Ok , ok... so "survival" may sound a little dramatic. But trust me with this one. When I was a child I used to help my Grandmother on her stall in Shrewsbury Market selling her handmade pots, lamps etc. I thought at the time that getting up whilst it was still dark, wearing gawd knows how many layers etc was hard work enough. I had so much fun; learning how to make cash transactions, talking to customers and occasionally being trusted with the coffee run. I didn't like the scary basement much.
Childhood ignorance is bliss because (Of course) I never thought for a second that Nan had worked very hard; she never complained, was never in a flap, she talked to everyone like a friend and money was never discussed with or around me. (Nan, if you have access to wifi wherever you are, I am SO sorry, I get it now.)
So, whether you are just starting out, a seasoned pro or a lovely helper (mine were pretty top notch)... hopefully you will find something here that inspires/clicks/works (maybe even a "Phew! I nearly forgot that! Thank goodness for this blog, I will tell everyone about this blog... Kim seems nice. ")
1. Have more stock than you think you will sell on the day.
Especially if you do bespoke or personalized items. You should be giving out business cards and (if you are doing it right) hopefully a bit of traffic online during and after every event. Do not be caught short.
If having a lot of stock is an issue (you may have a smaller stand or have a last minute booking and have limited production time), do have some way of showing your extended range other than online. Put together a board or folder.
2. Promote, promote, promote!
I am talking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram... all of these things. Not just on your profile, not just friends and family. Give yourself time to research relative groups on Facebook (Etsy, Handmade networking groups) and twitter hours ( handmadehour , onlineCraft, uksmallbiz) as well hashtags for your local area such as BrumHour). Of course, if the event you are going to has a link, share it. If they have a group, post in it.
If you can, maybe promote a special on-the-day benefit or discount but don't feel obliged to do so.
Only share decent photos of your products.
3. Have an itinerary
Even the most organised and coolest of cucumbers should have one of these; especially if you have helpers. (Hi again, Nan). Make sure everyone knows the itinerary. Do not cry if itinerary does not go exactly to plan. (See number 9).
4. Ask for all possible details about the stall itself (dimensions etc)
I learnt this one the hard way. Most market /event organizers are pretty happy to give you all the information you need (I mean, you are paying to be there, after all). But sometimes descriptions and estimated proportions....let's just say they fall short. If this is a recurring event, try and check it out as a consumer before your stall. Ask on the groups on Social Media if anyone has sold there before. Tell the events co coordinator EXACTLY what you need from them including measurements, electric, available light, location of your stall in relation to other things (toilets, smelly food, entrance etc).
5. Do A LOT of research on your chosen fairs and markets
As above. Only, well... I would say I am confident enough to try and make any stall look reasonable due to the emergency box (number 9). With the event itself, that is not really in your control. So do your research...and a lot of it. You have worked to hard to part with your money for anything less than an event that offers you the chance to make a profit.
6. Customer service
As someone who has worked in a lot of retail environments and genuinely likes meeting people, this should be really easy. The thing I hated about mainstream, high street stores was feeling as though I was pestering people. So, getting the balance right is important. Be pleasant and smile...genuinely! Talk about the products you have worked so hard on. Be sociable, ask questions. And don't do a "me" at my first stall i.e. self conscious. Just relax, have fun. Don't over think it!
P.S. For the love of god, do NOT be that stall holder who is constantly on the phone.
P.P.S. Being friendly is great. Knowledgeable is superb. Panicking a bit when you dont sell as much as you wanted, understandable. But knowing your worth and the worth of your hard work when faced with a haggler (who may be thought this was a car boot sale)...crucial.
7. Presentation
There is no excuse for a messy, disorganized stall. None. If you have a top sheet, iron it. If you don't know anything about visual merchandising, research it. Have enough stock for replenishment. Have a real think about the first impression you want to give.
Pssst... Pinterest can be awesome for ideas.
8. Business cards
Order more than you need. Have enough for replenishment. Hand them out with purchases. And (should go without saying) make sure all links and contact details are up to date and available.
9. Checklist/emergency box
The contents of each of these will be different depending on what you sell and make. Here's a brief glimpse at mine :
- Repair kit : needles, thread, scissors, pins, sellotape.
- Separate cash for coffee.
- A bottle of water
- Phone charger
- A few bits of make up /hair brush
- Air Freshener
- Body spray/hand sanitiser if you are a smoker
10. Product knowledge
You made this stuff. You know everything there is to know about it. Think about how you want to share that knowledge. Don't be self deprecating. Chances are that if a customer is there, they already want to shop handmade/unique products. Knowing why your products are special is part of the lovely experience of non high street shopping.
