Tips For Setting Up Your First Farmers Market Booth
Trying to earn extra cash with your garden is an excellent way to pad your income, especially if you love gardening and yours is productive. Farmers markets are one way you can do this. Whether you sell produce, seedlings, cut flowers, or things handcrafted from your garden's bounty, you need to consider how best to transport your wares and arrange your booth. The following can help.
Consider your layout
If you plan to sell at more than one market, then layout can be tricky since your booth size and orientation may not always be the same. You will need a modular way to display your wares. This can be achieved with smaller tables that can be joined to create a long table or left separate for when you need an L-shape for a corner booth or want a walk-in style for a larger booth. On the other hand, if you know your booth size and location is fixed, you can purchase or build tables that specifically fit that space.
Look for double-duty items
Set-up can be a pain, especially in the rush before a market during a hot summer day. Overcome this by choosing double duty items. For example, paint your booth sign directly onto your tablecloth skirts or permanently attach it to your canopy edge. You can even consider skipping tables. Instead, transport your items in stackable storage bins using pallet jacks, then arrange the bins into tables and cover them with a tablecloth. If you opt for industrial food grade storage bins, you know your items are protected so that they arrive to the market in top condition.
Keep it organized
The final key is to keep it organized. Label all of your transport bins with the contents. Place the label on each side of the bin so you can quickly find things no matter how the bins are stacked at your booth. If you need further organization, consider using some rolling carts. You can have these behind your tables, out of sight of the customers. Label each drawer of the cart so you can quickly sort through to find items you need to restock. This works especially well with small loose vegetables, like berries or mushrooms, as well as with smaller handicrafted items or seed packets.
The right tools can help ensure your farmer's market is a success. Don't be afraid to look beyond regular stores and shop industrial or commercial suppliers.
