So you've signed up for your first market? Congratulations! There's a lot to think about but I've gathered five things here that I think are really important.

1 Have a Check List of Items to Bring

It's market day. Your table is nearly ready when suddenly you realize... you forgot your card reader!? And you forgot your cash to give out change... And wait. You did pack a pair of scissors right?

Don't let this happen to you and make a checklist of items. Here are a few things I never leave without:

• Card Reader

• Project to Work On

• Business Cards (more on this in #2 )

• Extra Price Tags

• Scissors

• Tape

• Chage for Cash

• Baskets and Decorations for Merchandise

• Pen/Marker

You can record all these items on the Market Supplies Checklist Slide found in my Crochet Digital Planner

2 Purchase Business Cards

Imagine this, you're chatting with a customer who just found your booth and they really want to buy something but- SHOOT! They don't have their wallet. Could they buy from you another time?

This is a great time to hand over your business card.

Your business card should have your

• business name

• contact information (email or phone)

• logo

• name

• social media

I like to include a QR code on my business cards that leads them to a linktree. This way if my links change the card is still accurate.

I love to order mine from Vista Print (not affiliated link).

3 Have Clear Signage

Picture this, you're sitting at your booth and a potential customer asks how much something is... for the 25th time that day.

Save your self the hassle by having clear signage.

If you have a lot of one product then a sign on the table or clipped to a basket works great. If you have lots of different items, I prefer tagging them individually.

Additionally, I group mine in baskets depending on price range (ie. $10-14 Items, $15-20 items etc.)

I love to design my tags and signs in Canva (not affiliated link).

4 Plan Your Table Set Up Ahead of Time

Don't skip out on this! It is especially important to do a trial run of your setup if this is your first market.

Some key things to consider:

• Is every thing visible? Consider adding height to the items in the back.

• How long does it take to setup? That will give you a good idea how early you should arrive.

• Is every thing sturdy and weather resistent? You never know when a huge gust of wind will pick up. If you're a crocheter like me, your products are light. We don't want all that hard work to fall on the ground. :(

5 Do Some Reflection

There's a lot to consider before your first market. It honestly feels a little overwhelming.

Luckily, I've created this handy little workbook that will simplify things for you.

Download my FREE workbook called: "Crafting Success: Questions to Ask Before and After Your First Market". Work through 12 questions to prepare for your first market. Each question is combined with a short commentary.

Here are some of the questions you can expect:

• Do they provide tables, chairs, or other equipment, or do you need to bring your own?

• Are there specific requirements or restrictions for the products you plan to sell?

• How will your  transactions be handled (cash, credit cards, mobile payments)?

I'm so excited for you as you do your first market. Please let me know which of these tips you found most useful. And tell me all about your market! I'm dying to know how it goes.

Cheers,

Jen (simplewondersshop)