1) The early bird catches the worm. Get there early, get set up and be prepared.
2) Get the best pitch. As crazy as this may sounds, always pitch near the toilet or the cafe, people generally visit both on a market, if you're near them you'll get the footfall. If you are casual then get the best pitch you can and then you can always work your way up, respect that some traders will have been there for years.
3) Setting up to sell. Always judge your pitch from 25ft away, not stood at it. If it doesn't look right from afar, people won't feel invited to have a look around.
4) There is no such thing as bad weather, it's just not dressing for bad weather. Wrap up and always have waterproofs at the ready. A comfy trader is a happy trader. Don't forget about the good weather either, sunhat and sun screen are a must, people forget that the English sun is the same as the Spanish sun.
5) Float. Never overlook the importance of having a healthy float at the start of the day, if you start running around looking for change, you will lose sales.
6) Things to remember: Bungee cords (You will see what I mean once you start trading), Bags (For customers to take away from the stall), Cash Till/Box/Pouch (You'll always need somewhere to keep your money).
7) Get your pricing right. People go to a market for a bargain, make sure you have everything priced clearly. I personally like a deal when I'm on a market, on the flip side I never walk away from a sale.
8) Sales. If you are selling something and you believe in it, you will sell it - trust me and remember to smile, smiles make sales. Simple!
9) Connect, talk to people - tales make sales, find common ground and relate to people. If people want a robot, they will go to a supermarket.
10) Network. Talk to other traders. Introduce yourself, give/receive "traders" discount, discuss other markets and learn from one another. Remember it is not what you do it's how you do it, and if you do it right you will get results.
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