Lesson 13: Pre-Market Stall Checklist: Essentials to Pack Before You Head Out
The acronym we all know and love. The 6 P’s. Proper, Planing and Preparation, Prevents Poor Performance.
We know we won’t get it right from the first day, but it is better to be prepared and learn from those mistakes than to be completely flustered and fail the minute you open up shop.
Being Prepared
Being well-prepared is key to a successful market day. A thorough checklist can make all the difference in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
So find below 13 essentials you will need to pack before heading out the door to your market stall.
1. Stall Setup Equipment
Make sure you have all the equipment needed to set up your stall. Pack your table, folding chairs, and any tents or canopies if you’re outdoors. Don’t forget tablecloths to make your display look neat and inviting.
2. Product Inventory
Check your product stock to ensure you have enough to sell. Pack a good quantity of each item you offer, including extras of popular products. This way, you won’t run out of anything important during the market and lose a sale.
3. Pricing and Signage
Prepare clear and easy-to-read price tags and signs for your products. Make sure each item has a visible price, and put up signs to highlight any special deals or promotions you’re offering.
4. Marketing Materials
Bring flyers, business cards, and any other promotional materials. These help customers remember you and find you again later. Include information about your products and where they can follow you online.
5. Payment Systems
Pack a cash box with enough change and a way to accept card payments, such as a card reader or mobile payment system. Make sure your payment equipment is charged and working properly.
6. Packaging Supplies
Bring bags or boxes for customers to carry their purchases. Make sure your packaging is strong enough to protect your products and is easy for customers to use.
7. Cleaning Supplies
Pack some basic cleaning supplies like paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and a trash bag. These will help you keep your stall clean and handle any spills or messes quickly.
8. Weather Protection
If your stall is outdoors, be prepared for different weather conditions. Pack an umbrella or rain cover and bring weights to secure your tent in case it gets windy.
9. Comfort Items
Bring items to keep yourself comfortable throughout the day. This might include a portable chair, sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks to stay hydrated and energised.
10. Personal Identification and Permits
Make sure to bring any required permits or licenses, especially if they’re needed to sell certain types of products. Keep these documents handy in case you need to show them. Ingredients lists are vital for Allergies.
11. Promotion and Customer Engagement Tools
Consider bringing a small board or sign to update customers on special offers or new products. You might also want a tablet or notebook to collect customer information for newsletters or special updates. (Remember to charge all batteries or have backups)
12. Emergency Kit
Prepare a small kit with basic first aid supplies, a multi-tool, and a flashlight. This kit will help you handle any minor issues or emergencies that might come up during the market.
13. Travel Essentials
Organisation is key. Pack all your items in bins or crates that are easy to carry and transport. Ensure your vehicle is ready for the trip and have directions and parking information for the market location.
Conclusion
Being well-prepared for a market stall is key to having a successful day. By using this checklist, you’ll ensure you have everything you need and can focus on engaging with customers and making sales. Preparation will help you handle any situation that arises and make your market experience smooth and enjoyable.
Download an easy to print Check list here and add some of your own ideas to it to keep you on track. If you have some additional ‘Must-Haves’ let us know over on Facebook and we can be helping each other bring a higher standard and better experience for the customer to the marketplace.
Quick Quiz
- What essential items should you bring to ensure you can accept payments at your market stall?
- Why is it important to pack a small cleaning kit for your market stall?
- What should you bring to protect your stall from bad weather if you are outdoors?
