Market season is just around the corner, and for makers in business, that means one thing: it’s time to get your ducks in a row (or your tea towels in a neat little pile).
Whether you’re gearing up for your first spring market or you’re a seasoned stallholder, preparing early can make the difference between a stressful day and a stellar one.
We’ve been on both sides of the market table for nearly two decades from handmade sellers to market organisers to mentors and we can tell you that the most successful stallholders are the ones who start planning well before the event. The earlier you get organised, the more confident, relaxed, and ready you’ll feel when the doors open and the crowds arrive.
Stock up on your best‑sellers
If there’s one thing markets have taught us, it’s that your best‑selling items will walk out the door faster than you expect. Review last season’s sales (both at markets and online) to identify what you should prioritise. Don’t just rely on memory, check your numbers. Consider producing these hero products in higher quantities so you’re not left with an empty table halfway through the first day.
Don’t forget about your “purchaseable business card” products! Those lower‑priced items that people often buy on impulse. Having a healthy stock of these can keep your sales ticking along between those bigger purchases.
Create an irresistible stall experience
Your stall isn’t just a table with products, it’s a space to express your brand. This is your stage, your gallery, your shopfront. A well thought out stall design will invite customers in, spark conversations, and make your work memorable.
Think about the story you’re telling through your setup. Are your products easy to see, touch, and fall in love with? Is your signage clear and reflective of your brand identity? Could a small change like adding soft lighting, rearranging your layout, or introducing an interactive element make it more inviting?
One Melbourne jeweller we know uses a vintage printer’s tray to display tiny earrings, drawing people in to peek at every detail. Another regional ceramicist offers quick glazing demos to keep customers engaged and lingering at the stall. These thoughtful touches can transform browsers into buyers.
Engage before, during, and after the market
Your market presence starts well before the day itself. Use your social media, mailing list, and even your market organiser’s channels to build anticipation. Share behind‑the‑scenes snippets of your prep from packing stock to styling your table to make your audience feel part of your journey.
On the day, be approachable. Smile, start conversations, and tell the story of your products. Make it easy for people to connect with you online, whether through a simple QR code linking to your Instagram or a small incentive for joining your mailing list. Afterwards? Thank your customers, share event highlights, and invite them to shop with you again.
Start now, thank yourself later
The markets will be here before you know it, and a little planning now can mean bigger sales (and far less stress) later. Stock up, style your stall with intention, and create a customer experience that keeps people talking long after they leave.
Because market season isn’t just about turning up on the day it’s about setting the stage for your best season yet.
Members get to enjoy an absolute sh*t-ton of video content and checklists to help carry you through the market season. Join today and get organised!
Post features images snapped by Angela D’Alton at the Big Design Market and features Bridget Bodenham, Melanie Miles, Pete Cromer and Stof Studios.
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