Our Top 5 Tips to Organise a Successful Market / Event!

By Tom k. / 10mins reading / Events

There are a few things to consider for market/event organisers before they dive into creating an experience for people.

It’s fair to say people love markets for many reasons, whether it be to meet up with people, make impromptu discoveries, support local businesses, or find unexpected sensory delights… These are all factors that lead to a great experience, drawing people back, again and again, to their favourite market. But these qualities of spontaneity and sociability don't just happen; a great market must be carefully planned…

So let’s dive into understanding what makes a great market, but make sure you have the right gear with you!

Much can be learnt from having the right tools when doing things. Swimming, for example, can sometimes be much more enjoyable when you have the right swimsuit, goggles, or even flippers to get from point A to point B faster! Similarly, for markets, having a good organisation structure, starting from the platform used to receive Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and ending with having a clear vision of the type of market they want to host, can often make running the event more enjoyable, less of a burden and can reduce financial costs of running administrative tasks.

Let’s avoid making the first big mistake and let loose the canvas for smooth sailing.

1. Avoid the cyclone

Planning forms a considerable part of market and event organisation. As mentioned previously, having access to the right tools before starting the journey is essential. These tools help complete administrative tasks like keeping track of the right applicants, securing payments and easily handling automated emails. Drawing on experience, tools like Google Forms, Jotform, Stall Manager, and existing directories are current solutions that provide organisers with the basic requirements needed to run events. However, there are additional tools that need to be considered by market and event organisers to ensure that their markets run successfully.

Having tools to keep track of EOIs can be less time consuming, increasing operational efficiency. Additionally, team collaboration, email automation and a payment portal are considered crucial elements for a better experience for all parties involved. If you use these additional tools, they often help avoid the storm!

2. It's not just a question of catching the fish but also of releasing it if necessary

Sometimes having too many applicants to choose from can become challenging. It’s important to note that additional research after receiving an application is necessary to ensure the retailer meets the market’s quality standards and the merchandise is relatable to the targeted audience.

Here are some examples of things to look for when going through EOIs.

1. Merchandising — The presentation of the product must be informative and distinctive.
2. Innovation — New ideas keep customers coming back.
3. Competitiveness — Customers tend to choose a brand that stands out and has competitive rates.
4. Locality — Customers feel connected with locally sourced brands.
5. Attractiveness — Displays that are simple, engaging, and artistic.
6. Service — Good service makes people happy.

3. Finding the right area to fish in

Discover multiple opportunities to activate available places by contacting a local council. These initiatives help with finding the right location, provides a possibility of generating additional funding, access to volunteers and helps create buzz for your market or event.

Considerations about the following should be kept in mind when locking in a location.

1. Accessibility — Making it easy for stallholders and the general public to access.
2. Space — The area should be easy to navigate.
3. Parking — Sufficient parking spots should be available.
4. Nearby amenities — Basic amenities must be close by for the general public.
5. Confluence — Seek regularly visited places.
6. Scale — The size should feel appropriate for the place.

4. Variety is always better

Rarely will people want to visit a market where vendors all sell the same products. Therefore, it is important to increase the retail mix within an event. Having systems in place to search and filter through EOIs, makes the stallholder selection process much more efficient.

However, while selecting stallholders for set market, considerations such as the ones listed below, would help with creating the final list attending the market.

1. Owner-operated — Customers like dealing with the owner of the brand.
2. Internal competition — Competition between vendors builds quality, variety, and keeps prices reasonable.
3. Choice and Selection — Comparison is important and helps with final purchasing decisions.
4. Multiple price scales and quality levels — Serves to suit multiple tastes and incomes.
5. Passionate vendors — Contributes to the overall experience.
6. Balance — Have stallholders that suit all ages, genders, etc.

5. Understand the purpose of the trip

It is important for organisers to understand the type of event they want to host. This becomes the glue that sticks all the other parts of the market together. Having a clear mission helps with choosing the location, stallholders and the audience wanting to be targeted.

1. Intent — Clear descriptions help attract people.
2. Creates opportunities — Markets and events are a great way to get local businesses to sell their products.
3. Promotes socialisation — Invites a place for likeminded individuals to attend.