Post-Market Reflections & Rituals
There is so much that goes into prepping, preparing for, and attending in-person markets.
After it’s over, it’s tempting to stack the totes into a corner and switch our tired and socially-overstretched brains into rest and recharge mode.
But before you do, I encourage you to pause and reflect on how your market/season went.
Post-market reflections and rituals can be a really helpful practice for personal growth as a vendor and business owner.
Market Reflections
In-person markets always seem to bring something new to learn, a system to fine tune, or an idea or connection to nurture.
After each market, I try to go for a walk by myself (with no music or podcasts distracting me) and focus on contemplating how things went.
But maybe you’d prefer to sit and journal on it with a mug of tea, or talk it through with another maker pal. Whatever works for you, even if it’s just a few minutes.
Here are some prompts that might help:
How did you feel throughout the day/season?
Was there anything you could bring or change to take better care of yourself at the next market?
What did you enjoy? What did you find challenging?
What products did you notice sold well and what didn’t?
Was there anything you wish you would have brought? Add it to your packing checklist while it’s still fresh in your mind!
Don’t have a packing checklist? Download my free one here
What were some of the most asked questions from customers?
Rituals
1) Giving Thanks
After a market, I like to use social media to share a photo from the event and thank the customers who supported me, reminding them where they can purchase my products in the future. You could also do this with your email list, or even as an ad in your local paper.
Sending a quick thank-you email to the market coordinator can be a generous and thoughtful way to be remembered as a vendor. It’s a little step that can help build connections in your community.
2) New Connections and follow ups
Think back - did you make any connections while at the market that you need to follow up on?
A customer who inquired about a custom order?
Or perhaps another vendor who you’d like to ask out for a tea and small business chat?
Write it down somewhere you’ll remember to follow-up, as it’s easy for these mental to-dos to slip out of your brain as time passes.
3) Celebrate yourself
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find markets rewarding but draining.
In my attempts to be a good boss to myself, at the end of every market season, I try to treat myself to something special to celebrate.
One winter it was a full moon necklace from Gigi & Grace, after last summer’s market season it was a pair of Silver + Salmon earrings, and this winter it was a tattoo (of a duck) at Wander + Whim Tattoo Studio.
I love keeping the money local(ish) and supporting other artisans!
Celebrating my hard work - This winter it was a tattoo of our runner duck, Harry amidst some nasturtiums! (I’m also wearing the beach glass earrings and full moon necklace that were bonuses to myself after other earlier market seasons).
One last tip..
Get a small notepad that you use only for markets and bring it with you anytime you sell in-person. I use mine to jot down things that I need to do or restock before my next market (eg. stamp more bags), as well as reflections on different market experiences that I can refer to down the road.
Do you have any post-market rituals? Share below ways you’ve celebrated the end of a market or market season!
These prompts are from my guidebook Maker’s First Market so be sure to check it out if you’re keep for more market guidance!
