Ready to commercialise your craft? The Village Markets co-founders will show you how!

Few people can say that losing their jobs was the best thing that ever happened to them. Yet such was the case for Queensland Gold Coast marketing executives Marissa Bowden and Sarah Schoeller.

The colleagues were working in a busy marketing department for a large listed company when they suddenly found themselves unemployed at the start of the financial crisis seven years ago.

“However, we both now say it’s the best thing that ever happened because we potentially wouldn’t have had that push to go ‘Okay, that door is closed, what’s next?'” Marissa remembers.

What would come next is the hugely successful The Village Markets on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

The pair share their expert tips on how to create create the perfect stall…

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Make your stall shine. Turning up with a plain marquee, a table and a couple of racks probably won’t do that for you! Be creative, think of an interesting concept or layout that will make your products stand out from the crowd.

POSITIVE VIBES ONLY

If you’re enjoying your day, this will come across to your customers, who are more likely to feel welcome if you have a smile on your face. We want people to leave feeling happy and satisfied about their morning, and hopefully wanting to come back time and again!

BE PREPARED

Have EFTPOS, which is made easier with a number of phone apps and tools now available. It’s known that stalls with EFTPOS facilities can turn over more than those without due to convenience.

GET ONLINE

Make sure you have a great online presence through all social media channels as great photos and content go a long way. We advise stallholders to utilise any additional opportunities that may present themselves.

MARKETING IS A MUST!

Get to know your customers, sign them up to a mailing list so you can keep in touch and let them know of any sales, new stock and exciting new collections.

Read their full story in Issue 13 of The Collective. 

Republished from The Collective. Written by Amy Mills.