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.
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.