Spreading the Word: Let People Know Where to Find You
In the run-up to your market, make sure your customers, followers, and local community know where you’ll be!
• Share a post with location-specific hashtags (try searching for hashtags that match your area, e.g. #EssexMarkets).
• Give customers the option to order online and collect in person with free delivery.
• Offer something special at your stall—perhaps a personalisation option or a meet-and-greet moment.
• Add your stall details to your newsletters, emails, and social posts.
• Create Facebook events for each of your market days and invite your friends and family.
• On the day, post first thing in the morning tagging your location so people nearby can find you easily.

Make Your Stall Stand Out: Add Height & Layers
Your stall is a blank canvas—bring it to life! Think beyond a flat display and get creative:
• Use crates, wooden planks, or upcycled boxes to create different levels.
• Look around your home for baskets, jugs, or even painted food tins to add charm.
• If you’re investing in display pieces, collapsible cube shelving is a great, space-saving option.
• Avoid overcrowding—your stall should feel curated and inviting, not cluttered!

Bring an Experience to Your Stall
Make your stall more than just a shop—give people a reason to stop and engage!
• Spin to win or a lucky dip.
• A fun guessing game (e.g., ‘How many stitches in this piece?’).
• Samples or sweet treats attached to flyers.
• A mini raffle or surprise gifts inside packaging. A little interactive element can spark conversations and leave a lasting impression.

Collect Customer Emails (Your Future Sales Depend on It!)
Markets aren’t just about sales—they’re about connections!
• Have an email sign-up option available (QR codes linking to a sign-up form work well).
• Offer a small incentive: ‘Leave your email and be in with a chance to win a gift!’
• If using a card reader, offer emailed receipts with an opt-in to your mailing list.
• Make sure your sign-up process is GDPR-compliant.
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Connect with Fellow Stallholders
Markets are an amazing networking opportunity! Before the event:
• Find out who else will be there and follow them on socials.
• Set yourself a goal to introduce yourself to every stallholder on the day.
• Share tips, insights, and maybe even plan future collaborations!

Engage with Every Visitor
A simple hello can make all the difference!
• Greet every person who stops by your stall (even if they seem shy!).
• Have a few easy icebreaker questions ready, like: ‘Have you ever tried this before?’ or ‘I make everything in my little home studio!’
• Share a bit of your story—people love knowing the heart behind a brand.

Use the Market as a Research Tool
Markets are invaluable for learning what your customers love!
• Ask your stall neighbours if your display clearly communicates what you sell.
• Listen to customer reactions—what catches their eye first?
• Track which products get the most attention and which questions people ask.
• Use this insight to refine your product descriptions and marketing!

Encourage Future Orders & Repeat Customers
Think beyond the market day and plant the seeds for future sales!
• Offer to post gifts on behalf of customers (e.g., ‘Order a birthday present today, and we’ll wrap and send it for you!’).
• Take pre-orders for upcoming releases or special editions.
• Include a flyer in every bag promoting a future collection or sale.
• Provide a discount code for their next purchase to encourage repeat business.

Follow Up with Customers After the Event
Keep the conversation going after market day!
• Send a follow-up email to everyone who signed up: ‘It was lovely to meet you at [Market Name]! Here’s a little thank-you…’
• Set up an automated email series sharing more about your brand’s story.
• Offer a small discount or a request for feedback to keep engagement high.

Market Day Essentials: What to Bring
Be prepared for anything! Pack these essentials:
• A mirror (if customers might try things on).
• Wear your products if possible!
• Comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Snacks & plenty of water.
• Bags or packaging for purchases.
• Business cards or QR codes linking to your socials/website.
• A pen (you’ll always need one!).
• Flyers with discount codes to track market sales.
• A card reader (SumUp and Zettle are popular choices).
• Cash & spare change (rounded pricing makes this easier!).
• A mini emergency kit: tape, cable ties, scissors, safety pins, paracetamol, hand cream, hand gel, string.