Holiday markets can be a great season for makers, but forgetting the card reader or misjudging the fee can wipe out a day's profit. A checklist and a few numbers make every market easier.
Before the market
Read the vendor rules (table size, tent, power, sales tax permits), confirm setup time and plan your table layout from above.
What to pack
Booth items (table, cover, displays, weights for a tent), products, money (card reader, charged phone, cash float, change), marketing (business cards, signs, bags), tools (tape, scissors, zip ties, pens), and you (water, snacks, layers).
Price signs
Clear prices sell. Add signs for bundles ("3 for $__"), cards accepted, custom orders and gift wrap.
Track sales during the day
A simple tally of what sold, split by cash and card, tells you your best sellers.
Was it worth it?
After the market, subtract the booth fee, card fees and costs from sales, then divide by hours including setup and travel. Take-home per hour lets you compare markets fairly.
Checklist
- ☐ Vendor rules and permits checked
- ☐ Booth layout sketched
- ☐ Table, cover, displays and tent weights
- ☐ Products counted
- ☐ Card reader, charged phone and power bank
- ☐ Cash float with small bills
- ☐ Price and bundle signs
- ☐ Bags and business cards
- ☐ Sales tally sheet
- ☐ Take-home per hour worked out after
Check local sales tax rules for in-person sales.