Participating in a makers market is an exciting opportunity to showcase your creations, connect with customers, and make sales.
Every Wednesday, Urban Makers hosts guest markets at Old Spitalfields Market, with additional markets on the last weekend of each month. Our beloved Christmas Market in Mile End, now in its ninth year, is a festive highlight. Applications are currently open for all upcoming events.
What to Bring to a Makers Market: Essential Checklist for Traders
To ensure a successful and smooth experience, it’s important to come well-prepared. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to bring to a makers market.
1. Products and Inventory
- Variety of Products: Bring a diverse selection of your products with different price points, to attract different customers. Include your bestsellers and new items.
- Inventory Management: Have enough stock to last the entire market duration. Consider the expected foot traffic and average sales.
- Price Tags: Clearly label each item with prices. People don’t often like to ask for prices so having visible prices is important. Use tags or stickers that match your branding.
Urban Makers Spring Market at the Ecology Pavilion Mile End Park
2. Display and Booth Setup
- Table and Chairs: Check if the market provides these. If not, bring your own. Urban Makers provide chairs at our markets but sometimes there aren’t enough to go around – especially on weekends at Old Spitalfields Market. There are some great foldable chairs and telescopic stools on the market which can be packed away in a suitcase – which are perfect as a backup.
- Tablecloths and Backdrops: Use attractive tablecloths and backdrops that complement your products and branding. Synthetic materials are always best as they don’t crease like cotton. Textured fabrics and blankets are a great alternative.
- Shelves and Stands: Bring display stands, racks, or shelves to organise and showcase your products effectively on your table. Think outside the box. Ikea stock plate stands which are great for displaying prints. Think about creating different heights on your table with boxes under your table cloth. Peg boards are also great for displaying a variety of items. Large painted tins or pots are handy for displaying wrapping paper.
- Signage: Have a clear and visible sign with your business name and logo. Include posters or flyers with your brand story.
- Lighting: If the market is indoors or extends into the evening, bring additional lighting to highlight your products. Bring an extension lead and check whether you have access to a plug point.
- Pack light: source lightweight, foldable display items and shelves so that you can travel easily on public transport so that you can physically carry your stock without needing assistance. Parking is not always available.
The twinkling lights of our Christmas market at Old Spitalfields Market
3. Payment Solutions
- Cash Box and Change: Even though many shop with contactless cards, it’s best to have a secure cash box and plenty of small bills and coins for change.
- Card Reader: Use a reliable card reader for credit/debit card transactions. Ensure it’s fully charged and you have a backup battery. Options include Zettle, Square, Dojo Go, Tide , Sum up and more.
- Mobile Payment Apps: Zettle now allows payments to be taken on your phone without a card reader, which is a great alternative.
Display stands are a must – they come in all shapes and sizes
4. Marketing Materials
- Business Cards: Bring plenty of business cards with your contact information and social media handles. Display QR codes that link to your website and social media.
- Flyers and Brochures: Provide additional information about your products, upcoming events, or special offers.
- Email Signup Sheet: Collect email addresses for your newsletter to keep customers informed about new products and future markets. Alternatively have a tablet on your table to allow people to sign up digitally through email sites like Mailchimp or similar.
Plate stands from Ikea make perfect display stands for prints
5. Packaging and Supplies
- Bags and Packaging: Have enough paper bags and packaging materials for customers to carry their purchases. We always encourage eco-friendly options and re-using bags where possible.
- Wrapping Supplies: Bring tissue paper, sustainable bubble wrap, or boxes for fragile items.
- Pricing and Labelling Supplies: Extra tags, stickers, pens, and markers for any last-minute pricing or labelling needs.
6. Personal Comfort and Essentials
- Snacks and Water: Bring snacks and water to stay energised throughout the day. Don’t forget your keep cup for coffee and tea.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate varying weather conditions. Comfortable shoes are a must.
- Weather Protection: If the market is outdoors, bring a canopy or tent, sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella.
Prepare for the cold weather with layers
7. Administrative and Emergency Supplies
- Insurance, Licenses and Permits: Ensure you have any necessary insurance, business licenses or permits readily available.
- First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit for minor injuries or ailments.
- Tool Kit: Basic tools like pens, scissors, tape, white tac, zip ties, S hooks, large and small bulldog clips and safety pins for any setup or repair needs.
8. Customer Engagement
- Samples and Demonstrations: Offer samples or live demonstrations to attract customers and showcase the quality of your products. Or if you have an iPad or tablet, show a promotional film of you making your products in your studio.
- Promotional Offers: Consider special discounts or promotions to encourage purchases.
Colourful baskets and boxes are perfect for displaying smaller items
Conclusion
Being well-prepared is key to a successful experience at a makers market. By bringing the essentials listed above, you’ll be ready to showcase your products, engage with customers, and make the most of the opportunity. And if you’re trading with Urban Makers please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions before, during or after the market. Happy selling!
If you want to sell at our Christmas Market or at Old Spitalfields Market – apply here.