Things I wish I knew before I started doing Markets

I love doing markets. It's so much fun setting up your display, meeting customers and connecting with other stall holders. I have met so many amazing people and some have turned out to be lifelong friends. But when I first started doing markets, a little over two years ago, I lacked confidence and was so nervous and was so worried that people wouldn't like my products. There was times when I felt like giving up, especially considering the behaviour I have seen from other small business owners, but I kept at it and now I am thriving and growing my little business.

Over the time of doing markets, I have learned a few things and would love to share them with you, so if you are thinking of doing a market anywhere, these tips might help you in making that decision.

Attractive Display: Catch the eyes of passersby with a visually appealing display. Use clear signage, banners, and decorations that reflect the essence of your products. Arrange your items neatly and creatively to entice customers to stop and browse. Consider using height variations and props to add visual interest.
Product Presentation: Showcase your products in the best light possible. Ensure they are clean, well-organised, and easy to access. Highlight any unique features or selling points to grab customers' attention. Offer samples or demonstrations whenever possible to allow customers to experience your products firsthand.
Engage with Customers: Be approachable and enthusiastic about your products. Greet visitors warmly and be ready to answer any questions they may have. Engage them in conversation to understand their needs and preferences, and tailor your recommendations accordingly. A friendly and knowledgeable approach can significantly enhance the customer experience and increase sales.
Offer Multiple Payment options: Having the option for cash or card is a definite must have. Using a Square card reader is my recommendation, as it's easy to use and offers a tap and go payment for contactless purchases. It does require you to connect to your phone or tablet and a strong internet connection is required, so make sure you have a good mobile signal. Also make sure it is fully charged and connected before you start your market. I also recommend taking a lockable cash box with small notes for change, for example 5 and 10 dollar notes. From recent experience, there has been people purchasing with larger noted so having enough change to give your customer is important.
Ensure your Marquee is secure: Having your Marquee secure is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible stall holder. Sometimes the wind can pick up and the Marquees fly away like parachutes. When I first started, I used the weights that you fill with water that I purchased from Bunnings and while they were ok, i found during stronger wind gusts, I didn't feel very secure with them. I use tent pegs that I can use an electric drill with that go into the ground and keep my Marquee secure and stable.
Insurance: It's so important when you do a market to hold public liability insurance. The last thing you want is to have someone injure themselves by your equipment as it can be a very stressful time for all involved. I hold Product and Public Liability insurance, and my advice would be to hunt around and check the insurance type that is suitable for you.

Other things to consider when doing markets are

Definitely take some food and drink with you, in case you can't get away to purchase anything
Try to take another person with you if possible. This will help you with putting up your marquee, or if you need to step away from your stall.
Do a mock set up of your stall before you go. This will help you decide where to put your products, and see how you like your display to look.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance the appeal of your market stall and increase your chances of success. Remember to stay adaptable and responsive to changing market dynamics and customer preferences.