By: Dikeledi Alocia Ngakane
Happy New Year! I'm thrilled to be back and can't wait to share a wealth of information from everything I learned in 2024 across various markets and tradeshows I've attended. The year is already underway, and believe me, my fellow vendors, small businesses, and solopreneurs, it's time to start preparing for the upcoming markets, tradeshows, and fairs! To all my fashion enthusiasts, the market scene is evolving at lightning speed, and 2025 will bring thrilling opportunities for vendors and shoppers!
Now, whether you're a seasoned seller looking to boost sales or a savvy shopper hunting for unique finds, understanding the Do's can make all the difference. From creating eye-catching displays to practicing mindful shopping habits, this guide will equip you with essential tips to ensure every market experience is smooth, successful, and unforgettable. Let's dive in and uncover the secrets to thriving at markets this year.
WHAT TO DO:
Prepare in advance:
Now, my fashion lovers, we need to start preparing our inventory and marketing materials well in advance. This allows you to manage your stock and avoid the last-minute rush.
Interact with your customers:
Dustee Creations at The Mom Market_Edmonton (Expo Center) 2024 By now, you should understand that you are the face of your own brand and have worked hard to get where you are. You want to avoid negative feedback about your brand or product simply because you weren't friendly to your customers. The worst thing is seeing people pass by your beautiful setup and go straight to your neighbor’s table or booth because they were smiling or appeared welcoming.
Avoid looking tired or sad, especially if you haven't made any sales since you arrived. It's important to show enthusiasm from the beginning to the end. Engage with your customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. A friendly smile and authentic conversation can lead to repeat customers.
Use social networking:
Dustee Creations, Social Media Local Market Promotion
2024 has deepened my understanding of social media's importance for businesses, whether you are just starting or have an established presence. I know that many people, including myself, may feel uncomfortable showing their faces on camera or social media. However, it's essential to promote either yourself or your product. To navigate this, I often use voice-overs for marketing my products, brand, or upcoming events on social media, which adds excitement to my outreach.
Promoting your presence at local markets or trade shows through social networks is crucial. Take advantage of tools like Canva, Storybeat, Mojo, InShot, and ChatGPT to enhance your content. Additionally, joining groups that support small businesses and markets on social media in your local area has significantly helped me advertise my brand and events. Ensure to emphasize your products and share any special offers to attract more visitors to your booth.
Suggest samples or demonstrations:
Image from The Mom Market_Edmonton 
Image from The Mom Market_Edmonton x Edmonton Brewery District Applicable to the vendors selling food, body lotions, massage services, or, for example, I design handmade accessories for women. So, I make sure that I wear my own accessories displayed on the table or even show clients different ways to wear the accessories with various types of clothing (styling). Some of you may provide samples of your products, but not forgetting entertainment or tests can significantly influence purchase decisions.
Expect a local thread:
Image from The Mom Market_Edmonton Incorporating local culture and seasonal themes into your products and displays is important to connect with your customers effectively. Doing so demonstrates that you care, are attentive to the community, and are invested in the local market as a vendor. Additionally, be mindful of public holidays in Alberta, as aligning your offerings with these dates can significantly enhance your appeal to shoppers.
Have clear pricing:
Image from The Mom Market_Edmonton Some shoppers avoid asking about the price. One customer I chatted with at one of the markets I was working on once said, "If a vendor is truthful to themselves, they would be transparent with us. Clearly, such vendors don't want us to know, so why bother asking about the price?"
So, make sure your prices are clearly stated. Transparency helps build trust and allows customers to make purchasing decisions more easily and quickly.
Accept other payment methods:
Dustee Creations at YCW Market, Calgary, 2024 Accept other payment methods:
Offer various payment options, primarily cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets. This practice can increase sales opportunities. Keep in mind that some customers may only carry cash, while others prefer debit/credit cards. This is to ensure that:
a. You don't lose sales due to payment limitations
b. Convenience and flexibility (meets customer expectations)
c. Competitive advantage (Stay ahead of competitors)
d. Builds trust and professionalism
e. Reduces risk of lost sales due to limited cash
f. Faster transactions (speed out checkout)
g. Better record-keeping (For accounting and tax purposes)
h. Attracts younger audiences
i. Safety and security
j. Adaptability to trends
We are at markets to offer quality service and make money, too; offering various payment options at markets and tradeshows is a convenience and a necessity to grow sales, improve customer satisfaction, and build credibility. Investing in portable POS systems like Square or Stripe can streamline your payment process and boost your business's success.
Create attractive displays:
Image: Dustee Creations Display 
Image: Aphrodites Jewel Display Invest time in creating an attractive display. The best way to start is to first test your setup at home to ensure it flows well and is visually striking. Snap photos from different angles to see what works best.
This is what you need to do:
a. Design an Eye-Catching Theme that goes with your brand or what you are selling
b. Build height and layers (use shelves, crates, or tiered stands to add dimension)
e. Highlight key products
f. Incorporate natural elements (Perfect for Dustee Creations)
g. Use clear signage and pricing
h. Interactive elements (For Dustee Creations, I show how to use or style our accessories; I provide mirrors and sample pieces for customers to try on before buying).
i. Display packaging and gift ideas
j. Add a personal touch (Reflect your story)
k. Incorporate branding everywhere (use a branded tablecloth and offer business cards and social media handles if this is for you).
Network with other vendors:
Dustee Creations at BMO Centre, Calgary It's vital to take an opportunity to create relationships with other vendors, but only when you are free and there are no clients or shoppers around. You don't want to ignore shoppers standing at your table waiting for you to finish chatting with other vendors. Cooperation or sharing resources can lead to mutual benefits and increased For example; I discovered a store called Makers through networking at events. Now, some of my handmade accessories are being sold at The Makers in Southgate Mall in Edmonton. Initially, I struggled to attract more traffic to my website until I was introduced to The Virtual Market for Vendors. Now, I can direct my customers to my online store through The Virtual Market, which costs me less than other platforms. In the past, I would have had to pay a significant amount each month to hire someone to create an online store for me. I now connect with more vendors through a wealth of ideas and connections through the virtual social media platform.
So, when you have the opportunity to connect with other vendors at the market, don't hesitate. It offers you the following benefits:
a. Collaboration Opportunities
b. Knowledge Sharing (Sharing tips about best practices and valuable resources like suppliers or service providers)
c. Community Support (Some vendors can also refer customers to you)
d. Market insight (new trends in the industry that help you adapt and grow).
e. Future Opportunities
Last but not least
Be flexible and adaptable.
Image: Canva image Be open to feedback and be willing to adjust your approach based on what works best for the event. Getting feedback serves as a guide to improving your offerings, meeting customers' needs, and driving growth for the business.
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