Lesson 6: Marketplace Etiquette
It seems that we all have a different attitude to the way we conduct ourselves around others. Largely due to the way we are brought up and also to the necessity of our current situations, we all act in different ways towards our fellow neighbour.
Some rules are written down, while others are ‘common’ knowledge.
Every trader wants to sell their products and make their money for that day. Some ambitious traders will try to push and shout their way to a sale while others will be more sensitive. How you act will influence the way you are treated in the marketplace.
The First Day
Any first day, school, Uni, or at work is always a steep learning curve. You meet people who quickly become your friends, and others who won’t even acknowledge your existence.
we’ll make the obvious hiccups, like setting up your stall in the wrong place, or have a product that another trader is also selling right next to you. There are a host of important rules and regulations to remember, and you need to deal with your own nerves!
Relax – it will all be fine!
We so often are worried about doing the wrong thing when in reality we are only learning the ropes. It’s as normal as getting things right!
The first day will carry you on nerves and excitement. Take your time, stand in line, get your stall location and set up. Its going to be fun.
Learning Through Observation
Watch the way others set up their stalls. It’s an effortless dances with tables, boxes and displays for the old timers. You’ll get there. Watch how they chat with other Vendors and go abut their business. Some even talking to early customers while they are setting up.
Remember the fresh bread stall, who can resist the smell of those baked grains. It’s no wonder people queue.
Watch your neighbour go through their routine of setting up and rechecking everything is as it should be.
You can’t learn how to do just from watch, but you can make a good guess on how to get started yourself.
Talk to Others
Okay, okay, you’re already nervous enough, but you still need to meet other people and get to know a few of them. The rule here is they don’t need to do anything!
You are the new person and it is up to you to make your greetings heard. “Hello”, goes a long way. Ask what they are selling, so if a customer is looking for a specific item you know where to send them.
Talk to them about their processes, how they got started, what you need to watch out for.
Tell them about your stall. What you did to make your products and how you are feeling about meeting your first customers. They will certainly remember their first day and all that happened to them.
This will also form the basis for your networking potential as the days and weeks roll on. You are going to be a communication specialist as you improve through the weeks, why not start from day one!
Setting Up
When setting up you generally have the space of your stall. Don’t spread your stuff all over the walk way or entrance, making it difficult for others to get past.
Equally, don’t use your neighbours space (unless they say it is fine) to store your products or lay them out. You have rented part of the floor, just as they have and that is all the space you have to use!
You shouldn’t obstruct or set out your stall wider than the limits of what you have rented out for the day. It is also a way to keep an eye on all your product for that day. The further away it is from you, the easier it is to get ‘lost’.
Some markets are a little more flexible on how much you can place over the line in front of your stall, but generally it is not acceptable to obstruct the flow of customers or inadvertently overshadow your neighbours stall.
If you are having a difficult time with a trader and you have asked politely then it may be prudent to ask the management what is acceptable.
"Please Watch My Stall"
At some point you are going to need to visit the toilet. Fact of life! At that point you could pack your whole stall away, take it with you to the toilet and return and set it all up again, or you can rely on your neighbours around you when you do have to leave.
Here, common sense should prevail. Place a sign up on your stall saying you’ll be back soon and use a mobile number for a potential customer to contact you.
Take your float and valuables with you. As much as we all want to believe our neighbours are good, we also don’t want to put them in a difficult situation. If your float goes missing you will more than likely assume it was your neighbour and this will cause bad blood between you.
Rather remove all possible causes for a bad relationship and thank them kindly when returning. Perhaps even offer to do the tea or drinks run while you are away.
Again, no guarantees can be made your neighbour will sell your products, but if you leave a note and ask them to point any potential customers to call your mobile it will again make watching your stall easier for them.
Noisy Neighbour!
There is always one who has to shout out their prices, deals and offers that they have and after 5-6 hours of constant shouting it can become a irritating to say the least.
Equally, a boom box or stereo speakers can provide light entertainment and create a soothing atmosphere, but dance music played with full base will earn you no friends. Keep it at a low-level if you must have sounds and try at least to mix up the music a little!
If your neighbour really is providing so much atmospheric excitment, ride on the crowds passing. They will have been attracted by the sounds and offers, see how you can get in on it too.
There is no need to shout louder or pull in customers, but there are ways to use the fleeting seconds a customer looks up to see you too.
Use what you are given, be friendly and invite people for a closer look. Can you pair what your neighbour is selling with what you are selling. Could you complement each other?
Conclusion
The main Marketplace Etiquette rule is to respect your neighbour as you would like to be respected.
If you are unsure, ask those around you when they have a moment. You will find being part of the community and offering to help out as much as you can will make your experience and those around you far better.
You need to stick together finding opportunities to network and integrate. Make the most of those moments and enjoy the experience.
Quick Quiz
- What can be done on the first day other than stand around?
- Name a few ways your stall can be set up wrong.
- What should be the rule to apply for great Marketplace Etiquette?
