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Tips for being a stall holder at a craft market

Updated: Aug 5


Over the past couple of months I have gained a lot of knowledge regarding being a stall holder at craft markets and I thought you'd like to know about it.


A photograph of a market stall

  1. Document, photograph and capture as much as possible.


I make sure that I capture a lot of content when I am at a market purely to show my followers that couldn't make it to the market what they missed. It’s certainly important also because you can use the content on slower seasons to reminisce, on the good times and your experience being at a market.


Another reason is that is is wonderful to look back on. During the time from early May 2025 until now, so much has happened and I wouldn't want to forget about how far I have come. Every month when I post a monthly round up on social media, it is so refreshing and revisit the memories from that month.


In terms of documenting, I like to note down small conversations I overhear about my work to remember what people say about my products on lower days and use for social media purposes. There’s something really special about human interaction as a business owner, especially when customers have nice things to say about my illustrations, is so uplifting and heart warming. It feels good, why not savour it!


A photograph of the back part of the market stall

  1. If it’s your first time, practise your set up before the big day!


You’ve probably heard this a million times before but it’s probably my most helpful one. Before I had been a stall holder at my first craft market I made sure to set up my table a few days before because you can add or take away things that you might not need when seeing the physical set up. This also allows you to change or amend your stall before the day. Plus, set up times can be very short and I recommend reducing as much as possible to reduce stress.


A person standing behind a market stall

  1. It can be pretty awkward but just embrace it.


Not everyone is friendly or having a good day so it is important to give customers space and accept that not everyone will either like your products of want to chat. Also know that not everyone you see if going to be interested in or likes your product range which is nothing to worry about!


A photograph of a person standing by a market stall outside

  1. Cash is preferred.


I use SumUp which is great for customers who do not have cash on them, yet it does take a small fee from your transactions. So, when a customer asks which I would prefer, I always say cash because you get the entirety of the sale. It is a little more work to cash the money into the bank but it is totally worth it!


A person standing by a market stall table

  1. Time flieees.


I think this is because the mornings are a lot more early than what I am used to. Generally time flies, from start up to packing down the time goes really quickly. If I am chatting to other stall holders, drawing on the go and interacting with customers. I am not saying this good nor bad it is just something that I have noticed myself.


A car packed with a lot of wood and stuff

  1. Be prepared.


There are lots of factors to keep in mind when it comes to preparation. For one, make sure you bring enough food and drink for you to last until closing time so that you are comfortable and enjoying yourself... there’s not much fun in being hangry or low on energy.


In addition, make sure you leave enough time to pack up your products up, set up your stall etc. You don’t want to be that one stall holder that is rushing around in the morning, breaking a sweat whilst customers are coming round.


If your market is outside, prepare yourself for WIND! Rain is okay, but the wind is a right pain.


Emily


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