of unrelated articles won't be as interesting to buyers as articles that make sense together. Items that make sense together offer scope for up-selling. If you sell scarves, selling hats or gloves that match will offer more opportunities for a sale. Selling cute children's clothes? Match them with matching hair bows or bow ties.
4. TAGS TAGS TAGS! Make sure everything has a price on it. You will sell more if the customer doesn't have to ask what the price is. Make sure that all items either have a tag with your details on it or you include your contact details in the packaging. Customers will be able to contact you later for more or they may be giving it as a gift and the recipient will know how to find you.
5. BUSINESS CARDS. These are a must. Have them available for customers to take, hand them out and make sure that every purchase has one included. That way people can find you later when they need to buy more, or they might give it to someone who will buy from you later.
6. BANNER. Make sure your customer can see who you are from a distance. They may be looking for you as they saw something they wanted in the promotions leading up to the event. Or they may take note of who you are and search for you later. make it easy for them to find you!
7. ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS. Give customers payment options. Have plenty of cash on hand but it's also a good idea to be able to accept credit cards as well. You will sell more! If you accept credit cards make sure you let them know. Create a sign so they can see at a distance.
8. CUSTOM ORDERS. If you enjoy custom orders have a sign saying you welcome custom orders. Have examples or a look book available.
   
9. SOMETHING FOR FREE. You can draw customers in with something free. Samples if appropriate or offer a chance to win something for signing up to your newsletter or promoting you on social media. Have a raffle or giveaway.
   
10. MAILING LIST. Have a sign up sheet for your mailing list
    
11. PRACTICE . Plan your set up ahead of time and practice setting it up. That way you will have a faster set up on the day and will know that you have everything.
    
12. AWESOME DISPLAY. Think about how you can add height to your display so that customers can see things from a distance. Have things to catch their eye and draw them in.
    
13. DON'T SIT. Get up and interact with the customers. Smile and be welcoming. Enjoy yourself!
    

Look at the great set up above from Hello Harriet using all the tips we have discussed.