4 Must-Have Market Booth Supplies
I’ve seen a lot of booths — really amazing ones, really basic ones, some that are hard to see the product, some that have too much product — the full spectrum. Some produce better sales than others. Some are more “on brand” than others. Some are downright disasters! Some are showstoppers!
So what makes up a good booth and what do you need to have to be successful?
Here are my Market Booth Must-Haves:
These linked products are from Amazon… if you purchase from one of the affiliate links below, I will receive a small compensation (at no additional cost to you).
A 10x10 tent is almost always required for any outdoor markets. This is a very standard example and comes with four sidewalls (bonus in the PNW weather!) and tent weights (which are required, so it’s nice you don’t have to purchase them separately). I can report from personal experience that this tent is one of the easiest to set up solo and it’s nice and tall inside!
This folding table was literally the best market purchase I ever made. It has an adjustable height so it can get your products up to eye-level. It also collapses all the way down flat with a handle so they’re easy to load in/out and fit nicely in vehicles.
I personally prefer stools to chairs because I’m up and down all the time and like to be up a little higher to match with my table that’s typically raised up. But you do what’s most comfortable to you! The fact that these both collapse down flat is a total bonus.
One of the best investments I ever made when I started doing markets was getting a convertible hand truck. This one is similar to the one I picked up at Home Depot, but perks are that it’s fully adjustable, for bins and boxes, but also for tall awkward things, and seriously helpful for lengthly load ins and outs at venues. Also, I live in an apartment so we use it for other things like, groceries, lol.
*I’ve since found an even better hand truck for about $120 at Costco, so that’s a great place to check as well!
Booth Design Tips + Strategies
Ok so now that you have the foundational pieces, let’s talk about making your booth YOU.
Think of the booth space as your own little storefront - what do you want people to think of when they see your booth and branding? Is your brand clean and minimal? Whimsical and colorful? Muted and natural? Think about these things when you’re choosing fixtures and accessories for your booth set up.
I like to think of building the booth in layers:
Bottom Layer - Fixtures: these are the bones of the booth like the table, any free-standing or tabletop displays, etc.
You need to make sure that the bottom layer can support and show off your product, which is the middle layer.
Example: I used to sell macrame wall hangings and plant hangers - these don’t really work on a tabletop, they have to be hung up, so finding some sort of fixture to show off how nicely everything hangs was crucial. The one pictured is from Maiben Made but there are also great options from places like Vertical Ledge for displays like this. OR, DIY one that works for you!
Middle Layer - Product: This is the most important layer.
Is it easy for your customers to access the product? Is it clear what you’re selling? Are the products displayed in a way that makes sense for what they are? Remember, you don’t have to put all your product out all at once either - make sure that each of your product types is represented, but sometimes, less is more.
Example: Sometimes people get really overwhelmed with decisions. If you have 10 of the same exact thing, consider only putting 1 or 2 out of that thing and keeping the rest in “back stock” (maybe that’s stored in a bin under your table). You’ll have to find that balance between not having enough out and having too much out. If every piece you make is unique, that’s a great reason to have all your pieces out. If you make quantities of identical items, that’s a great time to keep a small percentage of the stock you have out and refill as the day goes on - you don’t want your booth to look empty, but don’t over crowd it either.
Top Layer - Decoration: this is where you get to add those finishing touches, final details, and bring your brand to life.
If you’re using a tablecloth or any fabrics, make sure they’re on brand and coordinate with your vibe or color palette but don’t detract from the product. Are there little additions you can sprinkle in like potted plants, or flowers? Maybe a vessel for business cards, a rug to bring that homey vibe into a not-so homey event site. Think about who your customer is and what supporting elements make your brand shine. A little goes a long way, and ultimately it’s not really necessary to sell the product, but it feels more complete and cohesive with these details / decorations in place.
Example: You’re a jewelry brand that is very clean and minimal. Perhaps you bring in a neutral / textural rug, and on your table the jewelry isn’t just sitting out - it’s displayed on stone tiles so that the jewelry really shines. OR, you’re a candle maker and focus on natural, eco-friendly processes and nature-inspired scents. Add a plant or two to your table to break up the candle jar shapes and add an organic aspect to the display.
Other Tips:
If you sell things that hold stuff, put something in at least one of them (i.e. a ceramic vase - put flowers in it; Macrame plant hanger, hang a plant in it).
If you sell things that have scents, make sure people have a way to smell it.
If you sell things that do something, have a working example of it available.
Good luck on your market!
Let me know if there’s anything I’ve missed or anything that you still have questions about. I’ll be digging into a full Market Checklist on another post coming soon, so stay tuned!
-Sarah-