10 Tips for Art Market Vendors

One of the best ways for local small businesses and artists to get in touch with their local communities and beyond is through art markets and festivals! These events are interactive, and allow us to make connections in person with customers who may not have gotten to see our work online.

It is worth noting, however, the incredible amount of time and effort it takes to execute a beautiful vendor booth that also works for you, the venue, and other vendors around you. There are also tons of flexible factors that make market days a little like riding a roller coaster! These 10 tips will help you be as prepared as possible for whatever market day may bring:

1. Before the event, do your research! Select events based on your target customer base and products. Once you 

know you will be attending an event, do your research on the venue and available amenities (is there an accessible restroom? Are they providing water? Is the setting on pavement or grass? What are the parking options for vendors?). If you have the chance, scope the venue out ahead of time so you know what to expect.

2. Read and re-read all Organizer Correspondence, even if you have attended an event before. Organizers share all the important information you need before setup, and it's important to make sure you are well versed on the details. Most organizers have expectations surrounding flow of traffic during load-in, use of vehicles near booths, booth placement, and guidance surrounding how to checkin for the day. Never be afraid to ask questions if you have them! 

3. Arrive on time and ready to move. If you do happen to arrive early, it's always best practices to wait to check in with an Organizer before beginning setup. There are many moving parts at even the smallest venue and sometimes booth layouts change last minute. Once you've been given your booth assignment, fully unload your vehicle before starting setup so that you make room for later arriving vendors!  (Bonus points for being a helper for other vendors when you have extra hands! It takes a village!) 

4. Be as prepared as possible. If you have the question in your mind, "I wonder if I need __________" the best choice to pack it just incase. Obviously start with vending supplies--POS, change, stationary needs, table, chairs, display materials, and merchandise are all super important. At any venue that is requiring a tent, they will also require weights for safety from the wind. After considering vending needs, also consider your human needs! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, cooling towels, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and a trash bag. Always be sure to dress in layers so that you can adjust with the climate throughout the day! You can also double check with organizers to find out what food may be available on site, or plan ahead by bringing your own food from home. Ultimately, there is no way to be too prepared!

5. Utilize your space efficiently and respectfully. While some venues allow for some spillover outside of the standard 10x10 space, it's always best to plan to function within that space. Make sure that you also leave space to sit inside your booth, as well as space between tables to exit so that you dont need to cut through other vendors booth space. Signage is a great way to attract people to your booth but should be carefully placed so that you aren't blocking other displays. If you aren't sure, you can always check in with your neighbors as you set up--a quick "hey is this okay here?" goes a long way! 

6. Be flexible with your setup day to day and even hour to hour. Most of the time, you will be unsure of your setup until arriving on site for a new event! Many booth spaces at many locations have different challenges you may face--uneven ground, trees/planter boxes, and mud are all regularly encountered when you vend frequently! Get used to adjusting your table setup, using cardboard to level out tables, placing tent walls to create shade, and just getting creative in general. Know that these challenges exist and that often, Organizers have no control over this specific aspect!

7.  Be adaptive throughout the day. If some part of your display keeps getting bumped, adjust it's position. If the wind picks up, adjust to a more flat-lay display (if possible with your products). Move your table every few hours if sunshine is making your merch too toasty in the sun. Make your own life as easy as possible by not fighting the weather! Being flexible is absolutely essential to vending! 

8. Take the time to visit as many other vendors booths as you can. Whether you sneak a moment after setting up, or take advantage of a mid afternoon lull, it can be hugely beneficial to visit the other vendors at any given event. For one thing, looking at lots of displays can help you get ideas on how to better display your own products. You also will notice certain procedural habits that will make your life easier. You might even make a few friends along the way! But most importantly, if you are encouraging customers to shop small, it's always a good look to walk the walk by supporting small businesses yourself!

9. If you can't afford to purchase from other vendors, many will be happy to chat trades! Some of my very favorite market finds of all time were traded for my own art. Not all vendors are open to trades, but it may surprise you how many are. Don't hesitate to politely ask--even for those service vendors like food, flash tattoos, etc!

10. Finally, and most importantly, maintain a good attitude throughout. Every interaction you have at an event has value, whether with customers, organizers, or other vendors. The way that you interact with others also becomes a huge part of your brand and brand recognition! You dont have to inundate every person who comes into your booth with a sales pitch, but smiling and greeting each person will help you appear available to those who are interested! And even on the slowest, hottest, roughest day, you will surprise yourself how often a smile and a good conversation will turn into a sale. 

In person conversations are truly invaluable, and even days that aren't hugely profitable still provide exposure and drive online traffic for potential future purchases and projects!

If you follow these 10 tips, you will have a good foundation for a successful vending day! Markets are certainly lots of work, but with some planning they are well worth the time and effort. Remember- the more you market yourself, the stronger your local brand recognition will grow!