Market Recap
Hello everyone!
I'm excited to share a recap of my very first market at the Houghton Spring Fair! 🌸 It was a fantastic day filled with sunshine, new experiences, and a wonderful chance to connect with the local community. Let me take you through the highlights, the wins, and a few things I’ll keep in mind for next time.
Preparation is Key
As a first-timer, I knew that preparation would be essential. I practised setting up my stall at home, experimenting with different arrangements to make it look as welcoming and interesting as possible. I played around with heights, colours, and a variety of price points, making sure there was something for everyone. With branded signs and clearly marked prices on every item, I aimed to make the shopping experience smooth and enjoyable for all.
The Big Day
The day of the market could not have been more perfect. The sun was shining, the marquee kept me cool, and the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. Local legend Brendan, our postie by day and musician by heart, provided live acoustic music that gave the fair a laid-back, festive vibe. People came in waves, and I had a steady flow of curious and friendly customers from start to finish. The crowd thinned out in the last hour, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day and have a chat with fellow stall holders- such a welcoming bunch!
Crowd Favourites
Some items were clear crowd-pleasers, and I have to admit, watching people’s faces light up over my creations was a real thrill. Here’s what sold out in a flash:
- Loaf Cats: These little cuties found new homes quickly! All six colours sold out.
- Positivity Pal Friends (especially the Turtley Awesome Turtle and Takeaway Coffee Mugs): These were wildly popular, even leading to pre-orders.
- Bees: Both Mini Bees and Regular Bees flew off the shelves.
- Axolotls: These quirky little creatures were a massive hit, with 13 sold plus one on pre-order.
- Chubby Dinosaurs: All except one sold- a big favourite with the kids despite the slightly higher price point.
- Heart Hugs: Hot Pink and Red were the top choices, perfect for gifting.
- Christmas Decorations: It’s never too early, right? The Santa Ornaments and Snowflakes were a hit with customers already in the holiday spirit.
Sales Overview
In total, I sold 92 items! The average sale price was about $15 per item, with the highest-priced item being my Hanging Strawberry Plants at $30 each ( and the lowest-priced items being Loose Flowers at just $0.50. It's all about variety!
Best-Selling Colours & Styles
- Headbands: Popular in a range of colours, with Hard White and Soft Black leading the pack.
- Bookmarks: The Orange Sunflower and Pink Daisy designs were fan favourites.
- Hanging Plants: Strawberry and Chain of Pearls designs really caught the eye of plant lovers.
- Keyrings: Sunflower and Bee keyrings were particularly popular—cute and practical!
Items That Stayed with Me
Not everything flew off the table, and that’s okay! My Bags, priced at $35 each, didn’t make any sales this time. It’s a learning point for the next market, and maybe they’ll find their people down the line.
For the Crafters: Patterns Used
Curious about the patterns? Here’s a rundown of the designs behind the creations:
Chubby Dino: Studio Phoebe 22 (free)
Axolotl: One Cent Crochet (free)
Loaf Cat: Stitch by Fay (free)
Speckled Hen: My own design with Crochet Creations with Love (free)
Bumblebee: Creative Zdenka (free)
Mini Octopus: Designs by Jade (free)
Ghost: Little Love Everyday (free)
Amigurumi Heart: Another original from Crochet Creations with Love (free)
The Customer Experience
A big part of the day was just connecting with people- I handed out so many business cards, and my website views are up 219% since the market! I made sure to greet each person with a smile and encouraged them to browse at their own pace. I offered multiple payment options—cash, PayID, and Square—to make it as easy as possible for everyone. Square ended up being the star of the show for payments, and if you’re setting up for a market yourself, I highly recommend it. (Hint: If you want to try Square, here’s my referral link for a discount on your first transactions: https://squareup.com/i/0477CBF60D)
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a market takes serious effort, especially when balancing it with family life and a day job. But it’s worth every second, especially when you see your hard work bringing joy to others. While I may not be doing markets every weekend, the Houghton Spring Fair has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to be back next year.
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported me—it means the world! 🌟 And if you missed it or have special requests, feel free to reach out for pre-orders. See you at the next market!