Market Stallholders Checklist + Printable Gift

Last month, we gave away a cool greeting card graphic that you can use any way you please.

This month, we’re giving away something different.

Just recently, Mumsy & Bub participated in one of the most epic markets of the year – the Etsy Made Local Handmade Market in Canberra

Given that it was our very first market (and more to come!), it was indeed, a very refreshing and eye-opening experience. We got to meet a lot of wonderful stallholders, customers, and those who just simply stopped by to say hi. It was just amazing! (Again, a huge shout out to Alison who organised the entire thing. Thank you for making this event a huge success for all.) 

2 – The quality of your products. In the marketing world, there’s this phrase about ‘creating a need for your product’ even though it’s not something that is generally required on a daily basis. What I mean by that is if you’re selling something like cake toppers – it’s obviously not every day that you need a cake topper because your birthday isn’t every day (duh!) or you know some people who celebrate their birthdays covering all the days of a calendar year!  “Creating a need” – for me, personally – means creating a reason for people to use your products and incorporate those into their lifestyles. I’m selling mum planners and handmade stickers I want you to buy from me not just because I know that our products including planner inserts, quote cards, and diecuts are great and of good quality, but I know that you can greatly benefit from them in terms of getting organised and getting things done.

“Creating a need” is also about piqueing someone’s interest and prolonging that interest to the point that they can’t stop thinking about it until they finally buy it. The quality of your products not only contributes to that need, but it also generates referrals or word-of-mouth. Sure, people can buy something from you initially and later on discover that the quality of what you’re selling is crap. Don’t expect a second purchase from them. Nah. So quality control is really important. Before you even place your merchandise on that stall table or backing, make sure that you check every single sellable item. Remember, first impressions last. They really do.

3 – YOU. You as a person. You as a seller. You as a creator/artist/crafter.

Your products, stall set up, and efforts are meaningless if people find out that who they’re dealing with behind all the glitter and sparkle is someone who isn’t generally a nice person. It doesn’t mean that you need to be overly friendly by hurling yourself or your products on people’s faces. People don’t like that. No one wants to deal with an annoying salesperson. Customers generally want to decide for themselves if they’re going to buy your product. Don’t make that decision for them. If they ask for more details or your company background – then that’s a plus. You start talking and let your beautiful personality shine through, amigo!

On the contrary, it also doesn’t mean that you completely ignore a looker or pretend that you don’t see them (even though you do at the corner of your eye!) I’ve had experience before at one of the markets in Canberra early this year where I stopped by a stall to check out their products, and the lady who was manning the stall just gave me this blank, unfriendly stare (or was it a glare?) as if to say “If you’re not buying anything, then get outta here!” I honestly felt really uncomfortable so I left without a word.

The key is to smile, say “hi” or “good morning/afternoon” and just LET your potential buyers peruse without any interruption. Don’t hover. Be patient. Be polite.

There will always be passers-by who are just downright rude and cold, but that’s their problem. Don’t take it personally. Focus your positivity and good vibes to those who genuinely care. They don’t have to be customers, but the mere effort that they took their time to check you out – that’s a good thing. Maybe they’ll consider buying from you in the future or refer you to someone more suited to your niche, who knows?

So without further ado, we present you this FREE Pre-bump-in Checklist inspired by the Etsy Stallholders Group. If you’re an active stallholder or if it’s your first time participating at the markets, this is the ultimate go-to list so you don’t forget the most important things that would greatly affect your presentation, performance, and most importantly, your sales at the day of the event.

We’ve also thrown in a bunch of printable gift tags to make this month’s freebie extra special.

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