Advice every new vendor deserves to hear

Your first market is exciting, nerve-wracking, inspiring, and exhausting all at once. Most makers spend weeks preparing products, planning displays, and wondering whether anyone will actually stop at their booth.

The truth is, every experienced vendor remembers their first market — and almost all of them learned things they wish they had known beforehand.

If you’re preparing for your very first market, here are a few things that might help make the experience a little easier, less stressful, and a lot more enjoyable.

Every maker experiences it at some point, the creative rut. You sit down to work on your craft and suddenly the ideas just aren’t flowing the way they normally do. The inspiration that once felt effortless can feel frustratingly out of reach.

The good news? Creative ruts are completely normal, and sometimes they’re even a sign that you’re ready for a new level of growth in your craft.

If you’re feeling stuck, here are 10 simple ways to spark creativity and get inspired again!

At handmade markets, one of the most common questions shoppers quietly wonder is: Why does this cost more than something I can buy online or at a big-box store? It’s a fair question and one worth answering.

The truth is, handmade products reflect far more than the final item you take home. They represent time, skill, creativity, and care. Here’s why handmade often costs more and why it’s truly worth the investment.

For many makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, a business begins as a simple hobby, something done in spare time, fueled by passion rather than profit. But there often comes a moment when the question arises: Could this be more?

Turning a hobby into a business is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming. At Handpicked for the Holidays, we work with many vendors who have taken this leap, and while every journey looks different, there are some common tips and resources that can help make the transition smoother.

Ever wonder how vendors are selected to be in a market or craft fair? We’ve asked around and found out just what market organizers are looking for when it comes to choosing who is going to be a part of their market!

1. photos

Not everyone can afford a professional photographer, we get it! However, with iphone filters and programs like canva, adobe and more there’s no excuse not to have a decent photo of your products. Check out some tips and tricks here. Your photo’s should be focused on your products with a simple background so it’s clear what you are selling. If you sell jewelry, accessories or clothing, submit pictures of models wearing them to give an accurate idea of how they fit!

2. online presence

Make sure that you are posting regularly on social media platforms. And with that in mind, make sure you have a separate account for your handmade business that is not for your personal use. We don’t want to see pictures of your breakfast every morning unless you made the plate it’s sitting on. Market organizers will often look at your last post and if it was from a year ago, you application will most likely stop there. 

3. showcase your difference

You are most likely not the only one that does your craft. Market organizers get multiple applications for soap, jewelry, candles, cookies etc. It’s important to show case what makes you different from other vendors in your category. Do you source local ingredients or supplies? Do you give back to a charity or non profit? Do you make your own vessels that you pour your candles into? Share your story that makes you unique, it will make you stand out compared to a competing vendor!

4. booth set up

You may wonder why we ask for a photo of your booth or table display. We want not only your products to fit into our market but the way you display them as well! We’re looking for height, volume and consistency. If you show us a photo of a bunch of products just laid on a table, we will pass you right by. Your table set up is a way to show your brand, we want to see it set up like a mini store display. Add some height with crates or shelves, keep your colors consistent and on brand. You can check out our pinterest board for more ideas.

5. be professional and respectful

If we see negative comments written by you online about other markets and other vendors, it’s a no for us! We’re building a community of respect and positivity for one another and the efforts and passion that we all have for our small businesses. 

6. don’t give up

If you didn’t get into our market the first time that doesn’t mean that we didn’t like you or your products. Please don’t take it personally, It’s a competitive market out there and organizers get flooded with applications. We encourage you to try again for the next market!