I've done a few markets in my time, and I'd like to share some of the best tips I've found and display ideas that you can use with your stalls. Please add any more helpful points that you can think of in the comments section. I'll write more posts about packaging and other tips in the future:
Keep standards high! Have ironed clean table cloths. Make sure everything works and won't fall apart on you (or a customer!) Practice your table display before you go, ideally a few days before so you can buy anything /clean anything you need to.
Create different levels. Items are more eye-catching when presented at different levels. You can create varying heights without the clutter on your table top by placing odd sized boxes under the table cloth. You can also collect boxes, shelves, cases etc that match each other in some way to have around your stall.If they match they won't distract form the products.
Keep your display concise. You should bring lots of stock with you to your market, (if you can!) but it doesn't all need to be on the table at once, wait until things have sold them replace them. Or see what people are more interested in and change for items that are not so popular. If you talk to your customers you'll find out what they need and you can say, 'ah-ha...I have that! Let me just get it...'
Have a theme. The same as above really, but a table that hits you with a visual meassage rather than a blurry idea will draw people in. Maybe it's a certain set of colours you use or materials or decade you like. Are you selling vintage styled items? Go with it and use vintage suitcase, photos, props and more. People are more likely to leave remembering you if the can put your business 'on-a-peg' ("oh yes...Sussie, with the lace")
Packaging is important. Think about how each one of your items looks to a customer. Make all your items look as specail as they are. Put jewellery on backs or in boxes. Don't have fabric bags, cushion covers or scarfs slumped over the surface of your table. Brand them and make them into gifts ready to go!
Layout. Putting items in a logical order will help customers navigate there way around your table.
try having expensive items higher up your stall and cheeper things lower down. Or big items at either end working to little items in the centre.
Price everything clearly. People will not ask how much something is more than once, if at all. You can lable things individually or have a sign "Bags all £10" If you do write on a jewellery back do it in pencil so the customer can rub it of before gifting it!
Don't over clutter. In regards to some of the above points. You want to create a display that's interesting but don't go over board with the items you use. You don't want to confuses people with what you're selling and whats just display. Be aware that curios will distract from your product.
Other sites to look at:
Take a look at these pinterest pages;
here ,
here ,
here and
here which have some innovative set up ideas. Why not do a general search for 'market stall' or 'craft stalls' too for lots of photos andexamples.
This site had some really good advice and pictures too! The Finders Keepers
10 top tips
Also
how to dress a knockout craft stall
