TIPS for FIRST TIME TRADERS

Selling for the first time can seem a bit daunting, I remember my first fair, I hadn't much of a clue.    So just some thoughts which may be useful if you're selling for the first time, some very obvious.

SHARING a PITCH  If you're not sure whether it's for you or you don't think you have enough stock, why not share with someone?  share transport, table, costs, you have company and someone to mind your stall if you nip to the loo winner winner.

MONEY

• Cash - Take a float,  Good selection of coins based on the value of your items, few fivers and couple tenners if you can.  BUT bear in mind that people are carrying less cash and less likely to have change so be prepared.  2 x £3 buyers who both have £20 can clear your out.   Tins or a bumbag are handy.
• Card Payments - more and more stallholders take card payments.  I'm all for cash but if someone doesnt have quite enough for an impulse buy, theyre much more likely to buy it using a card.  a machine doesn't have to be expensive.  I use a SumUp machine,  download the app, activate your phone as a mobile hotspot and connects to the little machine via bluetooth.  They do contactless payments too.  They cost max £30 one off payment and you pay 1.69% on transactions, no other fees at all.  little square compact box 4" x 3" x 1" fits in your pocket.  Monies hit your bank normally within 2 working days.  Its so easy, even I can do it.

INSURANCE  Many venues now require indemnity insurance cover, this is generally available as a year policy or for one off event.  Google Market Trader Policy, most can be sorted over the phone and effective very quickly

BAGS & WRAPPING; take bags to pop your sales in,  some bubble wrap too if your items are fragile.  Even bin bags for big bulky items, if someone is buying a gift they might want to keep it hidden.  Everyone's happy

OTHER BITS:  worth taking, order book, note pad, pens, blue tack, sellotape, even safety pins can come in handy securing things to your table.

SEASONAL:  If it's a themed fair, get in the spirit of it, Christmas santa hat, fairy lights (lots of battery ones avilable now) can all add a touch of cheer. 

PROMOTION:  Flyers and Business cards are good, leave on your table and pop one in the bags when you sell something!    If you don't have flyers or cards, just print something out on the PC, lots on a sheet and cut them out.  maybe a little sign on your table.  Name badges look professional too
VENUE & PITCH
Make sure you know where your going and how long it takes to get there.
YOUR PITCH:  Are tables/chair provided?  How big are tables?  if not provided, how big is your plot?  SETTING UP;  Plan what stock your taking and how you're going to lay out your stall.  Dimension and shelves are sometimes a good idea.  Mug trees are cheap and can be very useful to display key rings, jewellery and dangly items. Packing sturdy boxes in a row under your table cloth can work too.   Don't clutter it with 20 identical items, you can top it up later.  Make the most of the space you have.
PRICING;  Sometimes its a good idea to price your items, some people are shy in asking and would rather walk away.

MY SALES EXPERIENCE:  having a shop for 13 years.  Chat to people, engage with them about whatever, weather, the event. where they've travelled from, without pouncing on them to sell your product.  If someones just mooching your stall, pick up your coffee, chat, don't sit playing with your phone, I find it a massive turn off for buyers.  I would normally greet them and say immediatley, if there's anything you need help with, please just ask and busy yourself with something, people don't like to be watched, if they show an interest in something, tell them about it without pressure, those are Murano beads from Italy...  I do those in other colours... etc

ANYWAY, that's my offering, GOOD LUCK PEOPLE