What advice would you give someone hoping to sell their hand-made crafts at a local market?

Answer 1

1. Make sure it's something the customer can't already do for themselves, or can't do it as cheaply.

2. Sell only your own original designs to avoid being reported for copyright infringement.

3. Don't undersell yourself - charge 3 times the cost of materials, and double or triple that if it's a unique item that nobody else makes.

4. Buy your materials wholesale whenever possible. But buy as few components as possible. Try to make all aspects of the item yourself.

5. Invest in decent packaging and bags.

6. Accept credit cards and debit cards. Don't accept checks unless you know the person very well..

Answer 2

Hi, before having your first stall, go along to a few markets to see what other people are selling and how much for. It's no use being a part of a 'flooded' market if you're making the same items as everyone else. Unique useful items sell at most markets worldwide....I'm not sure about elsewhere, but here in Australia, home baked items such as cakes and cookies sell well, yet in other countries the home baked items might not pay off.

I agree with someones earlier comment/answer about making sure you charge 3 times the cost...I can't remember where I read it, but somewhere I saw that the theory behind pricing your wares, is 1/3 materials, 1/3 profit and 1/3 your salary....other people charge a base rate and then work out length of time taken to produce the item and charge about $10+ per hour to make it. I go with the 3 times method for my craft work and that seems to be fair to the customer and fair to me as well.

I wish you all the luck and hopefully you'll find your niche in the market world.

Hugs
Nomie

Answer 3

It really depends on what you mean by local market. If this is a market for crafts, then start by checking prices of other crafters. Try to get similarly priced items and check what the competition is selling.

If a craft table at this market is more of an oddity then you have to be prepared to change your prices from hour to hour (or even more) just to get an idea of what people will pay.

Aside from this, have a lock box, a calculator, a pad of paper (a laptop can be substituted for the calculator and pad of paper), and have a lot of change. Usually about $50 in change is good (mostly 5's and 1's and then about $20 in coins). Also, remember that you will sell more items at 4.99 than you will at 5.00. This is a marketing trick that always works.

Answer 4

I would suggest the same,
1) Presentation of your space and items is key. May sure your items are displayed in a neat and professional manor, keep it clean and presentable. I use white or colored sheets as table coverings that best show off my items. this also helps to hide my containers i brought my items in and that have additional inventory to sell
2) Knowing what your market will pay by checking out the competition so you are competitive
3) I've found that selling items example $3.00 each or 2 for 5 deals sell more, as long as you are still making money.
4) Plenty of change, I keep a calculator and pen, with me just in case, and use a fanny pack for to hold my money so that I'm not constantly running to change box. 1 actually take $100 in change, $10 in quarters, $20 - $1's, $20 - $5's , in $30- $10's and in $20 - $20's
5) I also have a tally paper sheet that I've made in excel that shows my beginning inventory and a place to mark down when I've sold and item(s) and what price
6) business cards with my name, items i sell and contact info, and of course don't forget bags to so they have something to carry they're items they've purchased home.
7) know your items what they are made of and what makes them unique.

I'm sure I'm missing a few good items of advice. but these are few to start with.

Answer 5

presentation is the key. people want to feel as though they are buying quality products. as sometimes markets can be seen as cheap and nasty. keep your stall clean and attractive in its presentation and appearance. you might also want to have some information on all of your products so you can easily tell people what they are made out of and how they are made.
have things clearly priced, and be prepared to make deals with people, as this is how you will receive loyal customers. if your prepared to make special orders, make sure people have you business cards or details so they can contact you. this helps you get your product out there into the public, giving you more profitable business.
make sure your friendly and always have a smile. and keep a change box full of change and notes so you aren't running around trying to give the customer the right change.
good luck. hope this helps a little xo

Answer 6

Good luck? Don't expect to be riding in a Hummer anytime soon? LOL. carry a book, a sun umbrella, and some cold beverages.

Answer 7

There are also lots of tips on various aspects of doing "shows" on this page at my site:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/shows.htm


HTH and good luck!

Diane B.