What does it take to be a great market trader?

The Llandrindod Youth Market is a way to enjoy being a market trader for a day, without all the costs and 'overheads' associated with running a business. It is a chance to try something out and see how it feels. You may love it and want to do lots more (and there are plenty of markets you can go on to run stalls at in Mid Wales!) or you may decide it's not for you.

You've probably been to markets, you may have done some locally or you may have wandered around the likes of Camden or Central Market in Cardiff. Then there are Christmas Markets and vintage markets and stalls at Festivals. You'll have seen the huge variety of products that can be sold at market.

But what makes a great market trader?

A passion and interest in what you are creating and selling

Maybe you are selling something that is your hobby, or maybe you have spotted a 'gap in the market' for something that locals need that you can provide. Whatever you are selling, make sure you know enough about it to talk to someone confidently about it. Also doing something that is interesting for you will help ensure you have a great day on your stall!

LLANDRINDOD YOUTH MARKET TIP: maybe you could turn your hobby or interest into a business for the day

Think about your competition

OK let's think of an example - you're planning to sell second hand books. Firstly think about if there are other traders who are planning to do the same - are you going to be in competition? What are the differences between you and them, why would someone want to buy off you? Better selection of books, focus on fiction only? Try and be as unique as you can but don't worry if you have competition - that's life!

LLANDRINDOD YOUTH MARKET TIP: Don't worry too much, be aware of the competition but you are already unique and this is a way to trial your idea so give it a go!

Decide on your prices

So you've spent time gathering some goods together, you've spent time thinking about your business name, how you are going to set out your stall, what you are going to say to your customers. BUT it is vital to think about your prices, because most of the time a sale will come down to two important questions "can I afford this" and "do I want this enough". You want to make some money, but don't price things too high - think about people wandering through the market clutching a £20 note - how are you going to encourage them to spend some of that with you? OR if you have something expensive on your stall how are you going to convince them that they need or want it?

LLANDRINDOD YOUTH MARKET TIP: Price fairly, you are not going to become a millionaire overnight so don't scare customers away with very high prices. You should also think about what you would be willing to drop your price to if someone was very interested but didn't want to pay the price you'd set. Bartering is part of any good market.

Rehurse how you are going to greet customers

A smile really does make a difference! When someone approaches your market stall you want to make them want to stay and look around. Don't be shy to tell them what you do, have you made these little boxes? Yeah? Let them know. People love to buy from people they have a good time with. Even if you don't want to be too chatty, a good morning or afternoon and telling them you're happy to answer questions is enough to start to build a relationship.

LLANDRINDOD YOUTH MARKET TIP: Say hello to people when they start to browse your stand, ask them if they need any help, if they start to look interested in something then maybe you could offer them some more information on it. But don't forget to let the browse, don't bombard them with your attention!