If you're an artist, crafter, general creative or just curious about how to start selling your art, I hope this post answers some of your questions! I sold at my first art market in 2017, but I've done markets consistently since March 2025. In about 3 months, I've researched local markets, tested products, upgraded my setup over and over, and have gotten help along the way. I hope to help others as well by sharing how I got started.
At this point, you probably have an inventory of product you're ready to sell. If you don't, get to work! (Haha) But read along to get an idea of steps to take to start selling in person.
1. Research local markets.
I started to visit Farmer's Markets over the weekends. I knew of a local one less than 10 minutes away from me and wanted to give it a shot. Usually markets have a social media page where you can find their application link. Look for affordable fees, I recommend looking at markets that charge between $20 - $35 as you're getting started. Once you feel comfortable with your profits, you'll feel more comfortable paying for higher fees. Just be aware of markets charging high fees that do little to no advertising, this will affect foot traffic and your overall sales. My tip is to look at their social media posts and see if they post about markets/how much engagement they get. I've started a long spreadsheet where I keep all my data and encourage you to do the same!
2. Table setup photos
You have a market in mind, but as you're applying you realize you need photos of your setup. But how can you have photos when you've never done a market before? Do a practice run at home! Use your desk, a folding table, don't have a folding table? Borrow one from a friend or hit your local hardware store. (I borrow my tables when I got started!) Find a cute tablecloth and display your products. Things don't have to be perfect at this point, they just need to get done. Include photos of your products alone and of your table with your products.
(This was my table setup in 2021. I used this to apply to my first market this year to show examples of my products.)
3. You're accepted! What do I bring?
The basics: a table, a tablecloth, and a chair. I started with two 3 FT tables that I borrowed from my partner's parents. It worked for me at first but as I grew, I needed more space. I also borrowed folding chairs from friends, and eventually bought my own.
If you got accepted to an outdoor market, you need a tent. Don't let not having a tent be a reason not to do a market. Ask friends, family, or your neighbor to borrow one. Reach out to your community! For my first market, a sweet artist I met at a market @carleebird let me borrow her tent. (Forever grateful with Carlee!) If you can afford a tent, go for it, but know that it's at least a $100 investment if you buy new and good quality. I recommend doing a couple of markets, knowing this is something you really want to do before investing. I also recommend buying a white tent as lots of markets are weirdly strict about that (I got a pink tent, woops)
Here's a photo of my first market as CoquiRoki in March 2025, most display things I already had at home. I made my sign out of construction paper with my cricut machine and white board. The tent, table, and chairs were borrowed.
(TIP: it's a good idea to split a table with a friend (shoutout to @givicarter) to save on costs when you're just getting started! Specially if you don't have a lot of product. I've used this photo to apply to many markets!)
4. Payment methods
Bring change, I carry about $20 in singles to each market. Have a Venmo/Cash App account setup. I also have a Square account to take card payments and use my phone as a "tap" machine so I don't have a reader.
(Note: I'm not a tax expert so you will have to do your own research on how to charge tax in your state.)
5. Invest back in your business
Let's say you made a little bit of profit, you're happy with your sales and want to do this again. Start buying more things for your setup, better displays, work on your brand, and promotional things like business cards to get people to check out your social media. I'll make a post about things I bought for my setup and where I got them from, so stay tuned!
What if your first market didn't give you results? My best advice is to not get discouraged. Every market is data. You will quickly learn what your best sellers are, what products need improvement, you'll work on your sales pitch. Every market makes you a better seller. And not every market is good and that's ok! Sometimes it's really out of your control but in my experience, I've always found something to feel grateful about in each market. So keep going!
My table setup has come a long way since I started. Remember, you don't have to do it perfect, it just needs to get done. You'll improve along the way :)
