Our First Markets: A Learning Curve for Our Date Night Business

We knew that attending markets would be an essential part of our marketing strategy. However, we had never participated in one before, so we had no idea what to expect. We wanted our marquee to be eye-catching, so we had a customised one created. We also came up with fun activities to attract people to our shop. We thought we were fully prepared, but we were in for a surprise. It turned out to be quite a learning curve for us, and we want to share our experiences with you.

1. Prepare for the weather - Even though we continued to check the weather forecast leading up to the markets, on the day we had encountered something different. The wind was not on our side so we had to make the decision to take down our marquee - which was our whole look. I think we can officially say our date boxes can knock you off your feet! We wish we had been more prepared with weights and sandbags. Make sure to have extra clothes to stay warm in colder weather and water and hats for hotter days.

2. Bring enough supplies -  It's better to be over-prepared than underprepared when it comes to supplies. We ran out of business cards and pamphlets quickly. Other essentials to bring include chairs, signage, and petty cash. Bring a lot of stock, even if you think you won't sell out, you don't want to miss out on potential sales.

3. Make your marquee stand out - If you want to attract more customers, you need to make sure your marquee stands out. Our customised marquee was bright and eye-catching, which drew people towards it. We also included an interactive element, like a spinning wheel, which was a hit with both children and adults. Come up with creative ways to showcase your products, whether it's setting up a display or offering free samples or giveaways.

4. Engage with potential customers -  Engaging with potential customers is essential in making sales. Having a friendly demeanour and offering free samples or giveaways is a great way to get people interested in your products. Make sure to be approachable and open to answering any questions about your business. Being knowledgeable about your products and service shows that you are passionate, well-informed, and trustworthy.

5. Follow up with connections - One of the best things about attending markets is the connections you can make. Whether it's networking with other businesses, or connecting with potential customers, make sure to follow up with them afterward. Collect their contact information and send them a friendly thank you message or offer them a discount code for your products. Engaging with customers after the market shows that you care about their support and encourages them to return or recommend your business to others. 

Attending our first markets was a learning curve, but it was an experience that we won't forget. It's essential to be prepared for anything that may happen, and doing so will help you have a successful market day. Making your marquee stand out, engaging with potential customers, and following up with connections can help grow your business and increase sales. Make sure to have fun and enjoy this unique opportunity to showcase your product.