4 Mistakes I Made During My First Year of Markets (and What I Learned)

When I first started selling at markets with Stockyard Stationery, I imagined beautifully arranged displays, steady sales, and lots of great conversations with customers. While that did happen, my first year of craft fairs and vendor markets also came with plenty of trial and error. From not researching market organizers to bringing the wrong amount of inventory, I faced a few challenges that taught me valuable lessons for future events.

If you're preparing for your first vendor market or looking to improve your craft fair setup, here are four common mistakes small business owners make—and how to avoid them for a more successful market day.

1. Not Researching Market Organizers or Location

It probably goes without saying, but it’s essential to research the market you're planning to attend as a vendor. Early on, I made the mistake of applying for a market I had never visited as a customer. The organizers had only hosted one previous event, and I had little information about the other vendors or expected foot traffic.

As market day approached, I started to get nervous when I noticed a lack of promotion or signage for the event. To make matters worse, the weather forecast predicted torrential rain. When I reached out to the organizers about a backup plan, their response was basically, "Suck it up, I can't do anything about it." While outdoor markets always come with weather risks, I expected a bit more communication and consideration for vendors who had paid a relatively high booth fee.

Sure enough, market day arrived, and it was a disaster. Rain poured off and on all day, foot traffic was almost nonexistent, and sales were dismal. While I don’t fault the organizers for the weather, the lack of marketing and poor venue choice made it clear this wasn’t the right market for my business.

Lesson Learned: Before applying to any craft fair or vendor market, visit as a customer first. Observe how well it's run, what the turnout is like, and what types of vendors participate. Look for past vendor reviews or ask other sellers about their experiences. A well-organized event with strong marketing and a loyal customer base is worth the investment.

2. Overthinking My Table Setup

While it’s important to create an inviting and professional display, I spent way too much time obsessing over my booth setup. I wanted it to be perfect. Cohesive branding, visually appealing displays, and the right balance between an aesthetically pleasing and functional layout.

The problem? I overcomplicated things. I spent too much time arranging and rearranging my setup instead of focusing on what really matters: an accessible, easy-to-navigate table where customers could clearly see my products and pricing.

Lesson Learned: Start simple. A well-organized, clutter-free booth with clear pricing is far more effective than a visually overwhelming setup. Here are some practical tips:

• Do a trial run at home using the exact table dimensions you’ll have at the market. This will save you time and stress on the actual day.
  
  
• Keep things flexible. Your first few markets are learning experiences. Adjust your layout based on what works and what doesn’t.
  
  
• Use what you have. I sourced my displays from thrift stores, the dollar store, and items I already owned. As your business grows, you can upgrade along the way.

3. Trying to Handle Custom Orders Alone on Busy Market Days

If you plan on offering custom pieces, whether it’s artwork, jewelry, or something else, you need to have an extra set of hands at your booth. I learned this lesson the hard way when I decided to personalize Christmas ornaments while also managing my table solo.

Between answering customer questions, handling transactions, and greeting potential buyers, I quickly realized I couldn’t focus on creating without feeling overwhelmed. On top of that, when you’re deep in concentration, it’s easier to miss someone walking by, or worse, someone taking advantage of a distracted vendor.

Lesson Learned: If you’re offering custom work, bring a helper.

A trusted assistant can:

• Cash out customers while you work.
  
  
• Answer questions and engage with shoppers.
  
  
• Keep an eye on the booth to deter theft.

If you can’t bring a helper, consider limiting custom orders to slower market days or taking pre-orders instead.

4. Stressing About the Right Amount of Inventory

One of my biggest concerns before my first vendor market was figuring out how much inventory to bring. How do you know what will sell? What if you bring too much or too little? Since I sell plantable stationery embedded with wildflower seeds, I can’t sit on too much inventory for too long, as the paper has an eventual expiration date.

After multiple markets, I’ve realized there’s no perfect formula for predicting what will sell. Some days, a best-selling item barely moves, while another product unexpectedly sells out.

Lesson Learned: Instead of stressing, use these strategies:

• Bring a balanced variety of products, including a mix of bestsellers and newer items.
  
  
• Research the market’s demographic. Is it a farmers market, a trendy craft fair, or a holiday event? Understanding the audience helps tailor your inventory.
  
  
• Pay attention to trends and seasons. What’s currently popular? Are there upcoming holidays or occasions that might influence buying decisions?

Tracking sales after each market will also help refine your inventory strategy over time.

Final Thoughts: Learning and Growing from Market Experiences

Selling at craft fairs and vendor markets comes with a learning curve, and mistakes are just part of the process. While my first year had its challenges, from choosing the wrong events to overthinking inventory, I gained valuable insights that have helped me improve my market day setup and strategy.

If you’re a small business owner preparing for your first vendor market, remember that research, flexibility, and preparation are key. Attend markets as a customer before applying, keep your booth setup simple yet inviting, bring a helper if you’re offering custom work, and focus on offering a well-rounded selection of inventory. Each market will teach you something new, and over time, you’ll refine your approach for a more successful and stress-free experience.

Have you made any mistakes at markets? I’d love to hear what you’ve learned. Drop a comment below and let’s share our experiences!