Craft fairs and markets can be brilliant opportunities for handmade businesses, but I’m sure you know that simply turning up with a table full of products doesn’t guarantee sales.

The most successful stallholders prepare well before the event, create an inviting display, and make it easy for customers to buy from them.

If you’re planning to sell at markets this year, here are some practical tips to help you feel organised, professional, and ready to make the most of every event.

Choose the Right Event

Before booking every local market you see, take a step back and think carefully about whether the event is the right fit for your business.

The events you attend affect how customers perceive your products. A beautifully handmade brand may struggle at a venue focused mainly on second-hand goods or bargain hunting.

Research the event beforehand:

• Who usually attends?
• What kind of products are sold there?
• Is it aimed at gifts, crafts, food, vintage, or budget shopping?
• How many stalls are like yours?

A little research can save you money, time, and disappointment.

Plan Your Stock Properly

Nothing makes a stall look less inviting than empty spaces halfway through the day.

Keep a back-up stock, so as your products sell, you can keep replenishing your display so it still looks full and attractive.

A good rule is to bring more stock than you think you’ll need, especially for your bestsellers and lower-priced items.

It’s also worth having products at different price points:

• Small impulse buys
• Mid-range gifts
• A few premium pieces

This gives customers options whatever their budget.

Make Your Stall Look Professional

Before the event, practise setting up your stall at home.

Look at it critically:

• Is it easy to see what you sell?
• Are your prices clear?
• Does it feel cluttered?
• Is your branding visible?
• Can customers comfortably browse?

Try standing back and think about how a customer would see it.

Simple, clean displays usually work best.

Make Buying Easy

Customers increasingly expect quick and simple payment options.

Cash is still useful, but many people now pay almost entirely by card or phone – and often prefer contactless.

Consider using a portable card reader such as sumup, squareup or zettle.

Most now support:

• Contactless payments
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Digital receipts
• Payment links
• QR code payments

And don’t forget:

• A fully charged phone
• A power bank
• A backup internet option or hotspot
• Plenty of change if you also accept cash

Use QR Codes Around Your Stall

QR codes are one of the easiest ways to connect with customers beyond the market itself.

You can create QR codes that link directly to:

• Your website or online shop
• Facebook, Instagram or TikTok
• Your email newsletter signup
• Product catalogues
• Custom order forms

This is especially useful for people who want to “buy later” or follow you after the event.

You can use Canva or qucode-monkey.com

Make sure your QR codes are easy to scan and clearly labelled.

Promote the Event Beforehand

Don’t rely entirely on event organisers to bring customers to you.

In the days leading up to the market:

• Share the event on social media
• Add it to your website
• Post behind-the-scenes setup content
• Share your stall number or location
• Remind your email subscribers
• Encourage followers to visit

Short videos and Reels often perform especially well for market content.

Think About Customer Experience

Small details make a big difference.

Before the event, think about:

• Packaging and wrapping
• Clear price labels
• Business cards or thank you cards
• Accessibility for children and wheelchair users
• Weather protection for outdoor events
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Snacks and drinks for yourself

A calm, organised stallholder creates a much better customer experience than someone stressed and rushing.

Market Day Checklist

Before leaving home, check you have:

• Stock and backups
• Card reader and charger
• QR code signs
• Price labels
• Packaging materials
• Tables (if necessary), tablecloths and displays
• Business cards
• Power bank
• Phone charger
• Cash and change
• Water and snacks
• Weather protection, such as a pop-up gazebo

Conclusion

Selling at markets is about more than simply displaying products.

The most successful stalls combine preparation, presentation, and customer connection.

The easier you make it for people to browse, buy, and stay connected with your business afterwards, the more likely they are to become repeat customers.

And remember — every market is a learning experience. Pay attention to what customers respond to, which products sell best, and what display techniques attract attention.

Small improvements from one event to the next can make a huge difference over time. Good luck and I hope your markets or fairs are hugely successful.