Running a small art business has been an incredible journey, and one of my favorite ways to connect with people is by selling at outdoor markets. There’s something so great about setting up a booth outside surrounded by the energy of the community, meeting other creatives, and watching people discover and fall in love with my work.
Outdoor markets have taught me countless lessons, from the practical to the personal. Whether you’re an aspiring vendor or a curious supporter of small businesses, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned from my time at over 60 events.
1. Your Booth is Your Brand
First impressions matter. Over time, I’ve learned that a thoughtfully designed booth makes all the difference. From the layout of my products to the colors and textures I use in my display, everything reflects my brand and tells a story.
For my nature-inspired art, I incorporate natural elements like wooden crates, neutral fabrics, and greenery to create a cohesive and inviting space. I also ensure my booth has clear signage, with my name and logo displayed prominently. People are more likely to stop by if they feel drawn to your setup.
Pro Tip: Pick a color scheme and stick with it! If the items you sell are loud and bright make sure to pick a background that contrasts that like white or black. If your products are more subtle in color, perhaps pick a bold table cloth.
2. Not Everyone is Your Customer—and That’s Okay
One of the hardest lessons to learn is that not everyone will connect with your work, and that’s perfectly fine. Outdoor markets attract a wide range of people, and while some may not find your products appealing, others will feel an instant connection.
I’ve found it helpful to focus on the people who are excited about my designs. Whether they’re hikers, bikers, or fellow nature lovers, connecting with my target audience is far more rewarding than trying to appeal to everyone.
Also, don’t let negative comments get you down. There will always be that personality type that doesn’t have a positive thing to say.
3. Tell Your Story
People don’t just buy products—they buy stories. One of the most fulfilling aspects of outdoor markets is the opportunity to share my inspiration and creative process. I love explaining how my adventures in the mountains and forests inspire my designs, or how I create each piece. Occasionally, and to the right audience, I’ll describe the functionality and how to use my Women’s Wilderness Pee Kits.
When customers learn about the thought and passion behind your work, it creates a deeper connection and makes their purchase more meaningful.
4. Be Prepared for All Kinds of Weather
Selling at outdoor markets means embracing the unpredictability of the elements. I’ve set up booths in blazing sun, pouring rain, and gusty winds. Being prepared for anything is essential.
Here’s what I always pack:
• A durable canopy with weights. I recommend the Premium Euromax Canopy.
• Tarps or plastic covers to protect my products in case of rain. They are also great to put products on when setting up. You never know if the ground is good to be wet or muddy before the event.
• Sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water for hot days, and non-messy snacks (especially if you’re like me and you do each event solo).
• Layers of clothing for unpredictable weather shifts. I love to bring a puffy blanket. I can sit on it when it’s warm enough and wrap it around me when it’s cold.
Being comfortable and prepared allows me to focus on connecting with customers rather than worrying about the weather.
5. Build Relationships, Not Just Sales
Some of my best market experiences come from the connections I’ve made, not just the sales. Meeting fellow vendors, chatting with repeat customers, and hearing how my products are used in people’s lives are all incredibly rewarding.
I’ve also learned the importance of networking with other small business owners. Markets are a great place to share advice, swap ideas, and even plan collaborations. These relationships can lead to opportunities that go far beyond a single market day.
6. Inventory Management is Key
One of the trickiest parts of selling at markets is figuring out how much inventory to bring. Early on, I learned the hard way what happens when you bring too much (a tiring setup and teardown) or too little (missed sales opportunities).
Now, I pay close attention to what sells best at each event and use those insights to plan my inventory. For example, vinyl stickers, dog collars and leashes, and adventure bags tend to be my most popular items, so I always stock up on those.
Pro Tip: Keep an organized system for tracking sales during the market. It helps you understand what products are most popular and streamlines post-market restocking. I use the Wix app since my website inventory is always up to date, that way I can sell products to customers I’m interacting with face-to-face, but also sell to online customers at the same time and keep my inventory accurate.
7. Know Your Customer
It’s often the little things that leave the biggest impression. I try to greet every potential customer that comes into my booth with a warm smile and a hello. If they make a purchase I always include my business card with my website and social media links.
There are many different types of shoppers out there so reading body language is essential. The more markets you do, the more you will understand how to interact with different types of shoppers; some want to talk about anything and everything, others would rather be left alone.
These small gestures and recognition of how to best interact with people help customers feel valued and encourage them to stay connected with my work long after the market is over.
8. Every Market is a Learning Experience
No two markets are the same. Some days are incredibly busy, while others are slower, giving me time to reflect and improve. I’ve learned to embrace each experience as an opportunity to grow, whether it’s experimenting with new displays, chatting with other vendors, or simply enjoying the community vibe.
Why I Love Outdoor Markets
Selling at outdoor markets isn’t just about the sales—it’s about building connections, sharing my passion for nature and art, and being part of a community that values creativity and craftsmanship.
If you’re thinking about selling at markets or supporting small businesses, I encourage you to take the leap. You’ll discover so much more than you expect, and you might just find yourself inspired in the process. Start with a smaller market that doesn’t have a high fee so you can learn from mistakes without throwing too much money at your first few events.
Have you ever been to an outdoor market or thought about participating as a vendor? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!
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