I've been doing craft fairs for 3 years now, and while I'm not an expert and still learn every time, here's my essentials.
1.) Card Reader
Yes, this is an obvious one. But it is something you cannot forget! You can get a small card reader for around £20. If you choose to go with Square (like me) you can also take payments via your phone. Which is handy in times the reader is acting up. Other services may also have that as an option, but I've only ever used Square.
2.) Cash Tin/Bag
Again, an obvious one. And while you might think "who has cash now-a-days?", some people do. And you don't want to miss a sale because you don't have change. There have been times where if I didn't have a change, I would've lost the sale.
With a cash tin you want to make sure you have enough different denominations. £1 coins, £5 notes, 50ps, 20ps, etc. You'll also want to write down somewhere how much you put in, so at the end of the day you can know exactly how much cash you took. I keep mine in the bottom of my cash tin, as I'm forgetful and will lose it otherwise.
3.) Price Signs
Having price signs out on the table is an essential. I have a chalkboard easel, with the price of the majority of my products written on it. Along with that, I also have smaller signs out on the table. For example, by my pride stickers I have a sign reading "pride stickers £3". It makes it easy for potential customers to decide if they want to purchase it, without feeling they have to if they ask you.
4.) Height Is Good
When planning your display think about varying heights. It's not eye catching to have a flat display. It won't effect sales, as my displays in the past haven't been great, and I'm still not 100% happy with it, but I still made a profit. As you can see in the photo below I still have things flat on the table, but around it there's variation in the height.
5.) Event Bag
Something I started doing after my first couple of markets is having a backpack dedicated to having my craft fair musts; card reader, signs, bags, etc. This is because I'm forgetful, and if I don't have a bag I can just pick up and go without worrying about if I forgot something, I will forget something very important. This is something I highly recommend if you plan on doing a lot of markets. No need to find something, or pack it the night before; it's all done you just need to grab it.
In my bag I keep my: card reader, cash tin and key, price signs, paper bags, business cards, clips, and chalkboard pen.
6.) Table
Now this is something where if you don't drive to markets you can ignore. Some markets provide tables for absolutely free, and others you have to pay to rent a table. I decided it was worthwhile for me to buy a table for events like the latter. As it's more money on top of your stall fee. Which can be £60, so saving money wherever you can is the best thing you can do.
The table I use is a 6ft folding trestle table.
7.) Tablecloth
To follow along with the last point, you need a tablecloth. Whether you're renting a table or own one. This is especially true if you're renting a table. As the event organisers won't provide you one.
8.) Don't pressure potential customers
So...What do I mean by this? Well, I like to read potential customers ✨vibes✨. For example, are they chatty, or just want to browse in peace? This is because when I'm in that position, I don't like to be "sold" to or made to feel like I have to buy what I'm looking at. Even if I don't want to. So, when I'm a stall holder at a market, I say "hi" and if my own social anxiety allows and feel like the customer doesn't mind, I'll also say "I design everything and make what I can." That's it.
I love the feeling when someone buys something they absolutely love, it's amazing. So the thought of ever pressuring someone to buy something feels so horrible to me, like, the only reason you bought that is so I shut up? No, I want people to buy my products because they love it
. I've seen (mainly older people) use this "sales tactic". It hardly works. Don't do it. I've heard people complain about it after they leave a stall holder like that.
9.) Don't compare yourself to other stall holders
I know, I know, easier said than done. But just remember that everyone in the market, whether they're succeeding right now, has either just scarped their stall fee or lost money. You're not an outlier if you don't make money your first time. I've lost money before too.
Something to also keep in mind is that the same market can be very different each time. Say, you're doing a market in Brighton and it's one that happens every month. You decide to book a stall and do really well! So, you book the same market for a couple of months down the road. The time comes and you just break even. It's strange but true! When I first started, my mum warned me about this, as she used to do weekly markets back in the day.
Thank you for reading! I hope this helps just a bit. And like I say, this is stuff I've learned and works for me; I'm always learning. If you have any questions DM me on Instagram (@emilsdoodles) or leave a comment
Emil 👻🖤