5 Essential Market Trading Items
Successful trading is as much about logistics as it is about creativity and personality. Some traders have a little market kit that they leave packed ready to go to each event, and some select what they need for each based on the stall set up, theme or time of year. Everyone preps for market in whatever way suits them best, no right or wrong but after working with thousands of small businesses over 12 years at markets, we know there are some common things that everyone needs on market day - and somehow these often end up the most likely forgotten items! At Pexmas we try and have a few extras of things on hand in case of emergencies, and small businesses are kind and share as much as possible when they can. But here’s a wee list of the items most forgotten at markets as a reminder. Traders - shove ‘em in your suitcase now so you aren’t in a pickle on market day!
A decent sized sign with your stall name, insta handle, website or QR code. Could be a banner, a framed print, a board or bunting - but whatever option suits your brand, it’s a vital piece of kit for your visibility at market and converting visitors to online followers. This is one we can’t lend you on the day so get something sorted that you can reuse every time.
A tablecloth! Some folks have nifty stretchy elastic things that fit almost every surface. Some have a variety of sizes for different set ups. It could be in your brand colours, or something neutral. But we always, always advise that a tablecloth is an essential item; hired tables or stalls are often a bit bashed or stained, not the best backdrop for your precious products! So check your table sizes at markets this season and invest in something that will suit for them all if you can. Oh and IRON IT yeah, fabric wrinkles not only look a bit lazy but they can make the surface unstable for more delicate products.
Paper bags or other suitable plastic free packaging for your sales. We remind our visitors to bring reusable bags where possible, and we do have a few extras on hand if you’re caught a bit short, but depending on your products they might not fit your items! Make sure you have appropriate packing for fragile things, and bags that can hack the items’ weight and size in enough quantity for what you hope to sell. No harm in taking them home again if they’re not used, this stuff should be lightweight if a little bulky!
Tools to put together your displays. Many traders have cute little shelf racks, clothes rails, display cubes, card racks or other nifty items that help them show off their products to the best advantage. These aren’t essential but can really help your stall look great if you can carry them - and if you remember the right size screwdriver, Allen key and bolts to put them together!! Most things can be shored up with a bit of gaffa tape or a cable tie but it’s not worth risking a collapse halfway through the day. Make sure you have them all ready in advance and keep any instructions saved on your phone as well as a paper copy.
Your trusty card reader AND its charger! There are workarounds and lengthy online card payment systems you can use if absolutely necessary, but honestly a market day without a card reader these days is just not worth it. Most people won’t bring cash. Most places are accessible for Wi-Fi or your phone network internet. Check your reader regularly, keep a spare charger in your bag at all times and write yourself a post-it reminder for the back of the front door. This one will directly and unanimously affect your sales if you don’t have it with you.
Hope this is a useful start for your “market gubbins” checklist. What else is a crucial market day item for you? What’s the thing you always forget?!
[From time to time we publish blogs and Instagram posts to share market trading knowledge for new businesses or those getting started at markets. We consult with space holders, BIDs and local authorities on market strategy, operations and policies. We host a monthly free online trader talk for anyone who wants to chat about market life. Keep an eye on our socials and mail outs for other development opportunities for small businesses.]