30 September 2010

don't diss the little local market events

Greetings all,
So you might do big markets which are proven, tried & tested success, but don't diss the little local market events too.  They are usually inexpensive to have a stall or it's a free stall + donation to a raffle.  You have nothing to lose, other than time & energy to set up & stand by your stall. The atmosphere is fun & festive, take your children along, you'll meet new people from your local community who can discover you & they're normally short events. 
This is the MOCCA (Manuka Child Care) Spring Fair i did on Saturday, i know, a market just hours before my handsome soldier flew in??!!  It was a good distraction.  I just set up a very small, easy stall with an umbrella & took lots of my on line shop products which i can't take to genuine handmade only markets. 
My little rule is that you should have $ sales of 10 x your stall fee as a starting point.  I took my 2 youngest as i knew they'd love the petting zoo but boy, with a cake stall, hot chocolate, zoo, games, activities, face painting, BBQ - i ended up spending over $60 + a Dumpling Dynasty Bunny Kit to keep someone happy, NOT something i normally do at any maket but this was a fundraiser & i was a bit giddy with the excitment of my husband coming home that afternoon. 
A little sneaky - when you're not sure of your allocated space or position at a market & don't want to take extra tables . . . using large baskets are a handy 'next to stall' cheaters way to spread your wares.  These giant baskets are the largest of 2 sets of 4 baskets at $50 each set, from Lincraft in August.  Perfect for my fabric sale, otherwise, they look amazing filled with small cushions or eventually in my dream home filled with logs for a fire - i'm a tax deductible planner & a dreamer you see!! 
The always lovely Tania McCartney did a book reading too, my 3rd daughter took some shots - there are also 25 images of the petting zoo, i contained her enthusiasm to just one on the blog!! 
So if you can fit in the little events too - do them!!  Thanks Jenny at MOCCA who organised this event, it was delightul.  They are also a fantastic way to do PR for your website, Shop, other larger markets you do where you'll set up a larger (proper) set up. 
While you're reading this i'm on the road doing hand sewing on our way to Nanna's funeral in Sydney.  I hope the 'delay' post worked, sounded simple enough to use.  Have lovely weekends everyone.  Love Posie

17 comments:

The Creative Beast said...

What you've said is so true - though it may be small, there is something to be gotten from attending smaller craft fairs =-)

Sorry to hear about your Nanna =-(

Sarah said...

Your stall looks amazing and the little local market looked brilliant! Just my sort of thing. x

Brenda said...

I've only ever done a couple of christmas events, our town is quite small and so are the markets. I dream one day of doing one of the larger proven markets.......little ol me at a big city market, I think I'd spend all the profits!

Although it's a sad occasion...isn't it nice to have hubby driving so you can do some stitching.

Have a safe trip.

Chantal said...

Love the basket tip : ) I look fwd to the days my children are able to sit still like yours and can be taken to markets without stress!

Christy said...

I agree - I had great success at my local craft market. In fact too much success that I burnt out from too many orders!!!

Kylie said...

Everything looks great and yay to have the boy home - hugs to you all and enjoy your time together. Glad that he is home (sad too though that his first event is a funeral) Hope that you are all ok and thinking of you all.

Asteria said...

i've been wanting to try my hands at markets, but always find the big ones slightly scary since i'm just starting out. a question i want to know about is; how MUCH do I need to make for a market?I hope you'll help me out market guru!:)

Kazza said...

I totally agree with you. I am 'new' to the whole handmade bandwagon. I had no idea how many people love and embrace handmade goodies. I have done a couple of 'flea markets' in my local area. I would love to one day go to the 'fancy' handmade markets and show off my creations. Also, the peple at the local flea market or fundrasing event normally dont go to the handmade markets. Which is good for me :) Your stall and baskets looked great. Ps- I may have to buy some baskets..thanks for the tip

Christina Lowry said...

Love those big baskets and those little lambs! :)

Kelly Casanova said...

A lovely weekend to you to, and thanks for your always sensible advice.
One question - how on earth do you run a stall and watch the kids at the same time?!

Tania McCartney said...

Thanks for the mention, lovely one!

I agree with you wholeheartedly - I think people often underestimate supporting their local community by attending these smaller events.

Not only is there the chance to network and meet new people and get that wonderful feel-good factor from donating to worthy causes, those with marketing-savvy know it's a great way to garner exposure - even if you don't make a cent.

I honestly think that when people realise this small but vital thing (ie: it's about exposure, not money), that things really take off for their business.

Heidi said...

How did you do? It looked like a lovely fair. I love the lamb.

Kellie Collis said...

That's a lovely stall you have put up. I love the tree and the baskets! Was the tree a holder for accessories? Kellie xx

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

I love everything displayed in your pretty stall. Would love to come hunting ;D
Have a happy weekend! xxx
Sorry to hear about your lovely nanna x

Off The Peg said...

Thanks for the tip. Your stall looked great.

Megan said...

I have 99% decided to have a stall at my local town's yearly market at the beginning of november so I read this post with lots of interest and mental notetaking... one question though, and excuse my ignorance.. but what do you mean by dollar sales of 10 x your stall fee? Also, what Asteria asked, how much is a good amount to make? I'm starting to feel stressed already that I won't have enough and there's still a month to go! I'm trying to learn all the tips I can!

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Ok, so i'm going to do a big market post, which i think might help for the upcoming Christmas markets. Especially for new market stall holders, it will be detailed.
When i say you should earn 10 x your stall fee, i mean if you pay $50 for a stall, you should expect sales of $500 as a starting point.
Love Posie