□ Know Your Market

Before your first day, learn:

• Who shops here?

• What kinds of products are in high demand?

• How does the market promote itself?

• What sets your market apart?

Understanding your market strengthens your connection to customers from day one.

 

□ Understand Market Rules & Expectations

Review:

• Vendor guidelines

• Pricing policies

• Attendance requirements

• Booth setup timelines

• Food safety requirements

Strong compliance → strong trust → strong sales.

□ Create an Inviting Display

Your booth is your storefront. Aim for:

• Clean, organized layout

• Clear signage

• Vertical displays for visibility

• Attractive arrangement of produce or products

• Table coverings in consistent brand colors

Good presentation builds a visual link between your brand and customer trust.

 

□ Use Clear Signage

Include:

• Product names

• Prices

• Ingredients (if applicable)

• Your farm or business name

• Payment methods accepted

Signage removes barriers and encourages customer engagement.

​

□ Maintain Professional Appearance

• Wear clean, recognizable clothing (logo shirt, apron, etc.)

• Keep your space tidy

• Bring extra bags & packaging

Professionalism builds credibility—and repeat customers.

□ Offer Consistent, High-Quality Products

• Fresh, clean, and visually appealing produce

• Well-packaged baked or prepared foods

• Artisans: display craftsmanship clearly

Consistency strengthens your brand link with customers.

 

□ Price Fairly & Confidently

Tips:

• Research fellow vendors

• Understand your labor + material + time costs

• Avoid underpricing—value your work

• Use rounded or simple pricing for faster sales

Customers respect fair, confident pricing.

□ Greeting & Interaction

A warm greeting can double your sales. Try:

• “Good morning! Let me know if you have any questions.”

• Share product stories (“These carrots were picked at 6am today.”)

Good engagement creates emotional links that build loyalty.

 

□ Sampling

If permitted:

• Offer small, clean samples

• Keep tongs or toothpicks available

• Clearly label allergen information

Sampling creates instant interest and boosts purchasing decisions.

 

□ Build Relationships

• Remember regular customers

• Ask how they enjoyed last week’s purchase

• Share recipe ideas or use suggestions

People return where they feel connected.

□ Essential Supplies Checklist

Bring:

• Change/cash box

• Mobile payment system

• Bags, containers, produce baskets

• Pens, markers, price tags

• Table weights

• Tent (if required)

• Trash bags

• Cleaning wipes

A well-prepared vendor is a successful vendor.

 

□ Weather Preparedness

• Weights for windy days

• Canopy or shade

• Coolers and ice

• Waterproof bins

• Seasonal considerations (sun protection, heaters)

Preparedness shows professionalism and resilience.

□ Build a Recognizable Vendor Brand

Consider:

• A simple logo

• Consistent booth colors

• A catchy farm/business name

• Branded packaging

Brand recognition builds long-term customer links.

 

□ Promote Yourself Online

• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)

• Share market-day photos

• Announce specials or new products

• Tag the market to expand reach

A small online presence goes a long way.

 

□ Use the Market’s Marketing Resources

Take advantage of:

• Market website listings

• Vendor spotlights

• Email newsletter features

• Community event participation

The stronger your visibility, the stronger your customer links.

□ Track Your Sales

Keep records of:

• Weekly revenue

• Best-selling products

• Customer feedback

• Inventory levels

Tracking builds insight for better decisions.

 

□ Expand Thoughtfully

Consider:

• Adding new products

• Offering CSA boxes

• Partnering with nearby vendors

• Accepting SNAP/EBT

Growth happens one strong link at a time.

□ Be an Active Contributor

• Assist with market activities

• Participate in themed events

• Collaborate with other vendors

• Support market initiatives

Strong vendor participation strengthens the entire market chain.