When getting ready for a market stall, there are many things to consider. The strategies listed below will assist you in getting ready and taking care of all the necessary preparations for your market.
Market Price Range:
Determine how much you want to spend on a market stall. Once you have a budget in mind, you need to research the markets that fall within it. Google or Markets are the best resources to use to find the market that fits your budget. The show preparations can then begin.
Application submission:
You need to submit an application after choosing which market to attend. Make sure you read the application and adhere to the instructions because some markets have strict requirements and guidelines.
Travel plans:
Making travel arrangements, including where you will stay and how you will get food, is something you should do as soon as your application has been accepted. Consider your accommodation budget and the amount you are willing to spend. Being resourceful and staying with friends or family when travelling interstate will help you save money on lodging. Take them out for a nice dinner or be sure to express your gratitude and appreciation in return.
Product selection:
It may require weeks or months to get ready for a market stall. You might want to determine what products you will bring with you and how long it will take you to make each one. To ensure that you have enough time to complete them, it might be helpful to start with the products that will take longer to make. Additionally, how much inventory do you need for the market and how much will be enough?
Drive or Ship?:
After making a list of the items you need for the show, you may need to choose between driving your own inventories to the market and hiring a courier to do it for you. You should ship your items if they are very large and you don’t feel confident driving a large truck to the market. If you locate within a day or day and a half drive of the market site, it’s probably cheaper to drive your own freight, however, if your travel time exceeds a day or day and half, it maybe cheaper to ship. Make a wise decision that suits your business after doing your research.
So, keeping this in mind, shipping over a relatively short distance might still be economical. Find out if this shipping service is offered by the event organiser. Additionally, the size of the market or trade show will determine whether shipping is offered as an additional service. It is a good idea to service your car before the show and make sure it is in good driving condition if you intend to drive there.
Create a schedule:
Start it off with your acceptance into the market, go through the market event, and finish it off at least two or three days after your return. Make a list of all the tasks you must complete in order on this timeline. Be realistic; if there is anything you can take care of right away, please do so. You will exhaust yourself before the market if you put off doing too much until the last few days. Planning for the days after the market is just as important as the days before. You’ll need time to pack up your market stall contents, unload any unsold goods, and put tools and other equipment back where it belongs, such as when renting a trailer or other equipment.
Read the documents from Market Stall:
Be sure to read all the market-related correspondence sent to you in the days leading up to the market event. Keep an eye on the following things:
- The document will emphasise the load-in processes and load-in time
- Be aware of the precise entrance you will use to unload your goods
- Plan your route using the city’s map as a guide
- Contact the event organiser if a loading dock isn’t mentioned in the documents
- Handcarts or trolleys can be used to reach your stall. If the market does not provide a trolley, you might want to add it to your list of necessary tools or make arrangements with another vendor who will be attending the same show for one
Check in next week for Part 2 on “Strategies for Preparing a Market Stall”
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