How I Prep for a Big Market Day: Tools, Displays & Surprises
☀️ How I Prep for a Big Market Day: Tools, Displays & Surprises
Outdoor market season = pure chaos, mild sunburn, and LOTS of joy.
As someone who’s done my fair share of summer art fairs, street markets, and vendor events (shoutout to Chicago wind tunnels), I’ve learned how to mostly prepare for the delightful chaos that is a big market day.
Whether you’re a fellow maker or just curious what goes on before I roll up with a cart full of earrings and suncatchers, here’s how I prep.
🛠️ 1. My Market Toolkit
Over time, I’ve built up my “I will NOT be caught without this again” vendor kit. Here’s what I pack every. single. time:
Essentials:
- Tent walls + ratchet tie downs (aka my holy trinity)
- Folding table(s) + folding bench + fitted tablecloths
- Display boards
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Brand Signage, including:
- Table runner banner (good for outdoor & indoor markets & requires no hanging)
- Tent banner - I recommend Milweb1
- Weights for EVERYTHING (thanks, wind)
- Portable cart with big wheels for curb-to-booth hauls
- Tall Director’s Chair that doesn’t make my back scream
- Card reader, barcode scanner, cash box for sales/payment processing
Survival Stuff:
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Rain poncho, Extra layers (weather whiplash is real)
- Snacks
- Insulated Water bottle and water jug (for hot summer days)
- Cooler or cooler backpack
- Phone charger, charging cables, power banks or portable generator
- Lights for late night markets
- Tape, scissors, business cards
- Bags for customer purchases
- Small label machine (for pricing & barcoding items)
- Roll of toilet paper or toilet wipes
- Deodorant (to refresh - especially in summer heat)
- A buddy system or vendor neighbor bestie when possible
🎨 2. Product Display That’s Fun And Functional
I’m big on creating a booth that’s not only eye-catching but easy to restock and interact with. Some of my go-to display pieces:
- Easy to break down/pack wooden product displays - Check out ArchTheoryDisplays or ENMCrafts
- Locking S-hooks and awning clips to hang suncatchers from tent (rainbow sparkle at every level!)
- Mirror for trying on earrings (bonus: people LOVE selfies)
- QR code signage for easy digital shopping
Pro tip: Always bring a roll of Velcro dots, museum putty or binder clips—because gravity and sidewalk cracks are out to sabotage your vibe.
✨ 3. Products I Focus On
For outdoor summer markets, I bring a mix of:
- Colorful dangle earrings that catch the sun (and attention)
- Suncatchers (of course!)—huge hit with apartment dwellers
- Small giftable items: keychains, studs, magnets, bookmarks, and hair clips
- Impulse buys under $25—perfect for casual browsers
I also organize my inventory in clear, waterproof, stackable, locking bins that work with my Bauer mobile toolbox for easy transporting and so I can actually find things mid-day without a meltdown.
🎉 4. The Unexpected Surprises
No matter how much I plan, something always goes sideways. (It’s part of the fun?? Maybe?)
Things I’ve encountered:
- Sudden storm or strong winds + mad dash to tarp the whole booth
- A curious child grabbing every sparkle within reach
- Selling out of my most random product by 11am
- Realizing my card reader was dead (thank you, emergency charger)
The key: prepare like a Virgo, pivot like a chaos gremlin.
💖 5. Why I Keep Doing It (Even When I’m Tired)
Markets are where I get to see you. The people who stop, smile, ask questions, buy gifts for friends, or tell me how their earrings make them feel bold and weird in the best way.
It’s hot and hard and sometimes overwhelming—but it’s also electric, affirming, and wildly fun.
🛍️ Come Say Hi!
If you’re in the Chicago area this summer, come find me at one of my upcoming markets!
And if you’re not local—no worries! You can still shop online and be part of the colorful chaos from wherever you are: