Packing Checklist
Although we don't know every item YOU need to pack, we can help with the basics.
Although every stall is different and requires to bring different things, here's a few basic things you want to remember to pack. As sometimes it's the smallest of things that we all forget.
1. Don't forget the table!
You’re going to want to grab it first, so make sure it’s easy to access when you pack. If like using a chair or stool bring that too as chairs are not supplied.
2. Enough product
Easy to say. Hard to gauge. We recommend that you have enough to have your area filled with products and a few extras hidden away for restock. When you run out, make sure you let people know if you're happy to make something for them.
3. Informative Signage!
Not everybody is going to assume that you can take eftpos, so make it clear. Do you do custom orders, let your customers know! Can you customise products? A lot of our customers are shy and are too scared to ask questions, so answer them before it's too late!
4. Cash.
Especially if your items are under $10, most people will use the Cash Out facility that I will operate for their cash and we will only dispense $20 notes. Make sure you have enough change. Small bills tend to go quickly.
5. Branding.
Professional signage really makes the difference. Display your name with a cool sign that makes sense with the scale of your stall – it doesn’t need to be huge, but make it easy to find. Also, don’t forget business cards and/or postcards – have some on display for people to grab, offer them to people you talk to but that are just looking, and include one with every purchase. It’s a great way to prompt a visit to your online store next time they’re thinking about getting a gift.
6. WATER AND REUSABLE CUP
You won’t get many breaks, and you’ll be doing a lot of talking, so it’s important to keep water handy and stay hydrated. Bring your keep cup for hot beverages (or real cup), we're all about market waste reduction.
7. Nutritious snacks.
Fruit and nut bars work great – good energy boost, very little mess. There will be a food court, however, we can't make promises that you'd be able to leave your stall to grab a bite to eat once the crowds flood in!
8. A little box or bag for little essentials
Sunscreen, Lip balm, tape, pens, vivids, extra price tags
9. Price tags!
You definitely need them, most people are shy to ask and tend to assume things are expensive when there’s no price displayed. And if they are anything like me, they will walk away and you’ll miss out on a sale.Make sure they’re pretty! Kraft tags work great and give you enough room to talk up your product as well.
10. Display support.
Whether you use baskets, wine boxes (ask your local store if they have any they don’t need), trays or a custom set up, it’s important to add visual interest and show off your product at the best angle. We strongly encourage that our stallholders don't just lay out all their products on a table.
We want these markets to be classy and to have people keep coming.Your efforts in making your products stand out will help us to be able to continue in providing you and others a great place.Remember with your displays, sometimes less is more.Too much clumped together is overwhelming for some.They might like to look but with all the clutter, will walk away. I know this, because this is me! If there’s space between items, I’m likely to pick it up, admire it, check out how it will work and most likely buy it.
11. Table risers.
They make a world of difference. Get the ones that are stackable so they don’t take up a ton of space when you pack. They'll add a lot of height to your display, looking down all the time can cause a lot of strain to a shopper's neck.When I was a Tupperware consultant many moons ago, I used to use very very large table cloths or sheets, and stack boxes underneath to sit things up higher.Test this before you do it.You don’t want things collapsing on you or your customers.
12. Shopping bags.
If you’re using them, make sure they display your store’s name (stickers work great for this, available from Vista Print). Remember to include a business card/flyer in each one (also available from Vista Print).
13. Extra battery.
If you offer Etfpos/Credit Card options, all those transactions you’re going to be processing will drain up your device quickly. Make sure to bring a charger /an extra battery that can get you through the day. (You can get portable battery packs to charge your phone from electronic stores.)
14. Layers.
Every venue is different. You may be hot or standing by a drafty spot. Dress in a way that you can be comfortable no matter what.
15. Friends!
Tell your friends to come and have fun at the event. Some may even be able to spare a minute or two to help man your booth.
Think about how your product can help your fellow stallholders. At the end of the day, if you have leftovers it might be prudent to do some swapping - my sister in law does this at markets she sells at in Sydney. Think about it. You swap and get something of equal or greater or lesser value - and you love what you got - there's that law of 250 in play again. I've been to other markets where they try to sell off for a minimal amount less, but don't sell, so toss. Things can be so much better than that!
16. A big smile – it goes a long way! You're representing your brand so make sure you look and feel good, and have fun!
17. Food Trucks - You should all be equipped with a fire extinguisher and first aid kits.
18. You’ve all been added to the website. The link at the top of your page is your own link that you can share to your socials and friends network to promote that you will be at the Methven Arts & Growers Market. Remember the rule of 250? Everyone knows 250 people. Share to your 250 and ask them to share – there’s another 250 and so on. Tell them to bring friends and family for a free day out and maybe a visit to the Opuke hotpools after the market?
And that’s it! Try to pack efficiently to make your setup and breakdown go quickly. And speaking of breakdown, one more tip – don’t leave early, even if you sell out (woo!). It gives a bad impression and shows little care for your fellow stallholders and the event itself. Instead, go and ask someone if they need help or a break. Make new friends and talk up the markets and other stallholders!
Love and great sales to you all!
Jen
xoxo