It’s fair to agree that Christmas markets are the heart of the festive season. Just imagine it: mulled wine, twinkling lights, and people eagerly searching for the perfect gift (even if it’s for themselves). It’s also the ideal place for artisans to show off what they’ve been working on.
After all, there’s nothing like a locally made, handcrafted product to make a Christmas gift extra special. But let’s be honest: no mass-produced product can compare to something made with care and creativity. People are getting more and more fed up with all the generic stuff anyway.
Honestly, this is one of the best ways to engage with the community and finally get outside also your online sales; Human interaction with handcrafted goods is so important, so special and actually leaves a lasting impression. So if you’re visiting a Christmas market for the first time, here’s what you should keep in mind to make the day a success.
Create a stand that attracts people
So artisans who regularly sell at Christmas markets, the same ones every year, know full well that they have to prepare in the summer months. Sometimes even earlier. So you really need to understand that the stall at a Christmas market is more than just a place to sell — it’s the first impression.
Now that so many others are displaying their wares, it is important that the stand is not only eye-catching but also inviting. It is so important to understand that a stand should reflect the atmosphere of the brand and products while adding a magical Christmas touch. So basically it has to feel magical, sweet and aesthetically pleasing, something that draws people in! Think about it: are the products best presented with a rustic, cozy atmosphere? Maybe wooden boxes, soft lighting and a few pine cones will bring the whole thing together. That’s an example, but it sounds sweet and magical, right?
But you shouldn’t forget how the products are arranged either. Therefore, you need to make sure they are easy to browse and beautifully presented. Overall, it’s about attracting people. You can have beautiful products that you handcraft, but people won’t come to your booth if it isn’t decorative like all the other booths.
Regulate prices and payments
When it comes to pricing, it can be a difficult balance. So, you have to keep in mind that buyers at Christmas markets will have to pay a little more for handmade goods, but it is important to find the right price — not too high and not too low.
Chances are good that you already know the basics, such as: E.g., covering the cost of materials, taking into account the time spent making each item, etc. But another thing you need to think about is how much you have to spend to “rent” that stand (location), but you will have to do it Rent a physical booth to.
Some of these markets require rental for the entire duration of the Christmas market, while others only allow rental for a weekend or even just an evening. So what can you afford? You will also need to mark your items slightly as you will also need to have them for the stand.
That’s not the only thing either! Don’t forget the payment options either. While cash still plays the main role in the markets, nowadays more and more people prefer to pay by card. Investing in a card reader means customers won’t be left empty-handed just because they’ve run out of cash. The ability to accept payments quickly and easily ensures smooth sales.
Is your company insured?
In principle, all craft businesses must be insured. Even if you do most of your work from home, you still need to be insured! Although preparing a Christmas market is exciting, it is also important to think about the practical aspects. It’s unfortunate but yes, accidents can happen and your stand can also get damaged.
But sites like protection.com Offer insurance tailored to small craft businesses like you. Even though it’s never really fun to deal with legal matters, it’s still important to think about it. Basically it means you have less stress, enjoy what you do and simply make more sales. This is what you need, and yes, you owe it to yourself!
Talking to customers is the magic ingredient
Why do people prefer to shop at a market rather than online? Well, it’s the experience! It’s these interactions, just being on the go — that makes it so special! So you have to be part of creating an experience. Customers love hearing the story behind the products. Why did you create them? What makes them special? Sharing this type of information can really build a connection. Plus, friendly chat can make the difference between someone browsing and someone making a purchase.
But here’s the trick: balance is everything. While it’s great to be approachable and chatty, no one likes a stallholder who is hounding them or pressuring them to buy. It also leaves people feeling very uneasy. So make sure you give customers space to browse at their leisure and engage when it suits them. It’s about creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Keep your supplies stocked
Yes, people need gifts for the holiday season, so you need to stock up (pun intended). Now, no one wants to run out of supplies in the middle of a busy market day, so it’s better to bring too much than too little. Ideally, you need to estimate the potential turnout and make sure you have a variety of items in different price ranges. So there is something for every budget.
But of course, if you run out of the item, you can always let someone know on your website or social media to keep an eye out when the item comes back in stock (i.e. when you make it again).
You need festive promotions
Of course it’s Christmas, which means people are in the mood to shop — but a little extra incentive never hurts. You’re competing with so many other companies, so you really have to try to do what you can to succeed and get noticed! Ideally, this means that offering special offers such as bundled gift sets or festive promotions can attract people. Additionally, gift wrapping could be the icing on the cake for customers who are looking for convenience along with a unique gift.
