When is the last time you walked around a market imagining yourself as a customer? Putting yourself in the place of the shopper is an eye opening experience.
One of the first things you’ll notice is that people like to walk in the middle of the aisles. Sales sharks might bite otherwise. A vendor tucked behind their table, sitting and scrolling through their phone, or reading a book might reduce sales shark fears but it won’t help you turn a profit. Customers will be enticed by the product but it’s the experience with the vendor that makes them stay and shop.
The best sellers always stand to the side and in front of their booth. It makes it easy to talk to customers and point out key items in the display. If you are going to sit, use a high chair so you can engage at eye level. Always say hello. Dress up. Show the pride you feel in the products you are making.
Demos work well as customers shopping at markets are curious about the makers and their processes. What isn’t conducive to sales is working/making behind your table. Customer don’t like to interrupt an artist at work. So make the demo at a certain time and promote it on your social meida. And let Portobello West know, we are here to help.
Image- Randa Salloum from I See Noise beside her Portobello West booth.