She's Crafty: Preparing for the Holiday Market Season
In 2017 I wrote a piece on craft show + market etiquette, best practices, and looking out for yourself as a business owner. At that point in my life I had spent well over a decade navigating the market word and had seen some things. Now in 2021, I have trained and customized workshops for events and markets Canada-wide, and have assisted my clients through a pandemic virtual craft season. I was pleased to be able to revisit this topic that is so very close to my heart and share with all of you once again my market best practices.
Welcome to my first blog post in a while- 2021 has been a busy year for me with quite a bit of professional success in my new home, but also some health challenges. Work- life- health balance has been the name of the game in 2021, and I feel it’s made me a stronger consultant. Thanks to all of you as always for your patience, love and support.
As the holidays approach I can’t help but miss the market season. When I had the bakeshop I *lived* for trade shows, craft markets and holiday shows. Over a decade of being a show pony has taught me some things, and now navigating this world with my clients in a pandemic climate has taught me even more. I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned with all of you.
First and foremost, here is a curated list of what I used to keep in my “Market Survival Kit”, a tacklebox type container I would load into my car the night before any craft show. As food producers, we all know the chaos that the “morning of” load in brings. You don’t want to realize upon arrival that you forgot ‘X’, and keeping this list close by (copy and paste if you wish!) and preparing it the night before will ensure you are prepared.
Market Survival Kit List
Tape: masking, duct, and clear
Writeables: Sharpies, pens and pencils
Scissors, Swiss Army Knife
Twine or String
Tools to hang or affix your signs, and your signs and banners, shelving and display racks
Comfortable Footwear*
Pressure mat to stand on (available for a few bucks at any local hardware store)
Sanitizing Wipes and liquid
Extra promo: business cards, stickers, etc. and a frame or acrylic holder with your social media channels listed for ease of tagging.
Refillable Water Bottle, Cutlery and a Napkin
Granola Bars
Deodorant Wipes and if necessary, Sunscreen
Legal papers- for example: food safety certification, business license, proof of insurance, etc.
Clean Aprons, a change of clothing and Disposable Gloves
*For shoes, always wear what’s safe and appropriate for your business. I used to rock furry slippers, but I was selling light pastries and cupcakes. If you’re handling heavy or hot things, use common sense. The pressure mat either way is an absolute lifesaver as most venues have old, cold, cement floors that are hard on your back and knees after a few hours.
The Cash Box and POP: Something that is not on this list but should be in the back of your mind is your electronic point of payment accessories (Square Reader for example) and a cash float in a box. I used to leave this with my purse and jacket in the shop so that when I was finished loading (for security this should always be the last thing loaded in the car and the first thing brought out), I wouldn’t have to think and could just grab n’ go.
So we’ve prepared you for the physical day of your business. But what about show manners? As mentioned before I’ve seen some things, both good and bad. Here is a mini show etiquette guide, updated from my original 2017 post.
Mind Your Manners- Show Edition
Bring lunch and lots of water. It's easy to forget about yourself on show day, but you'll be a way better representative of your brand if you're fed and hydrated. No getting hangry! Make sure to delegate your table to someone for 10 minutes or so to eat in a quiet corner undisturbed. Your body will thank you for it.
Punctual. For example, if the show is 10-3, show up with enough time to load in. If a load in period has been assigned, respect it. You should be set up and be ready for your first sale when the doors open at 10. The attendees and organizers are counting on you for it.
If you’re skimming this post, that's okay. But if you take nothing else away from it today please take this tip! If you run out of food/products early, DO NOT pack up and leave. This is the rudest thing you can do to an organizer. Empty tables at a still running show looks bad for everyone. Hang out at your still set up table and tell passers-by that your product was so good that you ran out. Then hand them a card.
Treat your organizers with the utmost respect. This is a big day for them, and there's going to be nerves. Pitching a tantrum (I've seen many) over something small like you don't feel your table is in a prime spot is obnoxious and unnecessary. Consider giving them a thank you card for them for giving you a platform. They worked hard to give you a space to sell. Recognize that.
Share. Be sure to do your part by sharing the event listing and promo via your business social media channels and any relevant websites or groups. As a vendor you're responsible for the attendance too.
Be friends. Fellow vendors and networking are a side perk of doing shows. Make eye contact, smile and say hello to all vendors, whether you know them or not. The cross marketing, support and info sharing that happens at these shows are priceless. The best craft show curators in Ottawa- Krista and Robin of the late, legendary Urban Craft would actually hold vendor only parties a few weeks before the event, which was one of the most brilliant things I'd ever seen. It created a fun summer- camp -type atmosphere the day of among the vendors and we all looked out for and supported one another.
Finally, walk up to the business most similar to yours in the room, say hello and buy something. It's all about collaboration, not competition. No being snarky in the corner- you can't dislike someone who has a similar vision to yours. You already have so much in common.
Take Advantage- Show Edition.
In a pandemic and digital world, this is a rare opportunity to put a face and personality on your product in real time. Be sure to take advantage and get to know your customers. You can help to build your brand by:
Collecting emails either on a paper or digital form
Having a small frame or holder with your social media channel handles clearly marked
Have a tagging incentive type contest for the show only. For example “Tag @mandilunan at this Christmas Craft Show and be entered to win $100 worth of products”
Provide samples. (Check with your local health board or show organizers for sample guidance during covid).
I hope you found some helpful tips here today- if you have anything to add I’d love to hear more about it in the comments below. I wish you all a safe and successful show season.
Xo Mandi