How to setup a craft booth at a weekly Farmer's Market part 4

Lots of crafty folks eventually want to try to to sell their wares. Many end up doing a one time craft show that is often hit or miss. But others may consider participating in their local, weekly farmer’s and local goods market. Last year from Easter to Halloween I set up a Fluffy Flowers booth at my local, weekly farmer's market. This is part four in a series of articles to help those of you who are planning to do the same.

Part four - Other vendors

You will see many of the same vendors on a weekly basis so it’s best to start off on the right foot. Being friendly, helpful, and courteous will go a long way in establishing a relationship that will benefit everyone. I always try to help other vendors put up their tents and in turn they help me put up mine.

First and foremost it’s essential not to steal other vendor’s customers. Your neighbor vendors are there trying to make money too. If a customer is looking at their booth or is actually walking over to their booth then don’t call after the customer and divert their attention to you. That customer may head directly to your booth and spend money but you may have caused one of your vendor neighbors to lose a sale. This is just not good karma. I usually wait until a potential customer glances my way and then I greet them with a good morning and tell them that everything for sale in my booth is handmade by me. This often gets some sort of positive reaction and they’ll stop and check things out.

Decide early on if you want to give vendor discounts. It’s a common courtesy to give a reduced price to your fellow sellers and is with the understanding that they will offer you a reduced price as well. You don’t have to mark your items down to cost, just a small percentage will do. If you decide to go this route be consistent and offer all vendors the same discount.

Some vendors may ask if you’re willing to trade. Don’t be caught off guard like I was the first time someone asked me this question. Give it some thought and decide if you’re willing to trade. Everyone benefits from a trade because each person ends up with an item they really want without having to spend cash. However, if you really need the money that you’ll be making from your weekly market, then you can politely decline. Just let them know that at this time you’re not financially able to trade, but if things change for you in the future you might consider it. They will understand. They’ve been short of funds at some point too.

It’s important to try to support other vendors if you can. I try hard to set aside a bit of money to spend at the market. Usually I buy something small from at least one vendor per week. This is also a good way for you to test out their items so that you can help promote their wares to other customers. The more you help them the more they will help you. Well, actually, not all vendors are kind and helpful. Some will definitely rub you the wrong way or go out of their way to be mean. Do your best to ignore this behavior and move your booth as far from them as you can get each week. But really, most vendors are very nice and probably you will form some friendships.

Next time, the final part of the How to setup a craft booth at a weekly Farmer's Market: Promotion.

Click here to visit my Fluffy Flowers shop.

Comments

[Karyn]

I think that you are absolutely correct, I can see how important it would be to be on good terms with other vendors. And I think it's a great idea to offer a little vendor discount.
Thanks again Felicia!!!

[MonsterBug Blankets]

Hi there, Fluffy Flowers! Thanks for this great advice! I never thought of vendor discounts or the desire for others to want to trade--good info for my first craft fair in March! Wish we had a farmer's market around here. I miss wandering around in them! :) A lovely way to spend a Saturday morning!

[Kirsten aka knitsteel]

A very important point about the relations with your fellow vendors.

Are you selling at a small rural or large urban market?

[Mariss]

Felicia, thanks for all these great tips. I'll be sure to remember them in case I ever do any craft booths / fairs.

[denise, dcdesigns]

This series is really interesting. I'm curious how you went about finding and deciding this was the venue to try. I have to say as I'm reading these posts I'm just imagining how adorable a whole entire table of fluffy creatures would be!

[Barb]

Nice informative series. You've learned a lot! Thanks for sharing:)

[StacyLee]

Great advice! I'll have to check out your etsy store!

[savor]

Maybe someday when I'm feeling brave, I can put these tips in practice! Thanks!

[Brenda]

Do your best to ignore this behavior and move your booth as far from them as you can get each week.>>

LOL great advice!! love it!