A little info for new sellers at markets & fayres

I was recently ask by a couple of fellow crafters about beginning the process of attending Craft fair and markets.
I have penned some advice for this person and thought it might be helpful to add them to my blog/twitter.

I have been standing craft fayres and markets in York, Richmond, Middlesbrough, Northallerton, darlington & many more for 18 years plus....and very little has change all these years.

The approach should depend on the venue, organizer, geographical location and what you are selling.
On a market people want to talk to you and to be approached, at a craft fayre they prefer to browse and chat to their companions.

•The most important things you first need to think of is the insurance. A quality event will always ask to see this before you set up your stall.
And a print out if the information of that days event is always useful-it will help you remember the names of the organizer-a little respect will pay back in spades.
•The overall visual look of your stall (and product) it key-customers go on their visual interest to then find interest in a product-they say it is 90% visual, 10% product.
I would recommend you link the visual aspects if the stall-if you sell rustic or handmade items, use wicker baskets. If your product is modern, try glass stands or mirrors.
•Have some wicker baskets or card/wooden displays to display your products-I even use a some shelves that give hight on the table, adding space.
•If you are outside event remember to take some table cloths-I prefer them to match the signage and keep your look unified-remember you are a brand.
•Take promotional information such as business cards & information of your website, Facebook or twitter pages.
•Take your self a packed lunch and if you are outside, a flask of warm drink is a good idea especially if you will be on your own but also saves cost and you get to keep your profits.
•Use suitable storage, this allows for easy moment of stock but keeping it in in good condition, ready to sell.
•I personally would recommend a money belt or apron-carry at least a£50.00 float, mainly of change but £5.00 notes too.
•Marking your items with prices is important, no customer wants to ask the price & as a customer myself of craft fairs, if items are not priced I won't buy.
•Allow time for traveling and look at where you are traveling to beforehand – You don’t want to be late or arrive at the wrong destination.
•Dress for the season and check the weather for that day – If you are outside in the winter months, rap up in layers or invest in some ski gear-it WILL get chilly.
•Its important to have bags for customers. Not every will want one but offer and let them decide. Its all part of the 'shopping experience' for customers.
•If you are planning to work with children, you will need to have an enhanced CRB check. Any venue worth it's salt will ask prior to booking you. And they will also ask to see it. It is worth remembering that it will need renewing and the rule of thumb is do it yearly. A CRB is technically out of date after six months but most event will accept up to a year.
•it is also a good ideas to take a bag of goodie such as tape, blutak, bulldog clips, sticky labels etc that will become essential.
Andrea from Funk your Denim (http://www.funkyourdenim.co.uk) always takes double sided sticky tape as one of her essentials .

I hope these points will help anyone attending venues and events in the new year. These are my own personal opinions and you will have your own experiences.