Vendor Market Guide for Arts & Crafts Businesses

Like many people, I had big goals for 2020. Mine was to become a profitable visual artist. The best way to sell artwork is in person, so I planned to attend vendor markets once a month. I previously participated in markets but either lost money or broke even. I realized I needed a strategy for success. I studied my past experiences and sought advice from successful artists. I had finalized my strategy and was preparing for my first market when the world shut down. Unfortunate? Of course! Yet, I remained optimistic and placed my plans on standby.

Years later, my church hosted a Christmas market. They encouraged all small business owners to participate. This was the perfect opportunity for me to try selling artwork again. After 4 years of delay, 2 weeks of preparing, and 1 all-nighter, I finally saw my vendor market plans come to fruition. I had a successful day making sales, connections, and memories. I also gained the confidence to continue selling my artwork in person.

Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) says: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Planning is the key to success in all areas of life, especially business. You can have a beautiful product or service that people need, but without the right strategy, your arts & crafts business will not be profitable. In this blog post, I will share the exact vendor market plans I created 6 years ago that led to my success today. Whether you are preparing for your first vendor market or need to fine-tune your current strategy, this guide is for you.

How to Prepare for A Vendor Market

1. Build your inventory. 

You should build up your inventory before you sign up for a market. You might not find out about a market until 1-2 weeks before its scheduled date. You have to be ready at a moment’s notice. Can you imagine making candles or sewing coin pouches with less than a week until the market? Stay prepared, so you’re not rushing to create your products.

2. Choose a market.

You must know who your target customer is and where to find them. For example, if you make tutus for babies, it would not be wise to try to sell them at a car show. Instead, it would be ideal to find a market for baby products. You should also seek out well-put-together markets where vendors can sell a variety of products. These markets generate high-volume foot traffic, making them a great place to meet new customers. Smaller, specialized events such as workshops or brunches will allow you to build relationships with customers in an intimate setting. Use Facebook events, Instagram, or Eventbrite to search for vendor markets in your area. 

3. Create a budget.

It costs money to make money. Many arts and crafts business owners plan for the revenue they will earn at vendor markets, but neglect their expenses. You need to assess all your costs before you start spending money, or you will leave the market with a loss instead of a profit. This can be overwhelming, so I created a budget sheet that considers everything from vendor fees to table decorations. You can purchase it here.

4. Determine your table setup.

The most exciting, but stressful, part of vending is the table setup. Your table should tell the story of your products, emphasizing the problem they solve. The setup does not have to be super extravagant, but it should be eye-catching, organized, and easy to view. Your product should be clearly displayed. Work with levels to avoid overcrowding and list your prices clearly. Run a test on your table to make sure everything fits. Check out my Pinterest board for inspiration.

5. Tell me about yourself.

The phrase “tell me about yourself” is not limited to use in job interviews. Potential customers buy from businesses they trust. Create a 30-second pitch to introduce yourself and your product to prepare for the vendor market. On the day of the market, stand up and greet everyone who stops by your table with a smile. Share your 30-second pitch and make conversation. If someone buys an item, wonderful! If not, thank them for stopping by and give them a business card. 

6. Other vendor market tips:

• Have an online presence. Your customers and admirers alike want to keep in touch with you far beyond the vendor market. Make sure your business’s social media accounts are active and that your website is up to date, even if it is just a simple landing page.
• Build content. Take pictures of your table and yourself while at the market to post them on social media and your website. These photos are also valuable for future markets. Some vendor applications require photos of your products or previous market setups. 
• Two is better than one! Invite a supportive family member or friend to help you set up your table and, if they’re willing, sell your products. Show your appreciation for their time tangibly, like paying them or treating them to lunch. 
• Dress for the occasion. First impressions are lasting, so wear something that reflects your creativity, like a unique sundress or a branded t-shirt. 

Remember to have fun! While the goal is to make sales, it’s important to make connections that lead to sales.

What do you make and sell? Comment below!

Take 15 minutes today to read, write down, and meditate on this scripture: “We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.” – Proverbs 16:33 (NLT)