I attended my first outdoor market towards the middle of September, and it was awesome. Though I’m pretty introverted, I really enjoy connecting with people at these events! Even if I need a few days of silence to re-centre afterwards. 🤣

Additionally, I’m thankful to more experienced vendors for sharing their wisdom. As a rookie, there’s still A LOT I don’t know—a fact that stood out at this last market. But, as always, I’ve learned a few things, and I want to share them with you today!

Here are some outdoor market essentials you can’t do without.

Sun Shelter

Though most markets don’t require these items, I’d recommend a gazebo, canopy, or other overhead sun cover. At the very least, you’ll need a hat!

That said, an emerging marketeer might not have access to a gazebo, or they might not have spare cash available to purchase one. Even if they do, what if they don’t like the market scene and never use the thing again?

Thankfully, there’s always the option to loan or rent a sun shelter. Our friends graciously lent us their gazebo, and it was a lifesaver. You’d be surprised at how quickly the elements can hurl challenges your way!

Weights

If you’re using a sun shelter, you must use weights. Some organisers also allow anchors, though they can present tripping hazards, so it would be best to check the requirements before the event.

I wasn’t aware of this rule, and we set up the gazebo weight-free. Thankfully, a market alum informed us of this faux pas, and we were able to pick up weights before we caused any trouble.

A set of four gazebo weights will knock you back anywhere from $20 upwards, but you could also make your own weights for much cheaper. Sandbags are a good budget option, or this video tutorial by Brew Mill Candle Company show you how to DIY concrete weights. Keep in mind that each weight should weigh around 20 lbs/9.5 kg, and you’ll need one for each tent leg.

But why is this so important?

Unsecured sun shelters could result in fines for the vendor and event organisers. That means the organisers won’t be as likely to host said vendor at future markets.

But if the wind blows over a sun shelter and someone is hurt, the vendor could be sued for injury. They could also be held accountable for their fellow vendors’ damages or losses. For instance, the entire market might be shut down, which means all the other vendors lose a day’s income.

As a side note, liability insurance. Some event organisers don’t allow vendors to partake without it.

Anchors for Products

As a new marketeer, I’m building a beautiful yet functional display collection as I have the funds. In the meantime, I arrange many of my products flat-lay-style. Polymer clay products are super lightweight, which means they make fantastic accessory pieces. It also means the slightest breeze can wreak havoc on a carefully planned display. 🤣

It might not be functional to tape each product to the table, but we can secure display boxes, signs, etc with:

• Double-sided Tape
• Magnets
• Clips
• Clamps
• Needle and Thread

I use faux succulents in pebble-filled jars as part of my decorations, and they also serve as weights for runners or shawls adorning my table. Incorporating functional decorations is always a win!

Stretchy Table Covering

I mentioned this one in my last market-related post (Inexpensive Market Displays), but it’s a great addition to this list.

A pair of spandex table coverings costs around $40 but is a solid investment. No edges flapping in the wind, products can’t shift due to little hands tugging on the corners, and there’s no need for additional clips securing the fabric to the table. Plus, they’re easy to clean, don’t show creases, and fit different table sizes!

Miscellaneous

Cleaning Supplies

I always include a microfibre cloth in my market kit, but it was especially important for the outdoor market. Dust settles fast! Being able to wipe my Square device and the mirror clients used to view my products was a big help.

Wet wipes are another must. Though I didn’t have them in my kit, I always have a wipe or two in my handbag—a trick I picked up when Kayla was a toddler. The wipes came in handy in wiping the dust off my skin.

Next time, I plan to bring paper towels. Quite a few passers-by needed to clean their kids’ hands or wipe their faces, and I ran out of options to offer them. There’s always food involved at these events, and if I can help keep grease off products, that’s a win.

Sealable Storage

I store my extra stock in containers behind the table and add to the display as needed. Unfortunately, I’ve been working out of paper boxes, and the dust crept into my back stock. So, after two days of thoroughly cleaning all of my products and display cards, I invested in clear plastic storage boxes with dust-proof clasps.

Now, my stock will always be clean and dry, and the stackable containers are easier to transport.

Sunscreen

Including sunscreen might seem obvious, but it’s an item I wish I hadn’t forgotten. 🤣 While the gazebo protected my top half from the sun, my poor calves caught rays all day. If you’re going to be outside, remeber your sunscreen, kids!

Do you have outdoor market musts? Let’s talk about them in the comments!

Until next time.

Yolandie