Market days are some of our favorite days! There’s nothing like connecting with your customers in person, sharing your products, and watching your small business shine in real life. Whether it’s your first market or your tenth, having the right essentials can make the experience smooth and stress-free. Here are our go-to market day must-haves for product-based businesses—especially if you’re selling jewelry like we do at The Dainty Forces.
A sturdy, portable table is the foundation of your booth setup. We love using simple folding tables that are easy to transport and set up. Pair them with clean, neutral-colored tablecloths to create a cohesive, professional look. We use these in a tan color for our market setup — you can check them out here, and scroll to the bottom of our blog to see how they look in our booth.
If your market is outdoors, a tent is non-negotiable. It keeps you shaded, protects your products, and helps define your space. Make sure to bring heavy-duty weights for each tent leg—markets often require them for safety, and they’ll keep your tent from flying away in the wind.
Your booth should be easy to spot! A clear sign with your business name and logo instantly tells shoppers who you are. Small signs or price tags for your products also make shopping easy and approachable. Think of signage as a silent helper—it answers questions without you needing to. We actually created our own sign using our Cricut and this drop cloth —it’s such a budget-friendly way to make something unique that really fits your brand vibe!
Markets are all about connection, so always have business cards or postcards handy! We love using Zazzle for ours because they often run 40% off sales on business cards—saving a little here and there really adds up as a small business owner. Not everyone will buy on the spot, but giving them a card or flyer keeps your business top of mind for later. I can’t tell you how many times someone has grabbed a card, shopped online later, and turned into a loyal customer! Bonus points if you add a QR code to make it easy for shoppers to find your website or social media.
5. Card Reader & Payment Options
Most shoppers prefer to pay with cards, so a mobile card reader is a must. We currently use the Shopify Reader because it connects directly to our online shop and automatically tracks all our sales—which is a lifesaver for keeping everything organized for taxes! Before we switched to Shopify, we loved using our Square Reader, and it’s still a great option if you’re just starting out. Offering digital payments like Apple Pay or contactless tap can also make checkout super easy and even boost your sales.
If you’re selling jewelry, bring plenty of small items to secure your display (this was a tough lesson for us to learn & there was a lot of trial and error). Rubber bands are our secret weapon! They’re perfect for holding necklace cards, tying down stands, or keeping pieces in place on windy days. A few extra clips or ties never hurt either.
When it comes to markets, less is more. Keep your setup simple so your products shine. A few stands, trays, or risers can help create height and visual interest without overwhelming your table. Clean, minimal setups are not only beautiful but also easier to manage.
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A small toolkit or tape for last-minute fixes
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A portable mirror if your products are wearable
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A comfy chair for slow moments
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Snacks and water—you’ll thank yourself later!
Over the years, we’ve learned that the simpler your market setup, the better your experience will be. It’s easier to set up, easier to shop, and easier to pack down at the end of the day. Focus on the essentials, keep your display inviting, and enjoy connecting with your community.
