Selling crafts at a Christmas Market isn’t that much different to selling at a normal market that happens throughout the year – but we’ve put together our best tips so you can sell crafts as a Christmas market more easily!
This article will cover:
- Adding Christmas themed props to your stall – the pros and cons
- What exactly should you sell at a Christmas Market?
- Ideas for handmade Christmas gifts
- Other things to consider that you may not have thought of yet!
4 ways to Sell Crafts at a Christmas Market
1. Christmas themed props – Yes or No?
Have you considered getting some Christmas-themed props for your festive stall set-up? They could help you sell crafts at a Christmas Market far more easily!
Whether it’s a yes or no to this question largely depends on your brand.
If you have a maximalist stall, why not go all out on the branches of fir or some classic tinsel? You can get some great things at your local garden centre or even take a look at your local charity shops for some inspo (and a more sustainable approach).
If your brand is more minimal, some miniature little touches can add a festive feel.
Check out the images below for some festive ideas – on the left, Teppi has added fir branches for a Christmassy vibe, or see the middle pic where some mini trees add a lovely touch! Our article about How to Create an On-Brand Christmas Stall has further tips.
2. What to Sell at a Christmas Market?
This may seem like a silly question, but it’s not. You don’t have to sell Christmas themed products to sell crafts as a Christmas market – but you do need to sell gifting options. At this time of year, people are shopping for gifts for Christmas, so it’s important to make them see exactly what they need on your stall.
While festive products might get lots of attention, if you are savvy and offer something unique – whether that is a bundle of products or a collaboration with another maker – you could just hit your target market and sell products like hot cakes – whatever they are!
People are looking for things to buy for their loved ones. You have to sell the solution.
If your products aren’t Christmassy, showcase them as gift sets or offer a wrapping service to make it super easy for customers to gift them. Make your stall a one-stop Christmas shop!
3. Great ideas for handmade Christmas gifts
Our community are great at creating handmade gifts! Click here to browse our stallholders and see what they’re offering.
Alongside your normal wares, think outside the box to sell crafts as a Christmas market.
What about selling DIY kits? Customers love gifting stuff like this. Some makers are even selling kits made up from left over scraps within their businesses, to maximise their sustainability and eco credentials as well as offer them an avenue to use up their business’ by-products. Is this something you could do? Have a think about what left-overs your business creates, and what customers could make with them!
At The Bargello Edit, Nerrisa created boxes with offcuts of fabric from her makes. Jess from Thimble & Fabric creates friendship bracelets.
Knitting and stitching patterns kits are really popular, but if you think you have an idea of a kit you can put together, then why not give it a try! Think outside the box.
4. Other ways to sell crafts at a Christmas Market
Here are some stall-specific practical tips:
- Focus on lighting. Fairy lights add festive sparkle. Winter nights mean it’s always dark and gloomy much earlier, so having a well-lit stall will highlight your products and draw customers into the cosiness. These two lantern lights are good for the gazebo or these rechargeable super bright floodlight versions. These rechargeable table lights are also good for a stall with smaller items like jewellery. You want your stall to shine!
- Have extra power banks at hand. As a stallholder, you never know if you are near a plug (if outside, you won’t be). This powerbank is a great investment – maybe even get two! It charges quickly and has a good storage amount. This is perfect for lighting and also phones/your card reader, to take all those payments.
- Protect yourself from the cold and wind. We suggest some good clamps to keep your table top stacks in place. Also, don’t stand directly on cold floor!! This is a big no-no, especially at outdoor markets but even indoors if the venue isn’t well-heater. You’ll be freezing in minutes! A cheap option is to get loads of cardboard and lay it behind your stall to stand on – just anything that provides a barrier between you and the floor. Alternatively, you could go for these options: clickable floor mats or a camping mat. The benefit of the clickable type is you can make it fit your space and they are particularly deep so help you stay warmer.
- A few trips from the car/van, taking your stock to different stalls, can soon get tiring. Think about getting a camping trolley or two – small or large. They have great reviews.
Looking for extra tips?
Good luck with your market stalls this winter! If you’d like any extra tips, we have plenty of useful info for market organisers, stallholders and market visitors/customers alike on Pedddle! To read our other blogs, click here.