Markets | Getting started in craft and creative markets |

With Christmas coming, the season of craft and creative markets is in full swing! I offer you some of my observations made concerning the elements we need to take part in a market. Since I have been exhibiting Opian swimsuit kits and sewing patterns at local markets in French-speaking Switzerland, I have been able to determinate the equipment necessary for the smooth running of this type of event which you will discover below.

Plan the stand equipment

When preparing for the markets, you have to plan your stand and its infrastructure. What are the supplies to properly showcase your makes, a table, a shelf, a rail, boxes? Personally, I chose from what I could find in my belongings and around me. So I opted for three foldable tables to be modulated according to the stand, a tablecloth to unify the support, metal baskets for the paper patterns and a rail to show the sewn clothes. In addition, I also had a fairly large banner made with the brand name and logo, as well as the words "sewing kits and patterns". Indeed, what I offer is not common and is not always understandable at first glance, so it is worth being explicit from the start.

Furthermore, I think that you have to think light and transportable, because you don't always have easy access by car to drop off the goods or a free parking space for the day, so it is an additional cost to be deducted from the profit.

For outdoor markets, a tent is necessary. It is not practical and it takes up space, but it protects and allows you to define your place. Indeed, the few people who do not have a tent often find themselves lost without being spotted properly.

Some markets have everything on site, which is great. Others have tables and chairs that can be purchased in addition to the basic registration.

Plan the setup of the stand

For a stand to catch the eye of passers-by, it must be aesthetically appealing. To do this, it is best to limit the number and type of items, as well as to play with volumes and heights.

Personally, I like right angles and order, so everything is square at my place. I arrange the kits online according to the swimsuit model, and the paper patterns are in a metal basket so that we can easily flip through them.

I also display business cards and a presentation catalog that I created and that can be consulted to discover the story of the brand, my career, as well as the models in photos. Indeed, a swimsuit sewing kit is a very special item, and people often discover that it exists on the spot. This is why it is important to give as much information as possible so that potential customers do not need to search.

One thing to consider regarding the equipment and setting up of the stand is to be modular and flexible. Not all markets offer the same dimensions or locations. Sometimes we are against a wall, sometimes other exhibitors are behind us, there may be a corner or a pillar, so you have to be able to adapt your stand depending on the location.

In addition, it is necessary to put the prices on each item, people do not always want to ask and this information is essential. It doesn't take much to discourage someone from making a purchase, and having to ask for a price is a good reason.

I also bring a rechargeable lamp, because the lighting is not always ideal in the rooms where the markets are held. You have to think about it for people who sell jewelry for example.

Regarding packaging, I use recycled bags for economy reasons. In addition, many people who walk around the creative and craft markets bring a bag with them.

Plan your payment methods

The more payment methods you have, the easier it is to receive money. However, cash and Twint are now the most widely used options in Switzerland. That is why you should plan for some change for currency, and a Twint business account to separate your business accounting from your personal account.

I recommend limiting yourself to two types of payment methods, it is not a supermarket.

Plan a ride

To get to the market location, you need to be able to transport all your belongings including stock, infrastructure and decoration. You therefore need to empty the car of what is lying around the day before so as not to have to do it at full speed the same morning. In addition, you also need to think about parking the vehicle during the market, which can be expensive depending on the location.

However, if you travel by public transport, some markets offer to rent tables in addition to the initial costs. You can therefore travel lighter.

Communicate

It's nice to have a market, but people still need to know about it! Depending on the market, the organizers do more or less advertising, it can be publications on social networks, well-known accounts that offer fun local activities that announce the event, distribution of leaflets and even official posters in the streets. However, they also count on the exhibitors to make noise and bring people. This is why, it is necessary to communicate the information for each participation in advance on social networks and the newsletter, then the day before as well as the day itself to discover the place before it starts.

The success of the market and sales depends a lot on the number of visitors.

If you want to launch into markets for your craft activity, my first advice is to limit the costs for your stand. Yes, it must be attractive, but there is no point spending too much up front at the risk of losing money. Indeed, you may discover that you don't like it or that it doesn't suit your business. Use what you already have at home, ask around or look at Brocki before ordering a custom rack with your logo or a credit card payment terminal.