Setting up a market stall to sell your unique merchandise is an exciting way to introduce your product to the public. But if you have never run a market stall before, it can be quite overwhelming as there are many different aspects to organise before you can set up a successful market stall.
In this post we are going to cover all the elements of market stall setup, the essentials you will need and some extra notes that will take your stall to the next level and make your experience more enjoyable and profitable.
If you’re thinking about setting up a market stall for the first time, here is a breakdown of all the essentials you’ll need to prepare.
Included in the list below are some of the basics and obvious things you’ll need to do and prepare and some that are less evident.
- Marquee and weights
Make sure they meet the rules and regulations of the market. The most common and readily available size, 3m x 3m marquee are considered the“standard” size Australia wide. Bunnings have a good inexpensive marquee.
Sometimes a market will request an all white marquee but that is not always the case so best to check with the regulations of your particular market. Attachable sandbags for the weights are recommended as well, believe me on a windy day these will be a godsend! The image below shows the sort of marquee you will need with the weights.
- Collapsible tables
Depending on how you wish to specifically set up your market stall, the most basic way to display anything is on a foldable trestle table. There is a great one available from Bunnings. It is generally acceptable to cover the table for a more professional finish. Think about an appropriate cover, a white table cloth or a fabric cover that suits the theme of your stall. It’s also great for hiding your extra stock, empty boxes and everything else under the table and out of sight.
- Chairs
Hopefully you won’t have much time to sit but in case things get quiet, a chair is essential. You can get some really inexpensive collapsible chairs from Bunnings.
- Signs and Displays
Have all your stall signage prepared in advance. This includes vinyl banners, pull up banners, posters, business cards, flyers or any other displays you’d like to use. You don’t want to be rushing to get banners printed 3 days before the event, while it can be possible (I know from experience) it is best to prepare weeks in advance. Remember to include some way to show the prices of your products clearly.
- Contactless payment device
Taking payments from clients with debit or credit cards is easy by using an app like PayPal Here or Square on your phone or tablet. Some hardware is required and an application process, so prepare in advance. The most popular square card reader is available from Officeworks. Remember to have all the electronic devices you’re bringing along fully charged and ready to go. It is a good idea to have a fully charged backup power pack with you too.
- Float
Start the day with some float in your till to accommodate anyone paying with cash. Have a safe place to keep it like a money box, fanny pack or purse. Also include a note pad for recording sales and any other notes. The denominations of your float will depend on the pricing of your merchandise. A float of $150 can be broken down as follows:
- 1 x $50
- 2 x $20
- 2 x $10
- 4 x $5
- 5 x $2
- 5 x $1
- 6 x 50c
- 5 x 20c
- 5 x 10c
- 10 x 5c
- Market Stall Insurance
Insurance is often mandatory for all markets. Public Liability insurance for markets protects you against the financial risks of being liable for injury, loss and damage to property. You can find reasonable one time payments for coverage that will last for unlimited markets throughout the year.
There is some good coverage at these insurers:
My Market Insurance – mymarketinsurance.com.au
Auzi market stall insurance – www.auzi.com
Aami market stall insurance – www.aami.com.au
- Drinks and snacks
While most markets will have a food section to entice you with, it’s not a bad idea to bring your own water and snacks along. If you are on your own this can be easier than leaving your stall unattended while you go and purchase food.
- Stock and inventory
Maybe the most obvious items to include when setting up a market stall is your Stock! Make sure you have plenty to stock your stall. Having more than enough is better than being low or running out of your merchandise and losing potential sales. Pack your stock in sturdy containers that will allow you to move and store it easily. Another good investment is a type of trolley that will reduce the burden of going back and forth to and from the car during set up and takedown of your market stall.
Once you have all these elements ready, it’s a really good idea to do a full practice set up of your market stall.
Get acquainted with putting up your marquee. They are relatively easy to assemble but get used to the little intricacies of this set up.
Have a clear idea of the way you want your display to look. Hang all your banners and signage and figure out what you’ll need for this (rope, tape etc…). Depending on the product you are selling you might be displaying your merchandise on tables, hangers, shelves peg boards or any other unique way you may have thought of. Figure out the precise details of how you want to place your products and the interior design of your stall for presentation. Keep smaller items closer to eye level to increase their visibility so they don’t get lost. Get creative in how you want to display your merchandise, using props from home that fit your brand image.
Now that you’ve ironed out all the kinks and figured out all the details take a few pictures of your stall from different angles so you can reference them on the day so that you can easily recreate your practice run. Don’t forget to get some pictures on the day as well. These will be great for posting on your social media and promoting your brand and next market appearance further.
Most outdoor market events are weather dependent. Rain on the day may cancel the event completely or cause poor general turnout. Check the weather conditions beforehand to give yourself an idea of what you might be in store for. Dress accordingly but also stay comfortable. Wear the right shoes and make sure to have a hat and sunglasses with you.
Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself! Markets can be a really fun way to show off your products and get to know your clientele.