Designer Goods market report back

On Saturday Wren had a stall at the designergoods market in Salt River and it went very well.

It is a completely different experience selling off-line. I was extremely (and unjustifiably) nervous but after I sold my first bag I relaxed and had a lot of fun. I met some great people and saw some fantastic things (I could have spent all my money there in two ticks). Instead, I made my Christmas list. It was all so new and wonderful to me that I completely forgot to take photo’s - I’m sorry. I promise that next time (Sat 18th Oct) I will take some pictures.

Description of my stand: I had two wooden hatstands full of bags, wooden crates stained with old oak that Jeremy’s dad had organized for me with glass tops and a small mat. It was very simple but it worked well.

However, there are a few things I learnt that I will apply at my next Saturday market:

1. My products need more information on them. I am so used to etsy where there is a product description, profile page, policy page etc etc for buyers to read to learn more. At the market the buyers had no way of finding this out. They did not know my bags are made using the ends of fabric rolls, or that each one is unique, or that the coffee bags are organic. Next time, better labelling.
2. I need a stool. I thought: “agh, don’t worry, I will just stand.” I am regretting that becuase I am still nursing my swollen knees.
3. Have a space for packaging. It was very unprofessional wrapping the bags on the floor.
4. Bring extra price tags, string, tape and some clothes pegs. I did not and when I discovered the bird pouches had no price tag, I had to improvise. I also wanted to hang the bird pouches on a string between the hatstands. I could not do this so the bird pouches had to lie down.
5. I should add the store name somewhere, discreetly. The only ‘Wren’ promotion was on the labels. I need more.

These are simple things I forgot, but non-the-less, it was a very successful and I am looking forward to next Saturday.