5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Doing Vendor Markets

Thinking of participating in your first vendor market? This is your sign to do it.

I've had Tassel Bermuda for years, setting up tables, chasing earrings in the wind, learning what works and figuring things out as I go. And while every market I’ve been to teaches me something new, there are a few things I wish someone would have told me before I got started.

So if you’re on the fence about doing Harbour Nights, or a pop up, or any local market, here’s five things I learned the hard way.

1.   Offer Electronic Payment Options

This was a game changer for my business.

Customers tend to shop differently when they can pay electronically. Instead of thinking, “Which one can I afford with the cash I have?” they start to think, “You know what? "I'll have both.

Not everyone has cash on them these days and you don't want to lose a sale because someone doesn't have the right way to pay you. Whatever it is  a card reader, a payment link, a QR code or something else, giving your customers a simple way to pay can make a big difference to your sales.

The easier you make it for people to buy, the more likely they will be to buy.

2. Don't Wait Until Everything Looks Perfect

One of the biggest mistakes I see new vendors make is waiting.

Waiting for the perfect banner.
Waiting for the perfect display.
Waiting for the perfect tent.

Start anyway.

Some of the beautiful booths you see today didn't start that way. Most business owners built their setups over time. Your first market is meant to help generate income so you can invest in those upgrades later.

Done is better than perfect.

3. Give Yourself Permission to Make Mistakes

Every market teaches you something.

I still leave events with a list of things I'd do differently next time. At my most recent market, I realized I needed a better way to keep my earrings secure during windy conditions.

Mistakes aren't failures—they're feedback.

Instead of being frustrated, ask yourself: "What did this experience teach me?" Then use that lesson to improve your next setup.

4. Use Markets as Your Personal Focus Group

One of the best things about vendor markets is the instant customer feedback.

Pay attention to what people pick up.
Notice which products get compliments.
Listen to the questions customers ask.

Some of my best product ideas and improvements have come directly from conversations at markets. Your customers will tell you exactly what they love—you just have to listen.

5. Just Start

Seriously.

You will never feel 100% ready.

The confidence comes after you've done the market, not before. Every successful vendor you admire had a first market, a first setup, and a first sale.

Take the leap.

Your first market may not be perfect, but it could be the beginning of something amazing.

Final Thoughts

Vendor markets have helped me grow Tassel Bermuda in ways I never expected. They've allowed me to connect with customers, test new products, build confidence, and create opportunities that simply wouldn't have happened if I had stayed home waiting until everything was perfect.

So if you've been thinking about signing up for that market, consider this your little push.

Pack your products, show up, and see what happens.