7 Things I Learned About Art Markets as a Brand-New Vendor

Prior to operating a market booth, the only previous experience I had in sales were my days as a Girl Scout where I participated in well over 50+ cookie booths. I could stack a display in under 10 seconds and almost knew the correct change for a 5 by the time I was done (I don’t do math real good). I’m an artist first and foremost. I’ve been showing in galleries and selling my work and merchandise for several years, but I only recently started doing market booths. Partly, I wanted another way to sell work that hadn’t found a home in galleries, and partly, I wanted somewhere to sell all those stickers that don’t fit a group-show theme. I have only done a handful of booths so far but it has been a huge learning curve. I am no expert but I find that most blogs about this come from people who are already super established and don’t take into consideration people who may be starting with nothing. 

Although my experience has helped me face a snobby customer and ingrained in me the importance of hydrating, market booths are a different ballgame entirely. Here are 7 things I learned while operating my first few market booths.

1. Share a Booth 

If you can, start with splitting a booth with someone you trust. This was a great way to dip a toe in and see how much I need to bring, and learn what sells and what doesn’t while saving money on booth fees. Decorating half a booth is far easier than trying to conquer a whole one first go. You can split supplies and double your chances of remembering to bring a marker! It has an added bonus of being able to walk around the festival while your booth partner runs the table and vice versa. Just be sure to ask first, some organizers are against it, but some offer half table prices. In the same vein, having a helpful SO or friend makes all the difference in the world. In terms of helping with money, going to get food, covering for bathroom breaks. It is very difficult to do this alone but not impossible. I have watched over plenty of my booth neighbors tables. 

2. Research and Ask Questions

Every market is a little different. Market organizers generally appreciate thoughtful questions. It shows you're paying attention and taking the event seriously. Just remember they're usually juggling a million things, so read the vendor info first and try not to ask questions that are already answered there. 

So far, I have managed to sign up for markets that don’t require a tent so I can see if this is for sure something I want to invest in. Look for markets where the table is provided, or the entry fee is low for the first few. Attend a market before boothing it. If you can’t do that, look at previous years pictures. 

Try to get a sense of the environment. What kind of people are attending? What would they be interested in buying? What I bring to a brewery differs from what I bring to a punk show. I don’t bend for customer appeal but I do curate. 

3. Money Management

Prior to boothing, get those money apps set up and do some test runs, make sure you know how they work. Most people pay with a card but I do get the occasional Venmo and Paypal. I had a square for a long time but now I have tap to pay right on my phone. Check your phone before you go buying a card reader. Bring change for breaking larger bills. Have a limited number of price points so customers don’t get confused or need to ask a lot of questions.   

4. Keep Your Booth Simple

I know it’s tempting to go out and buy a bunch of decorations because you want to look like the cutest, most put-together booth out there but if you are just starting, it’s a good idea to let your work speak for itself and get a good idea of what may work and what does not. After the initial spend to get necessities I limited my spending to one new display thing per booth so I am not bleeding money. I still don’t even have a sign for my business, and honestly, I don’t think it has hurt sales. 

A brief reminder that the exact setup depends on the event. Some markets supply tables and lighting; others have outdoor or weather-related requirements. Again, research and ask questions! 

5. Stay Hydrated and Fed

Bring snacks and water. You are liable to spend all of your earnings at the food trucks before the day is out. Some organizers encourage bringing a cooler with snacks, while others give you free drink vouchers. 

6. Document 

Keep track of what you make and what it costs you to be there. I have an Excel file for booth expenses and earnings, but nothing has been more dependable than the notebook I keep just for booths. It lives with my booth stuff, and I tally every sale. I also make notes about what worked, what didn't, and what I'd like to change next time. Future me is not gonna remember any of this.

7. Mindset is Key 

The first few times you show, don’t treat it like a trial of worthiness, treat it like an experience you are paying for. Make time to visit other booths and buy the concession food. Invite friends and have a good time. Take pictures! There is enough time to scrutinize your success after you are home. 

There will be times when you're disheartened by the sheer number of 3D-printed dragons and MLM booths. There may be an obviously AI-generated ‘art’ booth that doesn't disclose it, or a booth neighbor who makes your day more difficult than it needs to be. When that happens, remember why you're there: you're helping make the place better. When I go to a market, my favorite booths are the ones where artists have made something unique and meaningful to them. Those booths can sometimes be few and far between, but when I find them, I buy something. And I can't be the only one.