We're about to hit market season! Markets can be such a powerful way to grow your customer base, test new products, and connect with your community in real time. But to really make the most of the experience (and the effort), it’s not just about showing up. It’s about showing up smart.

Here are three things to keep in mind if you want to maximize your market day like a pro:

👋🏼1. Talk to Everyone—Even the Browsers

I walk by SO many booths and people ignore me.  I don't want to be hounded but I'd like to be acknowledged as a human sharing space.

You can just say "Hi!  Let me know if you need help with anything!" and let  them be, or give them a one sentence summary on your company.  Some people don't want to talk to you, fine, but some people DO.  Being warm, welcoming, and human goes a long way. People buy from people they like.

📝2. Capture Emails and Social Follows Like It’s Your Job

Because… it is. Maker’s markets are incredible for real-time sales, yes—but they’re also prime territory for growing your audience. Think of it like this: your table might be there for one weekend, but your email list is forever.

My favorite way to do this is with a giveaway - do a $50/$100 gift card giveaway that they enter by sharing their email with you (you'll also say on that piece of paper that they're signing up for your email list).  This is also a GREAT thing to say when people walk by your table "we're doing a giveaway if you'd like to sign up!"  It gets them over and looking at your products.  You can even use a QR code that links straight to a form or your Instagram if you'd rather build your following vs. your email list that day.  Building your list is worth your time even if you don't hit your sales goal that day.

💸3. Price Clearly and Strategically

How many tables do you go to and you can't tell what something costs?  It drives me bonkers. If people can’t see your pricing, or aren’t sure how much something costs, they’ll usually keep it moving. So do your future self a favor and make it easy.

Use clean, cute signage. Label everything. And if you have bundles, market-only specials, or tiered pricing (think: buy 3, save $5), make those extra obvious. You’re not just selling a product—you’re creating an experience. And clear pricing makes it feel calm, not confusing.

Bonus tip? If you’ve got higher price points, have a couple lower-ticket items nearby. Something they can pick up, touch, and fall in love with—even if it’s just a $12 item. That first purchase often leads to future ones.

Maker’s and farmer's markets can be a total game-changer when you treat them like a strategy—not just a Saturday. Talk to people. Grow your list. Price with intention. You’ve already done the hard part—making your awesome product. Now it’s about helping more people find it 🩷.