Your First Artisan Makers Market

I've done a lot of fairs, although I should be saying "We" because without my partner Sue, I really couldn't do them without her. Susan is brilliant at sales and engages with everyone she meets. Fairs, Makers Markets, Artisan Events or whatever you want to call them? The most important thing is to enjoy them, if you get it right they'll beat any website or social media selling sites for sales. Don't get me wrong, websites are important, I have a Website and social media plays a big part in getting your brand out there and getting you noticed!

Do your homework

Go and visit an Artisan Market. Maybe the one where you plan to physically trade is a great idea and speak to other traders. Find out what works for them, they'll be pleased you're taking some interest in their pitch and for sure you'll get other stallholders visiting your pitch when you finally showcase your products.

Displaying your produce

Try and showcase your products to the best of your ability. Height is important, You don't want everything at the same height on a table. Remember what Peter Kay says... "Eye level is buy level", and it's true, if they can't see it, they can't buy it!

Attract Customers

Colour, contrast and coordination is also very important, I've seen so many misplaced products displaying dark products on dark ground or light products on light ground, it doesn't work. You need contrast to stand out, introduce colour to attract people to your stall. Red seems to draw people in, it works for bulls :)

Take plenty of food & drink

Keep hydrated, you'll be talking to perspective buyers for quite a few hours, it's surprising how fast your mouth dries up, so having a drink and catching a bite to eat when you can will be a godsend.

I'm still standing

Take a mat or something to stand on. You're there for quite some time and standing for so many hours does take its toll especially on hard ground.

Sitting this one out

Take a chair! But don't overuse it! Sure you'll need it when it goes quiet, but you need to engage with people, so greet people as soon as they walk near. Ask open questions! Questions that don't offer a one word response. "How's your day going?" "How are you finding the market today?" You may get a few wise cracks but at least you've opened the conversation. You may feel awkward at first asking such questions, but  you will get use to it, and after a while you will feel it's second nature.

Your body language is so important! You don't want to be slouching or arms folded, this just shows you're not interested. Instead show you're eager to tell people about your products. Smile! Because you are beautiful, in every single way :)

Cash or Card

Get a card reader, there's plenty on the market, do your research on charges, they all differ and you'll find what works for you.

Take some change. Not everyone wants to pay by card.

Approaching The Big Day

Leading up to the day, make sure to share the event details on your social media pages and on the day display links to all your social media pages, link up with the organisers and other traders and their Facebook pages. People really do like pictures and videos! Take photos and videos on the day letting people know you're there!

I hope these few pointers has helped? Whether you take it all on board or just a few examples. Have a wonderful time and if it rains remember it's the sun crying behind those clouds :)

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