Not every market is the right market for every maker. A great weekend for a candle maker can be a wasted one for a furniture builder, and the difference is usually knowable in advance.
Know your customer before you pick a venue
Farmers markets bring weekly regulars with grocery budgets; holiday fairs bring gift buyers with bigger budgets and less time; art walks bring browsers who may buy later online.
Do the math on fees
Booth fee, travel, lodging, time away from production. Divide by your average sale to see how many sales you need to break even. A cheap booth at a market with no buyers is the most expensive booth you will rent.
Visit before you apply
Walk the market as a customer. Count foot traffic, watch what people carry away, talk to vendors about their day.
Match the market to your display
Outdoor markets need weight, weather cover and sun protection. Indoor shows reward vertical displays and lighting.
Build a circuit, not a scatter
Three good markets you return to every season will teach you more and earn you more than ten you try once.
Boston Made Foundation publishes original guides on community participation, volunteering, local makers and responsible giving. The Foundation is a community initiative of Boston Made, Inc., a private company, and does not claim 501(c)(3) status.
