Guide to doing markets

Ok, so over the past few months I have been setting up at various markets and art fairs around the Berkshire area, and I've gained a bit of experience in the do's and don'ts of doing markets/art fairs. So, I decided to put together a small guide, with most (if not all) of the experience that I have gained, and here it is...

Bring entertainment...

If you're stalling up by yourself then there will be times when you have no one looking at your crafts, nothing to prepare, and generally not much else to do. Having a Radio, some music or podcasts (I like BBC's Friday Night Comedy), and some good books can help those not-so-busy periods to pass by a lot quicker.

Come prepared...

It's always better to bring too much stuff, and not need it, than to not bring something that you really need when on the stall. I like to make a list of all the things that I could need, and pack them all the night before. You can also just keep all your 'stall stuff' in a handy bag so that you don't have to do it all over again for each market or stall that you go to.

Be prepared for the weather...

I live in England so the weather is usually the opposite to whatever it is at that given time in Miami. Again, too much is better than too little – have lots of layers if it might be cold, a hat and umbrella if it might rain, and covers for your work in case it really starts chucking it down.

Get a good sized carrier for everything...

There's nothing more tiring during stall day than having to trudge back and forth from wherever you parked the car to your spot to bring more and more bags, then knowing you'll have a similar task at the end of the day when the stalls close – Invest in a good sized, easy to carry bag, which can preferably hold all of your stuff. They can be quite expensive, so if you can't find one, or afford one at the moment, then why not use a suitcase.

Organise your things....

Carrying on from the previous point, try and get a good organising system going for where you put all your things in your bag (or bags). This will make setting up, and closing down a lot quicker, and easier, and also ensure that your work stays as safe as possible.

Leave plenty of time....

This is especially true if it's a new fair/market that you're going to – I always find that they take probably half and hour longer than you'd think to set up, so leave yourself plenty of time. Your best sale could happen in the first 20 minutes of the fair or market being open so always try your best to be ready for action (not in a G.I. Joe sort of way, but you know what I mean) when the event kicks off.

Be friendly and socialable...

Making and selling artwork or craftwork is a community activity. Lot's of times the people who buy your things will be creative types themselves who may even make their own crafts, where seriously, or just for a hobby – chat with people – leave your stall for a bit if you can, and take a wander to see what's out there. Other stallers might have some great tips about stalling up, designing in your area, or different events that you can go to – plus you can always exchange business cards, and you never know, they could be your next customer.