7 huge lessons from hosting my first art vendor table

I finally did it! I created an art table at a local event 🥳 I made a grand total of $60 in sales 😅 and here is what I learned.

If you're an artist or a maker and you're thinking about diving into your first in-person event, here are some things to consider.

 

 

 

1. All good things take time

I mean, we all know this, right? Especially when it comes to things like art and self-publishing books. We really have to put the time in and wait for our audiences to grow over time.

You might think that being at a market is different. Hundreds of eyes on your work right away is bound to mean big sales, right? 🤔

You might strike luck and find that to be the case. I found that I have a lot to learn and more things I can tweak with my offers, my table, etc. Much of the rest of this post will focus on those things.

But, I also learned that vendor markets are a great meeting place for potential future customers. Some people took my information, others followed me on Instagram, a couple even joined my mailing list. A few older women who didn't use the internet we eager to see me at the next market show, closer to the holidays.

In the world of marketing, it takes the average customer 7 interactions with a business before they make a purchase. Sometimes, markets are interaction #1. And that's great! Keep going.

2. Always make sure your table is shoppable

Make sure that people can easily touch your items, pick up the things they want, browse things that they want to explore, etc. For example, my watercolor greeting cards (which were my main selling focus of this market) were displayed in groups of three or four on a plate rack. Any fewer in the bunch and there wouldn't have been enough space to put everything out.

BUT, people didn't flip through them individually, they just looked at the first one in each batch. Maybe they assumed they were all the same.

 

 

3. Experiment with your table set up

I tested out a few different table set ups on my kitchen table before going to the market. I realized, quickly, that making your table look eye-catching can also make it hard to shop your table. So, try for a combination of both.

Don't be afraid to step out from behind your table now and then to switch things up. I changed my setup a few times after watching the way that people's eyes and hands moved along.

What are they noticing first? Is that what I want them to notice first?
What do they not notice at all before they leave?
Where do they linger?

 

 

I didn't just pay attention to my own table when I was at the market, and you shouldn't either. Look around. See what other people are doing. Even people with drastically different wares might have interesting table set ups that you can borrow ideas from. (You can also take a quick look around Pinterest for more ideas).

Some of the other makers at the market had fabulous ideas that I just might be borrowing for the future.

 

 

4. Big markets are worth the cost

If you've already started looking into markets you might have noticed that they can get quite pricey. While some makers are upset about this, I can actually appreciate the $200-$300 value of a large booth at an amazing market.

Larger markets tend to rent out more expensive and professional locations. This increases the professional feel of your business for patrons. Expensive markets also tend to invest a lot in marketing and the overall customer experience. They post on social, run ads, etc. to help your booth get in front of more eyes. (This small market I attended hardly included my name in anything and didn't link to my pages at all). Big markets usually have staff who help people find what they need and use things like lighting and music to create a happy atmosphere.

5. Start small and grow from there

The big markets are worth it, but it's best to start small. Give yourself time to work out the kinks. While attending smaller markets, you have time to:

• Perfect your table set up.
• Learn about the ways that people interact with your table.
• Test out different ways to get people to sign up for your mailing list.
• Learn your point of sale set up (Shopify, Square, etc.) and get the kinks of out that.

6. When you can, it's smart to invest in a backdrop

I wasn't very excited to see where I was set up at this event. Since I started small, it wasn't a large open event space with blank white walls. It was a multi-use local hall and the space I got had a very busy background. Not only did my stuff clash with the background, it was also distracting.

 

 

My table got a little lost in the space. A simple backdrop would have made a world of difference. I am considering investing in a simple backdrop (like the ones photographers use) but I'm also thinking about waiting a little longer and investing in a pegboard I can use to hang more art. 🤔

7. Markets are a great place to make new friends

Talk to the people around you. They are not only a wealth of information, they can help you create a network and build friendships. I met some amazing people at this market!

Shout out to Sarah from Clay Blossoms who kept me company and taught me a lot of market vendor life! (She also has amazing earrings, check them out on Etsy).

 

So, if you're new to the world of art markets and maker markets, don't worry. You're not alone. It might be a bit of a learning curve, but you'll get there!