It is important to adhere to the guidelines set out by your Market Organiser. These may vary from Market to Market. Please ensure your gazebo has weights to stabilise it. If your gazebo dislodges itself and causes an accident, as a stallholder, unless otherwise specified, you are responsible for any compensation. Please ensure any risks to the public are well managed and trip hazards in and around your stall are clearly identified. These risks may include things like signs, such as sandwich boards which must be weighted and secured. Electrical cords such as extensions and appliances should be well maintained, tagged and tested. This minimises the risk to the surrounding power supply.

Sharing is important for the overall health and wellbeing of our Local Market community and it takes a community to ensure Markets and Stallholders are visible to the general public. While your Social Media followers see your product all the time in posts,, they may benefit from seeing your fellow stallholders products attracting them to the Market.

Generally, once you have paid for your stall, you are committed. If you are unable to attend, ensure you give plenty of notice. While a refund may be available, Markets will generally offer you a refund in the form of a credit on your next Market, although some markets only refund a portion of the fee.

Social Media is the preferred method of Marketing your Stall and availability of your products. However, conversation is usually the best form of Marketing. Word travels, therefore the more people you talk with, the more opportunities you are creating for your Stall and your product If you are attending more than 1 Market, promoting your Stall at other Markets let’s people know where they can find you if they missed you at the Market.

As a general rule, it’s best to have your products at eye level where people can see them. However, displays are changeable and it’s quite possible that you will change the way in which you display your products several times during a Market. Standout Displays sponsor Local Markets NZ and may be able to help with display stands.

As a rule of thumb, Signs are usually the best way to attract people, however, your products will also attract people who are looking. This rule only applies when you, the Stallholder, is also looking. If you’re busy talking or looking at your phone, you could be missing an opportunity to sell your products.. How you display your products is equally important.

Most customers will have notes in nominations of $20s and $50s as this is what ATMs dispense.

Cash is the preferred method of transactions however, bank transfers have become quite popular in the past decade. Don’t forget to view the payment before letting the product go. EFTPOS is also an option, useful for Small Businesses who trade at markets. This option is available either from your bank, or a reputable EFTPOS provider. Talk with your bank first. Local Markets NZ also recommend the Pay Now App while some Stallholders offer After Pay as an option.

There are several factors to consider when pricing your products. The cost of production is usually the biggest cost. However, your time is also valuable, so include this too when evaluating your price. Be clear and consistent when pricing your products and ensure your product prices are clearly visible. Some people may still ask for a price, even when the price is clearly visible while some people may try and haggle with you for a cheaper price. Again be consistent and with clarity, stand your ground. You know your products value and your value. Don’t let anyone discourage you. Be firm.

Storage containers are the best form of storage and are widely available from Mitre 10, The Warehouse and even the supermarket.

Some Markets have volunteers to help you with set up, although there are many stallholders who are willing to provide support. Discuss this with your Market Manager prior to the Market.

Markets generally have a list of ‘ House Rules ‘ and are usually given to you upon registration. These include the time frames in which you are allowed to drive in and set up or pack down your stall. The rules are important for the safety and well-being of our Local Market community and contribute to minimising risks to the public.

As a New Stallholder, you may want to do a few markets before purchasing one; Hercules has a hire service should you need one for the day. If you are planning to attend more indoor markets than out, the standard table size required is 1.8m / 6ft which is available at most hardware stores.

Indoor Market stall space is typically 2m x 1.5m some markets have options to increase or decrease the allotted space, this will normally be on the application for, or you can talk to the market manager.

The cost per stall varies from Market to Market with fees being as little as $10 while Market Events such as Art and Craft Shows, Home and Lifestyle Shows or Christmas Parades command higher fees.

Markets are generally managed by separate people, although some Market Managers manage several Markets. Find the organiser for the Market you would like to attend and connect with them, whether it’s in person, by phone, or via email. There are some very popular Markets throughout NZ and there may be a waiting list, however most Markets are generally easy to apply for.

Every Market is unique to the region in which it is hosted. Check out the market you want to attend as a customer first, to see if it’s suitable for what you want to sell.

Local Markets NZ was formed to create pathways for Information to flow. Feel free to ask questions in the group or ask LMNZ directly.