01/09/2026
Not “just believe in yourself.” 😂
I mean the things I’ve genuinely learnt from years of running markets and watching thousands of customers walk past stalls.
If you were my best mate, this is what I’d tell you:
1. Your signage matters more than you think.
If I can’t tell what you sell from three paces away, you’ve already lost me.
2. Your price needs to be obvious.
Don’t make people awkwardly ask. A clear price makes buying easier.
3. Your stall needs to look like YOU.
A market isn’t the place to look like everyone else. Your branding, colours, props and packaging should make people remember you.
4. Don’t sit behind your table looking at your phone.
I know. I know. 😂
But a customer is much more likely to approach someone who looks welcoming and interested in them.
5. Give people a reason to stop.
A demo. A sample. Something interactive. Something they can touch. Something that makes them curious.
6. Make buying ridiculously easy.
Card machine ready. Packaging ready. Prices clear. No frantic searching for change or bags.
7. Collect customers, don’t just collect sales.
If someone loves your products, give them a reason to follow you, join your mailing list or come back to your next event.
8. And PLEASE don’t judge your entire business on one market.
I’ve seen brilliant traders have a quiet day and average traders have an absolute belter.
The biggest thing I’ve learnt is this:
You can have the best product in the room… but if people don’t understand what you sell, what it costs or why they should stop, they’ll walk straight past it.
That’s why I’ve started sharing more of the stuff I’ve learnt from the other side of the table.
The things I’d genuinely tell my best mate.
Because if your going to spend your weekend, your money and your energy setting up a stall…
I want you to make the bloody thing work ❤️
Save this. Send it to your market trader mate. And follow JDL for more straight-talking market advice.
