From flea markets to farmers' markets, outdoor markets are all the rage throughout the world at the moment. Largely thanks to the increase in public discussions about the need to recycle, upcycle and eat organic food, the markets have sprung up in areas with active, green-thinking citizens.
While flea markets are known for bargains, farmers' markets are known to be quite expensive as the food is often organic, gets deemed "exclusive" and a luxury. Nonetheless, the initiative should be welcomed. The more markets spring up, the more likely prices are to decrease. A bit of healthy competition never did any harm.
If you're not yet fortunate enough to live in an area where the local square, high street or park comes alive over weekends, why not organise your very own market? It takes a while but is well worth it.
What Type of Outdoor Market?
Flea markets and farmers' markets are just some of the types of market you could be organising. You could set up an arts and crafts market, a continental food market, a vintage fair or all sorts of other options.
So it's important to know from the start exactly what you're working on, and the audience you're targeting. Think about whether people in your local area will want to attend such an event, purchase the goods on sale, and whether you'll be able to source enough traders.
Who's Going to Sell?
Chances are as a first-time market organiser, you won't be able to get more than local producers to set up stalls. Start talking to them early on in the organising process so you've established a trusting relationship well in advance of market day, and don't risk traders not showing up.
If your first market is a success, you can start talking to suppliers from further afield.
Permits
There are legalities you need to sort out before being able to set up a market in a public place. Regulations will be different in each place so it's best to set up an appointment with a local council adviser, present your idea and ask the preprepared questions you no doubt have lined up.
Health and safety standards will need to be complied with so you might have to attend a course or two.
Location and Facilities
So you've got your concept all thought out. Where are you going to hold your market? Is there somewhere in the local vicinity that could fit a fair few stalls in and still have enough space for a crowd? This is also something your council adviser could help you with.
You'll need to think about hiring equipment such as stalls and possibly even portable rest rooms. Portable generator hire is a must for anyone hosting a food market as your suppliers need to be able to power their refrigerators or food preparation devices. Others might need electricity to power tills and lighting so find out their requirements in advance.
Don't forget the small but significant touch that is decorations. Think about strewing flowers or paper chains among the stalls.
Publicity
To spread the word without having to spend a lot of money, use the power of social media. Posters and flyers also work well, and don't cost the earth. Ask about distributing them at local shops, newsagents and community centres. You could also target local media and try to get some interviews set up.
While flea markets are known for bargains, farmers' markets are known to be quite expensive as the food is often organic, gets deemed "exclusive" and a luxury. Nonetheless, the initiative should be welcomed. The more markets spring up, the more likely prices are to decrease. A bit of healthy competition never did any harm.
If you're not yet fortunate enough to live in an area where the local square, high street or park comes alive over weekends, why not organise your very own market? It takes a while but is well worth it.
What Type of Outdoor Market?
Flea markets and farmers' markets are just some of the types of market you could be organising. You could set up an arts and crafts market, a continental food market, a vintage fair or all sorts of other options.
So it's important to know from the start exactly what you're working on, and the audience you're targeting. Think about whether people in your local area will want to attend such an event, purchase the goods on sale, and whether you'll be able to source enough traders.
Who's Going to Sell?
Chances are as a first-time market organiser, you won't be able to get more than local producers to set up stalls. Start talking to them early on in the organising process so you've established a trusting relationship well in advance of market day, and don't risk traders not showing up.
If your first market is a success, you can start talking to suppliers from further afield.
Permits
There are legalities you need to sort out before being able to set up a market in a public place. Regulations will be different in each place so it's best to set up an appointment with a local council adviser, present your idea and ask the preprepared questions you no doubt have lined up.
Health and safety standards will need to be complied with so you might have to attend a course or two.
Location and Facilities
So you've got your concept all thought out. Where are you going to hold your market? Is there somewhere in the local vicinity that could fit a fair few stalls in and still have enough space for a crowd? This is also something your council adviser could help you with.
You'll need to think about hiring equipment such as stalls and possibly even portable rest rooms. Portable generator hire is a must for anyone hosting a food market as your suppliers need to be able to power their refrigerators or food preparation devices. Others might need electricity to power tills and lighting so find out their requirements in advance.
Don't forget the small but significant touch that is decorations. Think about strewing flowers or paper chains among the stalls.
Publicity
To spread the word without having to spend a lot of money, use the power of social media. Posters and flyers also work well, and don't cost the earth. Ask about distributing them at local shops, newsagents and community centres. You could also target local media and try to get some interviews set up.
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