Useful Tips for Selling on Farmers Markets

My lovely friend Cate is a silversmith who has mastered the art of selling at farmers’ markets.

Her beautiful jewellery attracts attention, and she’s built a successful business.

Follow this link to her website.

If you’re considering setting up a stall at your local market, Cate shared some excellent advice to help your day run smoothly.

Tips for selling at farmers markets

Table Setup

If the market doesn’t provide a table, Cate recommends using a sturdy metal decorator’s pasting table, which is 6ft 4″ long.

Wooden tables can be too flimsy. She suggests a table height of around 3 feet to keep your display at eye level, making it more noticeable. This height also helps you make the most of your space.

Table Cover

Cate swears by crushed velvet velour for a table cover. It’s practical because it doesn’t crease and still looks great even after being stuffed into a bag for weeks.

Under the cover, she places a roll of thin rubber mesh (typically used under rugs to prevent them from slipping). This adds cushioning and keeps display boards from sliding around—especially useful at outdoor markets.

Display Props

Cate advises against mounting display props too high, especially outdoors, where a gust of wind could topple everything.

However, a bit of height can make your stall stand out. Old wooden fruit boxes can give a rustic feel and provide instant shelves and height, while wine boxes can be limewashed for a cleaner look.

Cate prefers a contemporary style for her jewellery, so she made an 18″ high backboard from 4mm thick Foamex and covered it with black embossed wallpaper. It makes her stall look professional and helps it stand out from neighbouring stalls.

Logo Boards

Adding a small logo board to your backboard will ensure your business name is clearly visible. Cate had hers printed professionally and placed it right behind her display.

Create a Personal Connection

One of Cate’s best tips is to personalise your stall. Get a nice frame and write a short blurb about yourself and what makes your products unique. People love knowing the story behind the product and forming a connection with the maker.

Packaging

When it comes to packaging, start simple. Florist wholesalers are a great place to buy packaging materials, such as tissue paper, which is especially important for skincare sellers who may need acid-free paper to prevent colour bleed.

Seating

Many stallholders bring folding chairs, but Cate rarely sits in them. She’s noticed that sitting behind a table, reading, and not engaging with customers can hurt sales.

If you do bring a chair, she suggests using a tall folding stool, so you stay at eye level with shoppers, making it easier to interact.

Cash Box

A cash box is essential, but Cate advises using a small, dark-coloured one to avoid drawing attention. Bright, shiny cash boxes can be tempting targets for thieves. Keep your cash box under the table, hidden in a plastic storage box.

Also, bring a pencil case containing essentials such as scissors, pens, and notebooks. Cate uses a “Paper blank” notebook for customer inquiries and a standard invoice book to provide receipts.

Pricing Labels

For pricing, sticky labels or swing tags are effective options. For a more polished look, you may want to consider getting some professionally printed materials.

Trolley

A folding trolley is a lifesaver when loading and unloading your stall. Invest in some good-quality plastic boxes that fit perfectly on your trolley, and one can double as a small under-table storage spot for your cash box or snacks.

Final Tips

Cate’s most crucial advice is simple: smile, be confident, believe in what you’re selling, and convey enthusiasm without being overbearing.

A friendly hello can work wonders. You’ll learn to gauge who’s interested in chatting, who prefers to browse alone, and who wants more information.

Selling at a farmers’ market is a unique experience, but with Cate’s advice, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of it!