Beginners guide to setting up a market, and what to do

[Former_Member]

Hi All,

I've been on Etsy for almost 3 years now but have only tried a market once (failed miserably). I have no idea how to set up a market stand, what sort of displays I need, and all that sort of jazz.

I sell mainly headwear, accessories, and some other items but any help would be great, or recommendations on what I would need to for a stand.

[Former_Member]

You may want to look at some of the older team threads to see what suggestions have been made.

How much space do you have? Do you have a canopy or just a table? Indoors or outside?

I'd suggest too that you try setting up a nice display at home first to see what you need to add.

One good source of inspiration is to go to other markets and see how the various vendors have set up their stalls.

[dcbijou]

it definitely depends on the space you have to set up, whether you're working with one table or multiple tables, or a rack for clothing, etc.

Pinterest has been a great source for me for a lot of DIY display ideas, without having to spend too much money. You'll want your display & any props to compliment what you sell, whether it's a color scheme or theme to go with your products.

For headbands, I've seen sellers at fairs use glass/acrylic vases (wide cylinders, like hurricanes) or PVC pipe covered in fabric to stack headbands in one place.

[Former_Member]

Once you start to figure it out, practice practice practice.

Set up and take down your display. Pack and unpack everything.

See what you need first and then next and next and pack in an order that makes sense. Each time I do a show I learn something that speeds up the process the next time.

[brendascrochetnsuch]

I've done one holiday fair and quite a few at a farmer's market. I'm not really the person to answer. I've been accepted to a couple of outdoor shows/charity fundraisers. Long term unemployed, so I've been researching on Pinterest. Here is a link to my craft fair board. If you need an invite, let me know.

http://pinterest.com/brendacox01/craft-fair/

Hope this helps

[Former_Member]

Two things, a really big smile and enthusiasm. good product helps but people buy you before they buy the product. How many times have you been to a market and seen sourfaced sellers sitting at theback of their shop expecting people to buy?
Try to get the people as enthusiastic about your product as you are.