So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and join the ranks of craft market vendors—welcome to the hustle! I just checked off a big bucket list item myself by selling at my first-ever craft market, and let me tell you, it was an exciting (and exhausting) whirlwind. With my embroidery digitizing business, Crafty Mother Hustler, back in full swing, I thought, “Why not bring my love for freestanding lace earrings to the market and see how they do?”
Spoiler: It was a blast, but also a learning experience. I want to save you some of the trial-and-error headaches I went through, so here’s everything I learned about setting up for your first market—Crafty Mother Hustler style.
1. Start with a Solid Booth Layout
Before you even think about loading up the car, plan your booth setup. I had a single 6-foot table and limited space under a tent shared with other vendors. After months of researching booth layouts and trolling Facebook vendor groups, I knew I needed:
- A fitted tablecloth for a clean look
- Displays with height (hello, visual interest!)
- Signage that screams “Come check me out!”
My husband and mother-in-law helped me DIY an earring display and spinning rack to fit my brand’s vibe. The one thing I’d change? I’d put out less product at once to create a “scarcity” vibe. (Because who doesn’t want what’s flying off the table?)
2. Signage: Bold, Budget-Friendly, and Branded
You don’t need to blow your budget to make a statement. I kept it crafty and affordable with:
- A bunting banner I embroidered myself (because, duh, embroidery is my thing).
- Reusable chalkboard signs from Walmart for pricing.
- A dry-erase board easel for specials or “sold out” announcements (wishful thinking, but hey).
Next time, I’ll invest in a more polished scan-to-pay sign—it works, but I wasn’t thrilled with how mine looked.
3. Inventory: Variety Is Key
Starting with zero inventory was intimidating, but I prepped months ahead and focused on freestanding lace earrings as my star product. To mix it up, I added embroidered key fobs, pocket hugs, hats, and ornaments.
Pro tip: Take inventory before and after the market to see what’s hot and what’s not. Spoiler: My intricate earrings stole the show.
4. Nail Your Pricing
Pricing can feel like throwing darts blindfolded, but here’s how I tackled it:
- Research Facebook groups, Etsy, and similar markets.
- Start with a baseline—my earrings couldn’t go lower than $8.
- Offer bundles: I sold earrings for $10 each or 3 for $25, which was a hit.
I learned quickly what people were willing to pay, and it’s okay to adjust pricing at future events or even on the fly. Some items (looking at you, keychains) might not be worth the effort if they don’t sell well.
5. Pack Your Craft Market Toolkit
You don’t want to be the vendor begging for tape or scissors mid-event. Here’s what saved me:
- Zip ties, extra price tags, pens, and a portable charger.
- A backup tablecloth (just in case).
- Snacks and a cooler—because hanger and selling don’t mix.
6. Comfort Is Non-Negotiable
I lucked out with a tented setup, but if you’re outdoors, invest in a sturdy canopy with weights. Beyond that, think of your comfort, too. I brought a chair, layered clothing, and would consider a portable heater or fan depending on the season.
7. Offer Multiple Payment Options
Cash is great, but you’ll sell more if you accept cards and apps like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp.
Lesson learned: Cell service was spotty at my event, so some payments didn’t go through smoothly. Next time, I’ll test offline card-processing features on Square beforehand.
8. Engage with Shoppers at the Craft Market
Don’t be the vendor glued to their phone! Greet everyone, chat about your products, and maybe offer a freebie or giveaway. Even if someone doesn’t buy, hand them a business card—it could lead to future sales.
9. Brand Like a Boss at the Craft Market
Your booth should scream your brand. For me, that meant tying everything back to Crafty Mother Hustler. From my bunting banner to my business cards, I made sure people wouldn’t forget who I was. Pro tip: A killer name (like mine!) can make you stand out in a sea of vendors.
10. Reflect, Refine, Repeat
After the event, take notes. What worked? What didn’t? For me, better lighting for my displays, rethinking keychain pricing, and diversifying my product line are on the to-do list.
Final Thoughts from the Hustle
Your first craft market will be a mix of excitement, nerves, and lessons learned—but that’s part of the fun! Whether it’s your products, pricing, or setup, everything is a work in progress. Keep hustling, stay crafty, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
Let me know if you have any questions or need advice—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned. Until next time, keep creating, keep selling, and keep being the Crafty Mother Hustler you were born to be!
Ready to rock your next craft fair? Let’s do this together—drop a comment below or DM me! Be sure to visit the blog for more embroidery and small business advice!
