It can definitely be agreed that Christmas markets are the heart of the festive season. Just picture it: the mulled wine, twinkling lights, and people eagerly hunting for the perfect gift (even if it’s for themselves). It’s also the ideal place for artisans to show off what they’ve been working on.
After all, there’s nothing quite like a locally made, handcrafted product to make a Christmas gift truly special. But let’s be honest—no mass-produced item can compare to something made with care and creativity. People are getting fed up more and more with all of that generic stuff anyway.
Honestly, doing this is one of the best ways to get in touch with your communtity and finally go outside your online sales too; human interaction with artisan goods is so important, so special, and it really does make a lasting impact. So, if this is the first time you’re setting up at a Christmas market, here’s what should be kept in mind to make the day a success.
Creating a Stall That Draws People In
So, artisans who regularly sell at Christmas markets, even the same ones every year, know for a fact that they’re having to prepare for this in the summer months. Sometimes, even earlier than that. So, you really need to understand that at a Christmas market, the stall is more than just a place to sell—it’s the first impression.
Now, with so many others displaying their wares, it’s essential that the stall not only catches the eye but also feels welcoming. It’s so important to understand that a stall should reflect the vibe of the brand and products while adding that magical Christmas touch. So basically, it needs to feel magical, cute, aesthetically pleasing, something that will draw people in! Just think about it—are the products best displayed with a rustic, cosy vibe? Maybe wooden crates, soft lighting, and a sprinkle of pine cones will bring it all together. This is an example, but it sounds cute and magical, right?
But you also shouldn’t forget how products are arranged. So you’ll need to make sure they’re easy to browse and attractively displayed. Overall, it’s about enticing people, you can have beautiful products that you handmade but people won’t come over to your stand if it’s not decorative like all the other stands.
Getting Pricing and Payments Sorted
When it comes to pricing, it can be a tricky balance. So you really have to keep in mind that shoppers at Christmas markets expect to pay a bit more for handcrafted goods, but it’s important to strike the right price point—not too high and not too low.
Now, chances are, you already know the basics, like covering the cost of materials, factor in the time spent making each item, and so on. But another thing you need to think about is how much you have to spend to “rent” this booth (the location) but you’re going to have to rent a physical booth too.
Some of these markets will force you to rent it the entire duration they’re having the Christmas market, while others will allow it for as short as a weekend or even just for one evening. So what can you afford? Also, you’ll need to slightly mark up your items due to the fact you have to have them for the booth, too.
That’s not the only thing, either! You can’t forget about payment options, either. While cash is still king in markets, more and more people prefer to pay by card these days. Investing in a card reader means customers don’t walk away empty-handed just because they’ve run out of cash. Being able to take payments quickly and easily keeps the sales flowing.
Is Your Business Insured?
Generally speaking, all craft and artisan-oriented businesses need to be insured. Even if you do most of your work from home, yes, you’ll still have to be insured! While setting up for a Christmas market is exciting, it’s also important to think about the practicalities. It’s unfortunate to think, but yes, accidents can happen, and your stall might get damaged, too.
But websites like protectivity.com offer insurance tailored to small business artisans like you. While it’s never really all that fun to deal with legal stuff, it’s still something that’s so important to think about. Basically, it means that you’ll get to stress less, enjoy what you do, and just make more sales. You need this, and yes, you owe it to yourself, too!
Talking to Customers is the Magic Ingredient
Why do people prefer to shop at a market over buying online? Well, it’s the experience! It’s those interactions, it’s getting to just be out and about— that’s what makes it so special! So, you need to be a part of creating an experience. Customers love to hear the story behind the products. Why did you create them? What makes them special? Sharing this kind of information can really build a connection. Besides, a friendly chat can be the difference between someone browsing and someone buying.
But here’s the trick: balance is everything. While it’s great to be approachable and chatty, no one likes a stallholder who hovers or pressures them to buy. It leaves people feeling super uneasy, too. So, just be sure to give customers space to browse at their leisure and engage when it feels right. It’s all about creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience for everyone.
Keep Stocking Up
Yes, people need stocking stuffers, so you need to stock up (pun intended). Now, no one wants to run out of stock halfway through a bustling market day, so it’s better to bring too much than not enough. Ideally, you’ll need to gauge the potential turnout and make sure to have a variety of items in different price ranges. That way, there’s something for everyone’s budget.
But of course, if you run out, you can always tell someone to be on the lookout on your website or social media when you have the item back in stock (i.e. when you make it again).
You’ll Need Festive Promotions
While sure, it’s Christmas, which means people are in the mood to shop—but a little extra incentive never hurts. You’re in competition with so many other businesses, so you really need to try and do what you can to make it count and grab attention! Ideally, this means offering special deals, like bundled gift sets or festive promotions, can draw people in. On top of that, gift wrapping could be the cherry on top for customers who are looking for convenience alongside a unique gift.
