5 Tips to Make the Most From Selling at a Christmas Market
There is something wonderful about craft markets and small fairs at any time of year, but perhaps the time any crafter or small business owner wants to make the most of such days is in the run-up to Christmas. After all, everyone is on the lookout for the perfect unique present and the buyer knows there might just be one on a table at their local market, but it is the seller’s job to draw those buyers in.
To try and help you crafty people make the most of the Christmas markets you are attending this year, I’ve come up with 5 tips to help you make the most of selling:
Think about your display:
As a buyer, the first thing that draws me into a stall is what it looks like. If your stall is dark and dull, making it hard to see the products I am going to pass you by. However, if you work on your display, make it bright and inviting then it’s going to draw more people in. Pricing should most definitely be easy to see and easy to read. Remember you don’t need to put everything out at the start, too much on display can look cluttered, so perhaps try a few different setups and ask for feedback from friends and family before the day.
How are people going to play?
We live in the age of technology and many people don’t carry that much cash anymore. I personally can’t count the number of times I’ve skipped buying something as I didn’t have the cash, or bought more because they could take a card. After all, since the introduction of chip and pin in 2006, it is so easy to buy things on plastic, but how as a trader can you take debit and credit cards? It is actually very simple, all you need is a provider such as SumUp which not only takes chip and pin but is also contactless-ready and is easily compatible with iOS / Android smartphones and tablets. What’s more, there are no fixed fees, you only pay per transaction made, with money going directly into your bank account.
Think about business cards:
I often come across great stalls at craft and gift markets, which perhaps I don’t have the need for at that exact time, so of course, I look for a business card. You don’t need to have anything fancy, just something simple with your business name, contact details and website, can help you bring in customers at a later date.
Hold market only offers:
Consistency is of course key when it comes to pricing for small businesses, however there are still ways to add in offers, without compromising on price. Think about a few key items you sell you could market on offer, for instance, with cards; you may sell 1 for £2 but could look to offer 3 for £5, helping persuade the customer they do need one more.
Can you prepackage your items?
Christmas wrapping can be a pain, so could you package any of your items in a way they are ready to be gifted? Could you use cellophane and ribbon? Or could you offer a gift wrapping service for free, or just a couple of pennies extra? The more you do to make your items readily giftable may just make them more appealing to buyers.
So there are a few small ideas from me to make the most from selling at a Christmas market, can you think of anything else a seller could do, to draw you in?
*This is a collaborative post.
Great blog post, Sumup sounds really useful! I haven’t been to a Christmas market in ages but sounds like some great tips for small businesses 🙂
I have never sold anything in a Christmas market but I have visit some, every year they have one in Union Square NYC and you can always find such unique items that are so cute!!! They can also make great unique gifts!! These are some great tips though!!
These are some really great pointers. Sometimes it really is all about how you market yourself. You will want cards handy so people can make repeat purchases if they wish.
I love shopping from Christmas market coz I always got unique items as gifts. And sometimes much cheaper 🙂
I don’t sell at Christmas market but I’ll be drawn in for the prepackaging and display. Now where should I start?
Eekk good luck with getting it all ready for the market!
These are all great tips! I used to sell at Christmas Markets and couldn’t agree with them more 🙂
Louise x
Yay glad they ring a cord with someone who has been there and done it!
I always make sure I have nice displays and cards for people. I try to get them to my social media at the event too!
Social Media definitely helps to let people know where you are – I forgot about that one.
These are all really great tips. It is important that we find ways to make money over the Holidays!
Most definitely it is such an expensive time of year.
Agree with cash thing 100%, when you see something on a market stall which you want but you know you need to go draw cash out then come back it just seems like too much effort haha! x
It really is a big thing isn’t it and shopping around can help you get one at a good rate.
Someday I would like to do this. I think I could have a great craft, if I put my mind to it. For now, I have no time! I will just shop them!
Business cards are sometimes taken for granted but are actually of great help. This is one good way of reminding the buyers what you offer, one good way to for customers to easily communicate in the future.
Most definitely I have a little pile I have picked up at craft shows that I go back to.
I do love a good Christmas Market, never tried to sell at one myself though
never been a seller but always a buyer! i really like when they give business cards for future reference that i have actually used a lot!
always find Christmas markets fascinating. Loved these practical tips about selling in Christmas markets.
I have visited a Christmas market this weekend and they really caught my attention with the market only offers! Definitely a great tip!
They do make you think about buying things more from them don’t they if you can only get that offer then and there.
My mummy used to do a couple of christmas markets when she was crafting and payment was always an issue as she couldn’t afford a machine and change was a nightmare. Great tips!
They seem to have come down of late when it comes to cost but it is still quite a lot if you are only doing a few.
Such great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Your welcome I am glad they are useful 🙂
Great tips, I’ve definitely picked up a few business cards from stalls to save for later!
I do it so often, and then often end up purchasing from them so definitely a must.
We have an annual Dickensian Fayre in Dinas Powys and the village square is always full of market stalls. For me the most important thing is that the stall holder engages with people but isn’t too pushy. I also think it’s really important to make sure you take enough stock so that if you do have a good run, you’re not left with a spartan looking stall and miss those further sales opportuities.
That is very true! It can make all the difference, I’m more likely to buy from someone who engages me but isn’t pushy for sure.
This is a great post. I have never been to a Christmas market but would love to do this at some point and even better sell my crafts at a Christmas stall.
I hope you manage to make it one day both as a buyer and a seller.
We are doing this in school soon. The way you present and display your products makes a big impact on your sale.
Good luck with your school Christmas market 🙂
I think a Christmas display will draw a lot of attention. People love festive decor!
I think how you make your stall look really does make a huge difference.
Those are some great tips especially the “How are people going to play?”. These are very helpful and would help a great deal.
It does make a big difference these days I think, so many of us don’t carry cash like we used to.
Personalized holiday greeting cards are always hit in the market. I have a friend who selling this and each year she always tried to make a good sell. I will share this to her to get some more idea on her growing business.
That’s an interesting idea, how does she do them at the market? Personalise them when people buy?
Displays are KEY at holiday markets. If there isn’t a beautiful display, I’m not coming over to browse. Also, be sure to fix the typo in the second heading! xo
Most definitely its what draws people in to start with, if it’s dark and dull people just don’t bother.
Top tips here – The display and customer interaction are very important. I carry card so payment via card is important, as I never have much cash on me x
It really is something I think everyone needs to think about these days, I don’t know many people who carry a huge amount of cash on them.
These are such great tips! I have a girlfriend who’s selling her art at a few markets so I’ll have to share this with her!
I hope it helps her a little bit and good luck to her at the markets!
I have not been to a Christmas Market in many years. Yes, it needs to be eye-catching. And the folks that are selling need to make eye contact with potential customers.
I have to admit I have a bit of a soft spot for a good Christmas market or well any craft market at any time of year.
I do love visiting a Christmas market at this time of year, and love to see a well displayed stall with lovely items that get my attention. I think the key thing for me is just that, how it looks and how wonderful the items look. If you get my attention, I’m certainly going to come have a look at what is on offer.
It is definitely the thing that draws you in first of all isn’t it.
Payment options are key. Having the option for a debit or credit card sometimes allows me to select an upgrade or buy a bigger ticket item. It’s also frustrating to find just what you are looking for and not have cash on hand to make the purchase.
Exactly there are definitely times when I’ve added more to my basket when I’ve realised I can pay by card.
I love shopping at holiday markets because it’s a great way to find handmade gifts and unique gifts and support artisans most of them local. However sometimes it’s a lost sale when they don’t except credit cards and I don’t have cash. This app would be perfect for that
There is always something exciting to find at them isn’t there.
Business cards are always great especially when people might want to browse the full collection at home and make a purchase there x
Most definitely I have a collection of business cards from crafters which I do use often.
I tried it before. The technique there is to have the best presentation on your product without putting too much price on it. Great tips!
Most definitely I think if you crack the how tos you can make a lot as well.
Makes me want to visit a Xmas market right now! All great tips if I were to sell anything. Happy Holidays!
I hope you manage to make it to a Christmas market sometime soon 🙂
I hope you get to visit a Christmas market before the festive season is over!
Makes me want to visit a Xmas market right now! All great tips if I were to sell anything. Happy Holidays!
The display definitely has to be eye-catching! I can see why providing a super easy way to pay would matter too!
It is definitely the thing that brings most people to your store isn’t it.
The sellers presenting a great pitch about their stuff catch my attention. So excited for Christmas shopping ?
I think that’s the main thing that draws people in I often look from a distance and decide if it might have things for me.
Having a display that draws attention to you is so important at a market. I have been thinking about getting a stall at our local spring fair.
Ohh good luck if you do decide to go for it – I bet you will do amazing!
I agree! I don’t often carry cash on me so a stall on a market that takes card is much more attractive to me. Business cards is a great idea too x
I think it’s the same for most people these days, I don’t know many people who carry too much cash around.
Great tips! My mother is doing her first Christmas Market next month, so I’ll be sure to pass these onto her 🙂
Ohh good luck to her I hope it goes really well for her what is she selling?
I will have to share this post with my cousin! He often sells his wood creations at local markets and these are great tips.
I hope it helps your cousin a little with selling his wears.
The business card is the best tip and one that whenever went to a street fair or craft show,we took advantage of. If we needed to budget for an item but didn’t have it right away,we would contract the seller when we did and buy the item then.
Exactly I often see more expensive things I would love so grab a card and save up!
This is REALLY great advice. I have a few friends who sell at markets and have already forwarded this blog. Thanks!
Aww thank you so much – I do hope it helps them.
I like the idea of SumUp. This would be a very helpful tool for small business owners. I don’t sell at Christmas markets but my sister does. I will let her know about this.
It sounds really good and I like they only take a % of your payment.
Great tips here for anyone who sells at christmas markets, especially the business cards that is one thing I always look for if I see something I like x
I am such a business card hoarder I have to admit.
My mom and I used to do this years ago and it was a lot of fun. These are smart tips for making the most of a craft table!
It is great fun, I’ve both run a stall and love going to them and both have been such fun.
What great ideas! I have nothing to sell at markets, but I love to go to them. I always like when they give me their business card!
It is always fun getting to nose around and see what people have on offer.
Great tips for vendors at a Christmas Market. I really enjoy shopping markets and I will admit, if the booth isn’t visibly appealing, I usually skip right over it! So i would def agree with these tips
It is interesting to see how most people do go on first visuals to if they would like the stall or not.
I have never been selling on a Christmas Market but these tips will be really helpful to anyone who will. The displays are always important because they make the products even more attractive and catch the eyes of the people
You never know maybe in the future you will have a stall of your own.
Having a tool like SumUp is essential to sales these days. I never carry cash. These are thoughtful tips!
I think it really is unless your selling something very cheap – there isn’t a lot of time I carry much money.
The displays are always what makes me want to go over and look. I love craft fairs and such this time of year.
They are the draw aren’t they – props can really help as well if your item isn’t visually appealing on its own.
I think its also nice to go for bundles for Christmas. I think having a pleasant looking setup can also bring in the customers.
It really can I think, people are visual creatures often.
I haven’t been to a Christmas market in years. These are great ideas. I know that I’m always drawn towards the fun display.
I hope you get to go to a Christmas market if you so feel like it soon!
It is a turn off when you go to Christmas markets and Street Fairs and cannot make the purchase of the items you are drawn to simply because the vendors do not take credit cards. Like you said who walks around with cash these days?
Exactly I think it’s such a shame that it still isn’t often thought of at such events.
Thinking about payment options is the most important thing in my opinion. I almost never carry cash in my pocket and if a seller doesn’t have a pos machine I would probably not bother to go and get money from an atm, but buy from some other seller who has. These days having a pos machine is a necessity, not a luxury.
Often there is no ATMs near markets unless you are lucky as well – I’ve found some lovely ones in the middle of nowhere before.
Always great ideas thanks
The display is what always draws me in or causes me to keep on walking with barely a glance. I agree that a bright and inviting display always wins with me. Also, having business cards handy is a great idea.
It is a shame people don’t think about it more sometimes, I went to a fair the other day and some of the stalls looked so dark it was hard to see anything.