First Time Market Stall Tips With insights from Leah Bartsch

Hey there, fellow artisan makers! Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, we’ve got these valuable insights from Leah Bartsch, creator of Craft Make Do and Dressed for Sunday, who has travelled across Australia for markets. Leah is also a creative Online Business Manager and expert at problem solving and streamlining operations - so you're in for some expert tips!

Choosing the Right Markets

Choosing the right market is crucial for your success. Leah emphasises understanding your ideal customer and where they shop. 

Leah’s Tip:

"Research the types of visitors markets attract and see if they fit your target audience. Visit the markets you're considering to get a feel for the crowd and see how market organisers promote their events and vendors. Also, consider practical aspects like whether the market is indoor or outdoor."

Key Considerations:

1. Research Market Options: Look for markets that align with your brand values and target audience.
2. Attend Market Events: Visit different markets to gauge the atmosphere and the type of vendors present.
3. Evaluate Location and Timing: Choose markets in high-traffic areas and check if the event dates fit your schedule.

Selecting the Right Products

Markets provide a fantastic opportunity to test new products. Leah finds that some products sell better at markets than online, and vice versa.

Leah’s Tip:

"Test your products at markets to see how customers engage with them. Ensure you can produce enough stock, especially for popular products, and have items at various price points."

Key Considerations:

1. Test New Products: Use markets as a platform to gauge customer interest.
2. Ensure Adequate Stock: Be prepared to produce enough stock for larger crowds.
3. Diverse Price Points: Offer products at different price points to appeal to a broader audience.

Branding and Presentation

Your market stall is a temporary shop front that needs to stand out.

Leah’s Tip:

"Your display should reflect your brand and values. Use display props that enhance your product without overwhelming it. Practicality is key – your setup should be easy to transport and assemble."

Key Considerations:

1. Visual Appeal: Create a cohesive and memorable display.
2. Practical Setup: Ensure your display is easy to transport and set up.
3. Product Focus: Make sure your products are the highlight of your display.

Attracting Customers

Standing out at a market can be challenging, but there are ways to attract and engage customers effectively.

Leah’s Tip:

"Always greet your customers. Start a conversation, make eye contact, and offer compliments. Building rapport shows you're approachable and makes customers more likely to engage."

Key Strategies:

1. Customer Interaction: Greet and engage with customers.
2. Product Demonstrations: Show customers how to use your products.
3. Samples and Testers: Allow customers to experience your products firsthand.

Marketing and Promotion

Promote your presence at markets through various channels.

Leah’s Tip:

"Leverage social media to share behind-the-scenes content. Collaborate with local businesses for joint promotions and collect customer feedback to improve your offerings."

Key Strategies:

1. Social Media: Share content related to your market preparations.
2. Include local markets attending in your business newsletter mail out and on your website (if applicable)
3. Check if your local market can add you as a co-host on their Facebook Event Page
4. Local Collaborations: Partner with nearby businesses to increase exposure.
5. Customer Feedback: Use feedback to refine your products and marketing strategies.
6. Take photos and videos throughout the day - or if it is a quiet period - make the most of your time there!

Handling Inventory and Pricing

Effective inventory management and pricing decisions are essential.

Leah’s Tip:

"Keep detailed records of your sales and inventory levels. Offer products at various price points and ensure you have enough stock to meet demand."

Key Considerations:

1. Inventory Tracking: Monitor your inventory to identify top-selling products.
2. Price Variety: Offer products at different price points.
3. Stock Management: Ensure you have sufficient stock for market events.

Balancing Local and Interstate Markets

Participating in both local and interstate markets can expand your reach.

Leah’s Tip:

"Local markets are easier logistically, but interstate events can be beneficial if they attract your ideal customers. Consider additional costs like travel, accommodation, and shipping."

Key Considerations:

1. Logistics: Plan for travel and additional costs for interstate markets.
2. Event Selection: Choose events that run over multiple days to maximise exposure.
3. Audience Building: Commit to showing up regularly to build a presence in new locations.

Practical Tips for Market Day

1. Prepare Your Products: Ensure high-quality products with attractive packaging.
2. Stall Setup: Design a visually appealing and practical display.
3. Customer Engagement: Offer exceptional customer service and engage with visitors.
4. Marketing: Promote your market presence through social media and collaborations.
5. Performance Evaluation: Track sales, gather feedback, and reflect on your performance.

With these tips and insights from Leah Bartsch, you're well-equipped to succeed at your next market stall. And don’t forget to reach out to The Regional Collective if you need more tools, advice and resources.

Happy selling!

https://www.theregionalcollective.com.au/offers/VoC9RzUK/checkout