Hi, I’m Haley! I’m the owner of Dymond’s Co – The Dog Jammie Outfitters.
For over two years, my business ran entirely online, selling custom dog apparel through my Great Dane Jammies Facebook group and social media channels. I didn’t attend my first market until March of 2024—and even then, I made just three or four sales. But that first event taught me a lot.
Since then, I’ve vended countless times, hosted multiple vendor events, and learned firsthand what really works (and what doesn’t).
If you’re preparing for your first market—or you just want to see more success at the ones you do—here are my top five tips.
1️⃣ Be Interactive (But Not Pushy)
People love connecting with a person, not just a product. Greet visitors warmly, smile, and start with friendly, casual conversation instead of diving straight into a sales pitch.
Ask them about their pets, hobbies, or what drew them to your booth.
💡 Pro Tip: People rarely like being “sold” to—but they do enjoy hearing about something that solves a problem they have or makes their life better. Keep it light, relatable, and genuine.
2️⃣ Add Height & Visual Interest to Your Booth
A flat table of items can feel overwhelming and easy to skip. Adding vertical layers helps guide the eye and makes your display more inviting.
Budget-friendly ideas:
- Flip over a shoe box and cover it with a decorative napkin or fabric scrap.
- Use upside-down baskets or crates as risers.
- Stack books under a cloth for a tiered look.
- Add a folding shelf or tiered plant stand for height.
3️⃣ Collect Emails (Your Future Sales Depend on It)
Day-of sales are great—but follow-up sales are even better. Offer a small incentive for email sign-ups:
- Giveaway entry
- Discount code
- Free sample or digital download
💡 Extra Credit: Have a QR code at your booth that links to a simple form for name and email. This avoids messy handwriting and makes your follow-up easier.
4️⃣ Showcase Your Bestsellers (and Let People Touch Them)
Don’t hide your most popular items in the back. Put them front and center where people naturally stop.
If your product is something people can touch, feel, or sample—let them! Physical interaction helps build connection and confidence in the purchase.
💡 Example: If you sell dog treats, have samples out.
5️⃣ Promote Your Booth Before the Event!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t just show up—make sure people know you’ll be there! Post about the event on your social media pages, add it to your stories, and let your followers know the date, location, and booth number. Share sneak peeks of what you’re bringing or any special market-only deals.
If you already have loyal customers online, this is your chance to meet them in person and build a deeper connection. People are more likely to buy from a vendor they feel connected to—and meeting face-to-face can turn casual buyers into repeat customers.
Final Thoughts
Markets aren’t just about selling—they’re about creating memorable connections with people who may support your business for years to come. By being approachable, making your booth visually appealing, gathering contacts, showcasing your bestsellers, and keeping your setup shopper-friendly, you’ll set yourself up for both immediate sales and long-term growth.
Vendor Market Day Checklist – Don’t Leave Home Without It!
Stay organized and stress-free on market day with this handy checklist. From booth essentials to marketing must-haves, it’s everything you need to make your vendor event a success. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this list will help you show up prepared and ready to sell.