With the holidays fast approaching, market vendors are entering their busiest time of year. Whether you participate in markets year-round or only during the holiday season, it can feel daunting. Now that you've committed to a market or multiple markets, it’s time to start planning and crocheting!

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I remember my first market as an amigurumi seller; I jumped right in without much knowledge of what to expect, and it was quite nerve-wracking. Over the years, I have learned a lot from attending various markets and researching successful vendors. Success at a market depends on curating a diverse stock of high-demand plushies, running smooth checkout procedures, and creating an inviting stall that captures passersby's attention. By sharing my experiences, I hope to help you avoid the mistakes I made early on.

Inventory Planning

You’ve signed up for a market, and now it’s time to plan what you will bring; it’s time to build your inventory! If you are anything like me, you might struggle with procrastination and get easily distracted. Kudos to you if you always stay motivated! For those of us who tend to procrastinate (and really anyone preparing for markets), staying organized is crucial. 

The easiest method I’ve found for managing and tracking my inventory is by creating a spreadsheet. By preplanning the items I will bring, deciding how many of each I can realistically crochet throughout the year, and setting prices for each item, I not only set inventory goals for myself but also improve my overall planning. This approach also lets me easily calculate the total revenue I might earn over the year. You can see an example of my spreadsheet in the photo below.

Deciding which items to bring and pricing them appropriately is very important. When planning your inventory, keep your target audience in mind and include items across various price points. I've found that the items that sell most often fall within the $10 to $40 range. However, you can’t predict when someone might decide to purchase a higher-priced item, so it’s essential to include some big-ticket options as well. Here are a few price points to consider:

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Small Impulse Items ($5 - $10)

Although these items aren't the main attraction of your booth, they can be a strong draw and may lead to larger purchases. You can easily use these items to build your inventory and make your booth look more stocked. Typically, it takes me an hour or less to crochet each of these items. Here is an example of an item I sell at this price point:

No-Sew Mini Leafy Plant (sold at $10 each)

Medium Statement Pieces ($15 - $40)

I focus most of my efforts on building my inventory at this price point, as I sell the majority of my items here. I select eye-catching pieces that will draw people into my booth and place them front and center, ensuring they are among the first things customers see when they enter. These items typically take me about 1 to 4 hours to crochet, depending on the specific piece. Here are some examples of items I sell at this price point:

• Car Hanging Plants (sold at $20 each)
• Mini House Plants (sold at $30 each)
• Mini Sprout Buddy (sold at $15 each)
• The Mossy Mushroom (sold at $35 each)

Big Ticket Items ($50+)

These items are designed to capture attention and make people say, "Wow!" While some customers may not be able to afford these higher-priced items, they can effectively attract more visitors to your booth and encourage smaller purchases. Although these items take me the longest to crochet, you never know who might be interested in them. I typically bring around five items at this price point. Here are some examples of items I sell in this category:

• Alocasia Plant (sold at $65 each)
• Grinning Green Plant Buddy (sold at $50 each)
• Valentine’s Pink Anthurium (sold at $65 each)

Display and Booth Set-Up

Your display and booth setup can significantly impact your sales. If you're just starting out selling at markets and don't have the budget for elaborate displays, that's perfectly fine. You can begin with the basics and gradually enhance your display over time! My setup has definitely evolved as I've been able to acquire new displays and learn more effective ways to showcase my products. Here are the basics every booth needs:

Table Coverage - Not only will you need tables to display your products (unless participating in a market that provides them), but you will need a proper way to cover your tables. Opt for linens that reach the floor; this creates a clean look while cleverly concealing your inventory bins and extra supplies beneath the display.

Proper Signage - Craft high-quality, professional signs that clearly display your pricing, social media links, and the specific payment methods you accept.

Variable Height - Incorporate crates or risers to add varying levels to your display; this ensures your products are visible to shoppers from across the market aisle.

Canopy (if participating in outside markets) - Trust me on this: buy the canopy WITH sides if you're participating in outdoor markets. I learned this lesson the hard way after a rainstorm during a market. Also, don't forget the tent weights!

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Business Operations

Yes, with every market, you also need to prepare for the business side of things. This includes ensuring you have the proper checkout tools, your items are properly tagged, and your business cards are in order. I prefer to have a separate checkout stand for my items. This keeps my space organized and prevents overcrowding in my display. I clearly display all essential items on my checkout stand, including accepted payment methods, business cards, a cash box, a Square reader, and QR codes linking to my email list and social media channels.

Checkout Tools - Make sure to stock your cash box with small denominations for making change. I like to bring about $100 in change with me to each market. Additionally, have a digital payment tool, such as a Square reader, ready for card or tap-to-pay transactions. You can also accept digital payments through your phone, so make sure it's charged and ready to use.

Tagging - Make sure every product has a clear price tag. This removes any uncertainty for shoppers regarding the cost of items. It can be a simple piece of paper or something more professional.

Business Cards - These are vital for fostering connections with both new and existing customers. I’ve lost count of how many times someone contacted me later to buy a plushie simply because they grabbed a card at my booth. It’s truly the most effective way to keep your fans updated and engaged with your latest work.

I hope you find these market prep tips helpful and insightful! Any other tips or insights you can think of? Comment below. Wishing you luck with your preparations in the upcoming months!

FTC Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning when items are purchased through those links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting me and my business!