5 EASY Steps to Getting Started at Markets with Kids

Starting an enterprise with your kids is not much different from starting a big serious adult-like one. It's one with many steps and many lessons ;) It's also something everyone can do, even if you have absolutely no experience. All it takes is a can-do attitude!

Starting a market stall with your kids is fun, low stress (and low risk) yet with the rewards of growth, time together, meeting new people, learning new skills and of course pocket money ;)

1. Starting conversations

We started with what we know best. Ourselves. We wanted to sell to us.... Well, people like us ;) after all, that's what we know, right? It's really important for the kids to reflect on their own interests, what drives them, their shopping habits etc. It's such a great activity in self awareness. Chat about it when you go to the supermarket, look at prices, store positioning, packaging. Get excited! 

Become commercially aware. Ask questions like: I wonder how much it costs to make that item? Do I like it? Would I buy that? Would I buy more than one or more than once? Items sold in a shop are sold because they fill a need/want and make people money. The people that provide the raw materials, the people who make the product, they people who sell it, all do so to make a profit. Back to the item itself, how could you improve it?

These conversations don't need to take place in a board room during a scheduled meeting, these are idle conversations that take place whenever.... Shopping, watching ads on tv, washing the dishes..... You get the picture.

Our first stall together

2. Think of what to sell

Find a product/s that you can make together but something the kids can also do alongside you. Brainstorm together. Utilize Pinterest, Instagram and Google for inspiration.

We started by making hair clips and hair bands. To get a professional product, it does require adult input and finishing most of the time. that doesn't mean the kids don't contribute! We sewed our headbands. My daughter wasn't confident enough to sew at the level required so she watched and worked alongside me, doing other important jobs. She selected fabrics, learnt about fabric types, measured, cut and ironed. She designed the packaging, did the math (that will require its own topic I think!) .... You get the picture. 

The conversations we started in 1, they continue throughout all of the steps. Talking every part through together is probably the most important aspect.

3. Look up local markets

Most markets these days have their own Facebook page or Instagram. Look them up together, get a feel for what stalls there might be, decide whether the customers will be your demographic (though often you don't really know until you get there and do it). 

Apply for them, some require filling out of forms and a detailed description of what you will be selling. If you are selling food, make sure you have a license for the area the market is held.

4. Get creative!

Create yourselves a brand! You want to be remembered and noticed for the goods you sell. An identity! So, work on a name for your stall and a bit of sign writing ... This is fun and can be done as a whole family. You don't need fancy expensive materials, just a smidgen bit of ingenuity ;) Try and align your stall name, signs and tags so they represent your stall (e.g last year we went with a chalkboard theme, all our tags/labels and signs were black with white writing).

5. Don't stress.

Take your time, try not to 'be in charge'. Let the kids come up with ideas and don't be afraid to run with outrageous ideas. Every weird and ridiculous notion leads to one that will work ;) Also be aware that creativity, motivation, enthusiasm and cooperation will naturally ebb and flow. Take advantage of the high days, but don't stress on low days.... It's supposed to be fun ;)