Questions to Ask When Booking a Market
Once you find a potential market to sell at, there is some basic information that is super helpful to know ahead of time.
Having these questions answered early can help you plan what to bring and how to map out the timing of your day.
Many of the questions below may seem straightforward or even redundant, but I once showed up for a new market assuming I’d have a rectangular table, only to be met with a big round one.
It totally threw off my display plans, and I wish I’d asked specifics when booking.
Often these details will be posted on a market's webpage or social media, but sometimes (especially in a smaller town) it might mean contacting the coordinator directly.
Some questions to ask / look up when booking a market:
What are the hours for the market?
How early can vendors arrive to begin setting up?
Is there a deadline for when vendors must arrive by?
What are the fees?
Do you need to bring your own table / tent?
If tables are provided, how big are they?
Are there any restrictions about what you can and can’t sell?
Do you need any special permits, insurance, or licenses to sell (eg. food safe, tax considerations if selling out of province)?
If you need things like plug-ins or wall hanging space, is that available?
Are you a seasoned seller? What do you always make sure to ask when you book a market?
Selling in-person can be daunting!
If you’d like markets to be a part of how you sell your work, but are feeling lost and overwhelmed with how to make it happen, then my guidebook Maker’s First Market can help support you in getting started!
