What Our First Market Taught Us as New Artist Vendors

We recently did our first market as a small art business, and it was both exciting and eye opening.

Showing up as a vendor is very different from preparing at home, and the day quickly showed us what we did well and where we could improve.

Lessons Learned From Our First Vendor Event

Organization Matters More Than You Think

We learned quickly that better organization would have saved us time and stress. Our bags were not sorted clearly enough, which made it harder to find items during setup and while helping customers.

Boxes Beat Bags for Vendor Setups

If we could redo one thing, we would replace soft bags with sturdy boxes. Boxes are easier to stack, label, and organize, especially when everything needs to be stored neatly under a table.

Bring Food and Snacks if You Are Vending Solo

One lesson we will never skip again is bringing food and snacks. If you do not have a booth buddy to watch your table, planning for meals and energy is essential for long market days.

What We Were Glad We Brought to Our First Market

Extra Signage and Backup Tools

Extra signs and backup tools made a huge difference. Small fixes always come up, and being prepared allowed us to handle them quickly and professionally.

Cleaning Essentials for a Polished Booth

Garbage bags and cleaning cloths helped keep our booth looking clean and intentional throughout the day. A tidy table makes a strong impression, especially in busy markets.

Something to Do That Is Not Your Phone

Having something to work on between customers helped us stay present and approachable.

A small craft, sketchbook, or notebook looks more intentional than scrolling and keeps your energy focused.

First-Time Vendor Checklist for New Artists and Small Businesses

1. Clear and Visible Pricing

• Display prices on every item using tags, stickers, or small signs.

• Offer a range of price points to capture both impulse buyers and bigger purchases.

• Highlight promotions or bundled deals, especially around the holidays.

• Offer promotions for collecting leads such as incentives for instagram follows/story sharing or email captures!

  
  

2. Intentional Merchandising

• Group like items together to make browsing easier.

• Create vertical interest with risers, shelves, or display stands.

• Use props or themed décor to tell your brand story.

• Make sure your table has breathing room. Overcrowding lowers value perception!
  

3. Easy Transport and Load-In

• Use sturdy boxes instead of bags whenever possible for easier stacking and organization. (Learn from our broken bags :( ~)

• Label containers so you can find items quickly.

• Sort your bags and boxes by category (inventory, packaging, signage, tools).

• Check if the venue provides trolleys and plan your transport accordingly.
  

4. Organized Inventory and Supplies

• Keep like items together in clearly labeled containers:

  • Inventory (products for sale)

  • Packaging (bags, boxes, wrapping)

  • Signage (price tags, display labels)

  • Tools (for setup or fixes)

• Bring extra stock of popular items.

• Preplan your table and have a photo reference for easy setup.
  

5. Backup Toolkit for Emergencies

• Double-sided tape (essential for signs or displays)

• Duct tape

• Velcro (depending on your setup)

• Scissors and a craft knife

• Extra signage and price tags

• Clips, clamps, or sandbags to weigh down tablecloths or displays, especially outdoors

• Zip ties

• Extension cords or power strips if electricity is available

• Cleaning cloths and garbage bags (underrated!!)
  

6. Essentials for Solo Vendors

• Pack food and snacks to stay energized throughout the day.

• Bring water and a reusable cup or bottle.

• Have a small activity to stay busy during slow periods, like a notebook, sketchbook, or mini craft.

• Plan breaks carefully if you don’t have a booth buddy.
  

7. Presentation and Customer Experience

• Keep your table clean and tidy; first impressions matter.

• Use clear signage to explain products, pricing, or promotions.

• Provide packaging or gift-ready options to make purchases easy.

• Have a small blurb mentally prepared for anyone that asks (avoid the awkward fumbling)
  

8. Optional Extras to Give Your Booth That Special Something

• Hand sanitizer for customers (especially helpful at markets).

• QR codes linking to social media, website, or email signup forms.

• Business cards for follow-ups. (more people ask than I expected!)

• A small notebook or clipboard to record customer feedback or notes.

• Seasonal decorations to make your booth pretty :)

Looking back on our first market, the biggest lesson was realizing it’s all a learning opportunity. You get to see your strengths in action, notice what could be better next time, and grow as an artist and small business owner.

We were nervous at the start, but by the end, we felt proud, and (mostly) ready for the next one. There’s really nothing to be afraid of — you’ve got this! Take a deep breath, show up, and have fun!