Three Quiet Market Days That Taught Me Important Lessons

Selling at artisan markets can look very romantic from the outside: a beautiful stall, handmade products, conversations with customers and the excitement of taking home a good day’s sales.

And often, it is exactly that.

But one of the biggest things I have learned since starting InchyArt is that not every market will be busy — and not every event will cover your stall fee, travel or time.

It can be disappointing, especially when you have carefully packed your ceramics, set up your stall early and spent the whole day hoping for a good result. But quieter markets have taught me some of my most useful lessons.

A rainy day at Priory Market

One of my quietest markets was at Priory Market on a rainy day in June.

The weather made a huge difference. There were very few visitors, and I did not make any sales that day. It was disappointing, but thankfully the event was only four hours long, so I at least got part of my day back.

It reminded me that, particularly for outdoor markets, weather can completely change the experience. Even the most beautiful stall and products cannot create footfall when people choose to stay at home.

Cannizaro Park: beautiful location, different customer mindset

Cannizaro Park was another lovely setting, but it taught me something different.

Most people visiting the park were there for a walk, often with their dogs, rather than planning to shop. We met the occasional dog walker, but there was not much interest in carrying ceramics around Wimbledon Common while out for the day.

Only one customer bought two trinkets as a gift. Months later, she contacted me because she had loved them so much and wanted to find InchyArt again.

That small sale became a lovely reminder that a quiet day is not always a wasted day. Sometimes one customer can turn into a returning customer, an online order or a recommendation later on.

A long May Bank Holiday at Wimbledon Quarter

Another difficult day was a May Bank Holiday market at Wimbledon Quarter.

It was a long day with very few passers-by, and I did not make any sales. After setting up, standing all day and packing everything away again, it was hard not to feel discouraged.

But it also helped me understand that timing matters. Bank holidays can sound promising, but people may be travelling, spending time with family, going away for the weekend or simply not shopping locally.

A well-known location does not always guarantee the right customers on the right day.

What these markets taught me

Quiet markets have taught me to look beyond the sales total.

Before booking an event now, I think about:

• The type of visitors likely to attend
• Whether they are coming to shop or simply passing through
• The time of year, weather and competing local events
• The stall fee, travel costs and length of the day
• Whether the market suits handmade ceramics in particular

I also remind myself that markets are unpredictable. A busy market can sometimes be quiet, while a smaller event can unexpectedly bring wonderful customers.

A quiet day does not mean your business is failing

This is probably the most important lesson.

A slow market day can feel personal when you are standing behind your own work. But it does not mean your products are not good enough, your prices are wrong or your business will not grow.

Sometimes it is simply the weather. Sometimes it is the location. Sometimes it is the day.

Every market gives you more experience: how to prepare, which events suit your products, what customers respond to and where your time is best spent.

And occasionally, even a quiet day gives you one customer who remembers your work months later — which can be worth far more than you realise at the time.

— Mariya, Founder of InchyArt