List of To Do's... for setting up a market stall

SaucyHeaven replied:

Hi

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If Public Liability Insurance isnt covered in the stall fee, then you will need to get some.  I cant remember the company name, but there is a company that offers $2million dollars (or more, I cant remember) just for one or two day events such as market stalls.  Try Googling Public Liability Insurers.

Here are a couple of links for you:

http://www.quotesonline.com.au/p_l_insurance1mm.htm

http://www.marketsandfairs.com.au/insurance.html

http://www.ruralandgeneral.com.au/market-stall-insurance-intro.php (this one has a cheap annual rate which would cover you for a years worth of markets to save you applying each month or week for whichever markets you do)

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I hope this helps.

CKCath replied:

I will be watching this thread with interest as well, I haven't really done any market stalls and would like to see ideas as well.

Marie replied:

Hi Veronica,

This is right down my ally. I have been doing markets since 2005. Don't expect make hugh amounts of dollars, although you may do better than I do. Here is my advice.

1. Some markets will need you to have both public and product liabilty, other markets don't even care whether you have any insurance at all. You may choose to do markets that don't care saving you some money.

2. I usually take $100 float. I find that is enough.

3.Don't bother with orders, people want to buy what you already have. There is no guarantee they will be back next time, unless you are going to send it to them. In that case make them pay upfront plus postage.

4. It is difficult to know how much stock to take, but I would take 3 to 4 things of each. What sells really well oneday will not necessarily sell well the next time. Each market is different. Also you may sell heaps at one market, but the next you go to that market you may sell very little. It is hard to tell.

5.Markets have not been doing to well lately because there are too many markets. It is a very long day for little money, but you might be lucky and sell heaps. I haven't heard of too many marketers that sell heaps. Food always sells well, but it is good to promote yourself. Some days are better than other days. I have had days where I didn't make enough to cover my petrol. It is hard work and some times lonely and boring. You can find some really nice people and also have some fun, it just depends on the market you do.

If you have anymore questions please ask away. To view all the regular markets and speacial events markets in NSW visit www.marketsandfairs.com.au

Marie

ingashoebiz replied:

Hi, I've done a few markets now, I agree with Marie, not so much on the selling, mainly to get your business and your name out there and get some bookings. I have one hostess from such a day her and her daughter just keep re-booking.

1.To promote yourself at markets I suggest that you make up A5 flyers with a small promotion from the company (or you could for go some of your commission) by saying 20% of one product when they book a party and put before then the date ( I usually give 4-6 weeks from the market date, gives them time to think about it and still book in time) the second purpose of this flyer is that you can advertise on the back.

2.Then you would write a little bit about some products you have and promote for party bookings and if you do fundraisers state that as well.

3.Then you could put in something about earning extra money working your own hours, ask for free obligation information pack (or whatever your company does) then put your name and phone number.

4. Also what do you do for a data base?   One thought would be to put a competition together of some of your products to be drawn 1-2-3 months time (you choose what suits you)e.g. a beautifully wrapped up basket of your goodies(depends on what you sell). Then when handing them a flyer fill in the entry form and  talk to them (networking) you might get a booking out of it.

5. The entry form needs to have your name (or if the company has such a comp then use there entry form)date, name address, phone no mobile no, email address, so you can contact them by letter and phone (put that in small writing ;at the bottom of entry form) then put on the bottom, I am interested in receiving information about:

booking party(whatever wording you use) - consultant info pack - special offers

Most people will tick special offers that gives you a data base to work from, you should check with your company if your allowed to do this though.

Do you throw away a voucher that gives say a 20% discount or do you keep it in case you might use it, if not then maybe you show one your friends that loves having parties.

Hope this helps.

Inga

PS Marie, how did you get to change text coloured, I tried to click but nothing happened. what a good idea to separate such info

jazzyjools replied:

Hi Veronica,

I have been attending a couple of markets in my local area for the past couple of months selling children's jewellery and cleaning out items from my home.  I believe that people go to the markets with maybe around $50 - $100 to spend and like to make it go as far a they can.  I try and price everything under $10.00.  People like to get there purchases have something to eat and go home.  You do find that you get a lot of regulars so if one day you don't do so well don't give in you can never really tell.  I usually get enough to cover the site fee, buy some lunch, pay for my petrol and still go home with a bit of a profit.  It is a long day as you have to get there early to set up and it is good manners to stay till the end unless of course you sell everything.  I have made some lovely friends at the market and it is a bit like being in this forum, every one likes to support each other. I even go home occasionally with some nice freebies of fruit and veg from the lovely Greek man who has a stall next to me.  I have found that the smaller markets are often the best as the bigger markets are more competition, more for people to spend there money on.  I hope this has been of some help to you.

At the last market I was at they did not allow party plan people and you were not allowed to advertise.  They lady in the stall next to me was a party plan company but she did not tell the organisers of the market and did not hand out any information about her company.  You could get around this buy poping a flyer or product information brochure in with your customers purchases.  Good Luck.

Julie   

Ps: An up to date website to have a look at is www.marketsonline.com.au 

trinature replied:

Thank you everyone for your information, it has helped heaps. It is good to know what to expect from other people experiences.