Five Ways to Bring More Ease into Selling at a Market
My market journey
Once pottery took over my life, markets became the main way of selling my work.
While I shudder a bit at the thought of some of the pieces I sold back then (I was still very much in the early days of learning and developing my skills), it was an integral part of my selling journey.
I not only found a way to earn some money to put back towards my very expensive new hobby, but I learned a lot about the type of people who were interested in purchasing pottery, and started building an audience and connections within my local community.
I’ve since branched into other avenues of selling, but markets still remain something I enjoy and prioritize at various times of the year!
I’m a regular vendor at our weekly outdoor market in the summer, and was the coordinator for many years until I had a baby and my time needed to focus elsewhere. I also attend various winter markets during the lead up to the holidays, and have hosted open house events at my pottery studio.
Over the ten years I’ve been selling in person, I’ve learned ways to make my market weekends less stressful and more enjoyable for both myself and the shoppers. I’m always evolving and tweaking my systems, but I hope you’re able to find some tips that are helpful with where you are at on your market selling path!
1) I have efficient packing/prep systems
I used to spend so much time preparing for markets.
My items were packed in randomly sized boxes, and every market I’d have to regather all the random things I might need. I’d find myself rewriting the same list each time, inevitably always forgetting something important and requiring a frantic phone call to my partner to deliver.
After much trial and error, I’ve found ways to stay organized with less effort. This includes things like:
packing my pottery into same-sized totes, as well as crates that do double duty as displays.
keeping a small gold box packed with all the random items that inevitably come in handy at some point through the market season (think tape, scissors, bulldog clips, pens, extra pricing stickers etc).
having a master list that I can print and have on hand while packing to make sure I have everything I need for the market ahead.
using a similar layout at the weekly markets so my table set up is straightforward and decisive.
These systems mean that I know I’m prepared for the many potential curveballs markets can bring, my time is used well, prep time minimized, and that my stuff will all fit into my small car.
2) I curate the items I bring
When deciding what items to bring to a market, I try to think about things such as who the attendees are likely to be, and what will best suit the space.
I find our summer markets bring some locals, but it’s mostly visitors who end up purchasing my pottery.
The market time aligns well for folks departing on the one daily flight, so smaller items such as earrings and tiny dishes are my biggest seller.
Larger platters, or really specific, unique things (like garlic holders or butter dishes), tend to move the slowest in the summer months, but do really well at the Christmas markets where it’s more locals, buying gifts for loved ones on island.
I attend one artisan market during the winter that is hosted at a small restaurant, so table space is very limited. I bring one small display stand for mugs and sippers, but very few larger items.
Attending a market for the first time and not really sure about what the space is like, or the clientele it’s likely to draw? Try reaching out to the market coordinator, as they might have insights to share!
3) I put a lot of love & thought into my table
It’s not fancy or overly polished, and features mostly things I made, thrifted, or repurposed, but I think my table represents my work and business well.
To align with my style and brand, I incorporate natural colours and textures in the risers, table linens, and accent props. I usually have a bouquet from my garden during the summer months (in a vase I made, obvi), and using bits of driftwood or shells to create visual interest and line breaks between groups of items.
I use risers and tiered displays to add height and better show off my pots.
I make sure everything is clearly priced. This helps avoid often awkward price inquiries by customers.
I utilize slow moments during the market for “merchandising,” which is basically just restocking, shuffling things around to fill in gaps of sold items, and tidying up things that have been set down askew by customers.
I much prefer shopping at a market table that is organized and pleasant to look at, so that’s what I attempt to achieve at my own table.
4) I keep A well stocked float, & alternative ways to pay
It sucks when someone hands you a big bill that you can’t make change for. Maybe it means interrupting your neighbouring table for help, scraping it up in coins, or losing out on a sale altogether, all of which are awkward and usually don’t feel great.
So I learned early on to keep a well stocked float, including a few $20s so I don’t have to give out all of my $5’s when someone hands me a hundski for one tiny dish.
Before I got a square reader, I used to accept e-transfers. However, it’s cumbersome when you’re busy and I’ve been burned with transfers not going through because of an email address being hastily entered incorrectly.
Mobile payment devices are quite accessible these days (Square still seems to be the most inexpensive), and people just seem to carry less and less cash, so if you’re planning on selling at markets regularly, I’d highly recommend one.
5) I try to make connections
When folks approach my table, I always offer at least a “hello.”
I try to have brief but meaningful conversations when they happen organically, but have gotten better at not feeling like I need to fill the silence while they shop with small talk.
I do try to encourage folks who seem engaged with my table to:
take business card (they’re displayed in a little ceramic holder)
sign up for my mailing list (I have a paper list and pen on my table)
check out my online shop when they get home (especially if they mention that space is a concern)
Small-talk with new people is really not my forte, but I’ve found methods that usually work for me without feeling cheesy or overstretched.
Providing a way for people to find me again means I’ve been able to grow my audience and create repeat clientele.
Keen for more market wisdom?
Curious what’s in my aforementioned “gold box?”
Perhaps the resourceful ways I’ve developed my market table displays?
How about ideas and strategies for talking to people when, like me, small talk and initiating conversion is a bit nerve-wracking?
You might enjoy my guidebook “Maker’s First Market”
