This might be the last of my market series - unless there is more you would like to know! In this series you will find:
In this final post, I thought I would talk about how to engage with your customers at a market and after.
Talk
Engage
with your customers while they are looking at your products. Be forthcoming and
explain how you make your products, your process in creating it or if it is
something you uniquely designed. Most people want to hear about what you do
(that’s why they are at a craft market, to look at or purchase something unique
they can’t get in a department store!).
Stand
Stand
and talk to your customers. I usually have my table set up so I’m in front not
behind it. If you are sitting behind your table reading a book or chatting on
your phone, you might miss an opportunity to gain a customer. I do have a chair
for having a quick break, no way could I stand all day!
Market your products
If
you can wear one of your own products, it will become a great talking point.
Since I make children’s clothes and toys, I can’t really do this but I have
bought lots from the markets I go to so always try to wear my gorgeous
jewellery and recommend other stallholders.
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| You can just see my little PayPal sign here - needs to be bigger right? |
Offer credit card, PayPal or Eftpos
I’m
fortunate to have (one of the limited in Australia) PayPal here units. I have a
little sign but really should get something bigger. Most people prefer to pay
via credit card and I have often increased my sales from just one item to half
a wardrobe! If you offer these options, make sure you have a sign to promote
it.
Social media
Encourage
people to follow you via social media – Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – and
have them available on your business cards.
Mailing list
I
have a mailing list on my table for people to leave their email addresses. I
also have a sign up on my blog.
I’m going to be really honest here and say that I’m terrible at sending
newsletter updates. I’m making a promise here and saying that I will be better
(I’m writing one now). I don’t do them often (clearly) and I think once a month
to let people know where you will be, what you have been designing or what you
have been blogging about (if you have one) is enough. It is a great way to
connect with people who aren’t on social media – shock horror, yes there is
some out there!
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| My mailing list sign up on the table in the green folder - easy to do! |
Promote yourself via the market
organisers
As
you know I’m part of a committee of volunteers who run a market. Being in
charge of marketing and public relations, I write the blog, organise the
newsletters, run the Facebook page and so on. We offer so many opportunities
for people to promote themselves but often struggle for content. If you get the
chance – go for it. The few minutes it takes to write a profile or send a
photo, might mean someone stopping by your table when you are at the market.
Smile
I’ve
said it before – smile!! I have the same rule in retail stores, if people are
grumpy and uninterested then I’m not going to give them my money. If you aren’t
in a happy mood, stuck it up and put a fake smile on your face!
If there is anything else you need help with - please leave a comment. I'm happy to help.
