Image Credit: Elizabeth Bell Ceramics
Tips and Insights from Makers Who’ve Done It All Before
I’m an absolute market lover. I adore meeting the makers, seeing their creativity on display, exploring unique stall layouts, and soaking up the inspiration. I love buying directly from the people who make the work, sampling local produce, discovering vintage finds, and just being part of that special market buzz.
Up until now, though, I’ve never had my own stall. I’ve always been a customer, not a seller. And while I’m a little apprehensive about taking the leap, this year I’ve decided to give it a shot! I’ve booked for my first market at Halls Gap market on November 2nd 2025, to sell my ceramic work.
To help me (and maybe you too), I’ve put together this blog full of tips and tricks, straight from three talented ceramic artists who’ve done the market circuit for years. They’ve been generous enough to share what they’ve learned, and I’m so excited to pass that on.
Image Credit: Homethrown by Jen
Meet the Makers
Meet Jess: Jess is pure energy and enthusiasm for all things ceramics, her studio is in Inverleigh, Victoria. Her work has an earthy feel and she inspires me with her experimentation and constant love of learning. She’s a wheel-throwing instructor and studio assistant at Elizabeth Bell Ceramics, and a prolific maker in her own right. She regularly sells her work at markets all over Victoria and brings a lot of insight into how to set up a market and bet best ways to make your stall profitable. I know Jess’ friendly personality would also draw in customers as she explains her process and techniques.
You might remember Libby from my previous blog, From Geelong to Adelaide: 3 Inspiring Ceramic Studios. She’s my boss, and I’ve got to say, the best boss I’ve ever had! Libby is incredibly experienced, not just in ceramics, but in business too. She runs her own studio, shop, and workshops at the Fyansford Paper Mill, and even organises the annual Geelong Ceramic Market. She’s generous with her knowledge, offers great opportunities to her staff and students, and is just an all-round beautiful human.
And then there’s wonderful Jen, a potter based in Prospect, Adelaide. You might know her from a past blog about her quaint and lovely home studio. I first discovered her work at a market, and the moment I held one of her pieces, I was hooked. Not only did I want to buy half her table, but it also lit a fire in me, the idea that this kind of creative, hands-on career might just be possible.
Image Credit: Homethrown by Jen
Market Wisdom from Pottery Pros: Q&A
Markets can feel like a big unknown when you're starting out. How much stock do you bring? How do you stand out? What if it rains?! I asked Jess, Libby, and Jen to share their hard-earned knowledge. Here’s what they had to say:
What do you recommend to make your stall really stand out and attract customers?
Jess: Having tall display props will elevate your stall, for sure! Lots of patterns and colours together can be lost and overwhelming in a flat setup, so shelf-like stacking is a lot more visually pleasing and also encourages people to pick things up. Also, I love props. Pop beautiful flowers in your vases and fruit in big bowls to draw the eyes in. Sparkly easter eggs worked well for me in April.
Libby: Create height and variation in your display to make it visually interesting. Practice your setup beforehand and take photos so you can easily replicate it without stress on market day. Consider investing in a professionally made stand or a standing poster featuring your logo and branding to boost your presence. Use a tablecloth that reaches the floor on all sides—this not only looks neat but also provides hidden storage underneath for quick restocks. Showcase great-quality work and make sure pricing is clear and easy to find, as having to ask prices can sometimes discourage customers from buying.
Jen: Presentation is key at markets. I got a great sign made locally that really stands out. I bought some Ikea wooden crates that are used for transporting stock and then used as part of my display. There are a lot of display props that you can buy but they can be quite expensive, particularly when you're just starting at markets. I found a cheap wooden shoe rack which is great for displaying my travel mugs and vases and I also use it in my studio when I'm throwing for extra shelving. You don't want to over invest for your first market in case you don’t enjoy selling that way. Try to look at things you have around at home that can be used as part of your display to make it interesting. And I always use flowers and plants.Even just a sprig of gum from the garden can look so good in the right vase.
Image Credit: Elizabeth Bell Ceramics
Let’s talk money! What’s the best way to take payments at markets? Is Square the go-to for a reason? Do I need to accept cash?
Jess: I like Square, although I’ve heard good things about Zeller as well! Whatever you choose, just make sure that you’re able to take payments on your phone if the market is in a poor connection area and you can’t use the terminal. Or in case it goes flat!
Libby: Square (or any kind of eftpos terminal) is great. When I looked into it, Square seemed to be reasonably priced to set up (terminal cost) & had low fees (around 1.9%). I also like that Square has a POS can integrate with my website (I use WooCommerce) so if I sell at a market, it will update the stock on my website, so no over-selling! Yes to cash! Have a small float too.
Jen: I use square as that is what the majority of other stall holders use and customers are used to it. It is super easy to set up and you can use your phone to take payments if the square reader has an issue connecting. I also have a float with cash. Make sure you take some smaller notes and coins.
Image Credit: Elizabeth Bell Ceramics
What do you recommend for signage and prices?
Jess: I love it when a logo and signs match the vibe of the brand. I was lucky enough to know a local sign maker ‘Soy and Co’ who could print my logo simply on a wooden arch, which perfectly fit with my rustic pots and table props made from old pallets. As for product pricing, I used to have little printed tags, but I’m going to try some standing blackboards and handwriting in chalk. As for the bigger, unique pots, they just have little stickers on them.
Libby: Have a look at ETSY or connect with a local sign maker for signage inspiration. Clear, consistent branding is key—make sure you have business cards available for people to take, even if they don’t buy on the day. Brochures or care cards are also great additions to help customers understand your work and how to care for it.
When it comes to pricing: if your items have consistent pricing (e.g. mugs are $45), keep it simple with small pricing cards placed next to each product. It’s quicker and more efficient than individually stickering everything. If you do prefer using stickers, get them done well in advance so it’s one less thing to worry about on market day.
Jen: I got a beautiful wooden sign made by a local company in Adelaide. It is round and has my logo on it. I can hang it up or use a small artist easel to have it on my table. I use business sized place cards for prices and have them positioned in front of the pieces. For things of different sizes I have a price guide on a card (eg Cereal Bowls $35-$50 )and then I also have a sticker on the bottom.
Image Credit: Homethrown by Jen
What should I do after the market to evaluate how successful it was?
Jess: I’m still learning this myself. I think that if I made back my stall fee, what I spent on travel and lunch, and if I had a nice day chatting to people and gained a few followers on social media, I try to see it as a win. I still consider myself new to this bizz and it’s easy to feel flat after a slow day. Each market is you putting yourself out there! I’ve learned so much about myself and what the people want after every stall.
Libby: That’s such a subjective question—success looks different for everyone! Some makers feel great if they’ve had meaningful conversations and connected with potential customers. For others, it’s about hitting a sales target—whether that’s $100 or $1000. Personally, I always think of markets as a way to introduce my work to a new audience. Even if people don’t buy on the day, it’s a form of marketing: building brand recognition, growing your mailing list or social media, and creating relationships that might lead to future sales, workshop bookings, or commissions.
After the market, Libby reflects on:
Sales vs. costs (stall fee, travel, time)
How many people engaged with her work
What pieces drew attention or sold best
Any new opportunities or collaborations that came out of it
Jen: It is hard to know what is successful. For me I obviously want to at least get my stall fee back and make some profit for all the work going into the market prep and standing around for the day. I do have a target but that can be really deflating if i don’t get it so i think sometimes it is better to have a low sales expectation. Markets are such a good way to get people to see your work and engage with people. I have had a lot of follow up sales from people that have seen me at markets so it is not always about sales on the actual day.
Image Credit: Homethrown by Jen
How do you deal with bad weather, at outdoor markets?
Jess: I’ve been lucky enough so far to not deal with bad rain and wind, although on drizzly days my marquee and 2 walls kept me cozy! I also definitely recommend anchoring your table props if you can, as wobbly pots raise the heart rate. I’m also constantly checking the weather before the day arrives.
Libby: I’ve actually never done an outdoor market myself, but I know it adds an extra layer of risk and reward. Bad weather—whether rain or extreme heat—can really keep people away, making it tough to get good foot traffic. On the flip side, a beautiful sunny day often brings out happy, enthusiastic visitors who want to enjoy being outdoors, which can boost sales and create a great atmosphere. If you do take part in outdoor markets, it’s worth being prepared with weatherproof gear and a flexible mindset.
Jen: I really try to avoid outdoor markets in winter. I find in Adelaide if it is going to be really bad weather the event organisers usually cancel the market. Just make sure you have a really good quality marquee that will withstand wind and rain. I got a white one which looks really nice and it wasn’t too expensive.
Image Credit: Homethrown by Jen
What’s your strategy if sales are slow. Do you adjust pricing or presentation mid-day?
Jess: Because I’m still refining my style and have pots I’d like to move on, I sometimes lower my prices by a few dollars towards the end of the day, or offer less for cash or multiple items. The goal is to not do this once I have a clear vision for my standard products, but people also love little bargains! Otherwise, try and enjoy the day as a more social aspect and enjoy the vibes.
Libby: If sales are low at a market, focus on brand-building rather than just transactions. Use the opportunity to connect with visitors, collect email sign-ups, and encourage social media follows. Pay attention to which pieces attracted interest, even if they didn’t sell, reflect on your display, and overall market vibe. Chat with other stallholders to share insights and build connections. After the event, promote leftover stock online or through a post-market sale. Most importantly, trust the process and have confidence in your talent—both in your product and how you present it. Don’t cheapen yourself; value your work and know that not every market reflects your worth as a maker.
Jen: I have never dropped my prices. Before I did any markets I had a really good look at what other ceramicists sell their work for and tried to price my work in a similar price range. You can try moving things around but If you don’t sell a lot it might just not be the right market for you.
Image Credit: Wombat Pottery
In your experience, what ceramic items sell well at markets?
Jess: I’ve found that everyday items on the cheaper side of the spectrum are usually a favourite. Spoon rests, incense holders, cups and mugs are something people will always use and buy a lot of. Bigger things like platters and large vases are great for drawing people into your stall, and you never know when someone will take one home!
Libby: It can really depend on the time of year! For example, vases tend to sell well around Mother’s Day, while at Christmas, customers often look for gifts within set price-points—$50 or $100 tends to be the sweet spot for presents and Secret Santa (Kris Kringle) gifts. Mugs are always a reliable seller, along with practical items like juicers and oil bottles. At most markets, my typical sales are usually under $100 per transaction. Larger, more expensive pieces rarely sell on the day, but they’re still valuable to bring—they catch people’s attention, spark conversations, and help tell the story of your brand.
Jen: Every market is different so I always bring a selection of all of my range. My travel cups always sell well and smaller bowls. I make lots of little bud vases which are really popular. I think items around the $40-$50 price range sell the best. My average transaction is around $45. At Christmas and Mothers Day I make up gift sets that are a set price and they usually sell really well.
Have you found it useful to collect emails or social media follows at your stall?
Libby: Absolutely. I think email marketing is a very important tool to have to communicate with your customers. A QR code for your website and socials is a good way for people to be able to quickly connect with you outside of the market.
Jess: I’ve been relying on my business card links for people to find me on social media, but a QR code is something I’ll be looking into!
Image Credit: Homethrown by Jen
How do you pick the right market to be a stall holder at?
Libby: Do your research. If possible, visit the market beforehand to get a feel for the vibe, the crowd, and how well it’s run. Make sure it’s well-organised and well-promoted. For ceramics especially, being part of a high-quality or craft-focused market can make a big difference—it helps attract customers who value handmade work and are more likely to appreciate the time and skill behind each piece.
Do I need any licenses, insurance, or permits to sell ceramics at a market?
Libby: Typically Public liability insurance is required. The market organisers will let you know. For ceramics Product liability is a good idea also.
Realistically, can potters make a decent amount at a market?
Jess: Absolutely! If it is a warm day, the town is busy and it’s close to Christmas or a Public Holiday, you’re in for a good day!
Libby: Yes! If you present well, interact with your customers, and have an excellent product you will do great!
Jen: Absolutely. I have had some fantastic markets and been blown away by my sales. Especially around Christmas and Mothers Day.
What do you recommend for packaging items for customers at a market?
Jess: The honeycomb paper is awesome to reuse and also a talking point, and I like to stamp my paper bags.
Libby: Paper bags & eco wrap or tissue paper is a good option.
Jen: I bought a custom stamp for my brown paper bags and I also got some round logo stickers. I tend to use any recycled bubble wrap, tissue paper or honey comb wrap that I can get my hands on. I am going to buy some logo printed tissue paper soon just to make it look more professional.
What do I need to set up a market stall?
Libby: A display table + a packing table. Shelves or boxes for height and variation. Table cloths. Marquee and weights if outdoor.
Jess: What Lib said + a chair! Even two minutes to sit down can help.
Jen: I also have a separate box which has all my signage, paper bags etc, table cloths, pricing stickers, pen, scissors, sticky tape, string etc which I leave permanently packed and restock the bags after every market. Its even labelled “Market stall Set up!” And I have a small bag that has my square reader and float in it. That way I know I have everything I need. I also take a notebook (old school) to take note of what I need to make for my next market, new orders etc. I write down what I sell and my total sales. I know I can do it through square but I find it easier to flick through my market journal.
How much stock do you recommend I bring to a market?
Jess: I like to do a mockup of my stall and take a photo so that setup is easy and efficient, but also so I know how much stock I will bring! If the market is long, I would take my original setup plus a good sized box of extra small things, like mugs and what I anticipate people will buy. It’s ok to have a gappy table by the end of the day, but it’s even better to keep stocked up and keep selling!
Jen: I always bring way too much stock. I don’t like to run out of anything. My theory is if it is not there you can’t sell it! Having said that , ceramics are heavy so it is a bit more work to pack that extra box. I would definitely set your table up at home and see what you think looks good. Sometimes less is more!
Image Credit: Homethrown by Jen
How important is having a cohesive brand or aesthetic for your market stall?
Libby: Very important. These days, it’s easier to present a polished look online with curated posts and a nice website, which helps establish professionalism. But translating that into a market stall can be challenging—presenting your items on a simple trestle table takes thought and practice. Make sure your stall looks beautiful, inviting, and consistent with your brand. A well-styled display not only draws people in but also reinforces the quality and story behind your work.
Jen: It's very important. I want people to stop and comment on how lovely my stall looks with all the beautiful colours. Quite often there are other ceramics at the markets I attend so I really need to make sure my stall stands out. I think the display can make a huge difference to your sales. I went to loads of markets before I did my first one and I was drawn to stalls that looked professional. I think most people feel the same.
What are your thoughts on offering business cards or flyers at your stall?
Jess: Even on slow days, my business cards have brought people to my Instagram where they’ve ordered things later on! I would say that half of the people who look at my stall take a card with them. You never know where it’ll go.
Libby: An absolute must! Some customers are ready to buy on the spot, while others prefer to think it over or may want to reach out later. Having business cards or flyers makes it easy for them to find you again, whether it's to place an order, book a class, or follow you online. It’s a simple but powerful way to stay connected beyond market day.
Jen: I always hand out my business cards and always pop one in a bag if people are buying a gift.I also suggest following my instagram page so they can get a better look at my stock and explain that i can do custom orders. Most of my custom work has come from markets.
Image Credit: Wombat Pottery
What other challenges should I expect with holding my own market stall?
Jess: It’s a big day setting up and packing down a market. Something I learned after my first solo stall was that without my lovely Mum helping me, it was very hard to sneak away to the bathroom or go to buy food. If you can prepare yourself with water and a snack, and possibly arrange a helper for even 30 minutes, you’ll thank yourself.Libby: There are a few! The physical side can be demanding—packing, setting up, standing all day, and packing down again, often in unpredictable weather. You'll also need to manage stock levels, pricing, and display layout so your stall looks full but not cluttered. Sales can be inconsistent, and it’s hard not to take a slow day personally. It can also be mentally tiring—balancing customer engagement, handling payments, and staying upbeat even when you're exhausted. But with preparation and a positive mindset, the rewards often outweigh the challenges. Each market helps you grow your confidence, refine your setup, and connect with new people.
Jen: Market days are BIG days. I always pack the car the night before. Set up can be tricky if the venue is a distance from the car park. Always try to find out about the parking and invest in a trolley of some description if you plan on doing a lot of markets. Give yourself plenty of time on market day to set up. I have left it late too many times and it is stressful if you are the last stall holder being ready to go.Always check that the square reader is connected too. You want that to be ready to go for your first sale.
They are physically and mentally draining days but just keep engaging with your customers and try not to feel disappointed if you don’t sell as much as you would have liked. Just be as prepared as you can be. Try to sleep well the night before and keep that gorgeous smile on your face.
Image Credit: Elizabeth Bell Ceramics
What’s something you wish you knew before your first market?
Jess: It’s a rollercoaster, and a huge learning curve. Whatever happens, you will be so tired in the best way and you will learn SO much. Expect the unexpected and have lots of fun.
Libby: Believe in yourself and trust the process. Not every market will be a ripper, and that’s okay. Celebrate the wins—big or small. I still remember my first sale to someone who wasn’t a friend or family member and thinking, “I can’t believe a stranger bought my ceramics!” That moment gave me so much confidence. Markets are as much about growth and connection as they are about sales.
Jen: I didn’t know the feeling of elation at selling something you have made. We put so much effort into every piece and when people fall in love with your work it is such an amazing feeling. The ‘Market High’ where you get home and do the happy dance is the best!! Doesn’t always happen but that is what makes it so unique. I never knew how many new friends I would make and how many beautiful creative souls are out there doing the same thing as we are. It's a great community to be a part of.
Image Credit: Geelong Ceramics Market
Final Thoughts: Starting Your Own Market Journey
Hearing from Jess, Libby, and Jen has been both grounding and inspiring. What stood out most to me is that while everyone has their own style and rhythm, success at markets comes down to a few shared things; preparation, presentation, and genuine connection with customers.
Markets can be unpredictable, but they also offer something really special: the chance to connect face-to-face, share your passion, and build a community around your work. I’m nervous, yes, but also excited. And hopefully, a little more prepared thanks to these insights.
If you’re thinking about doing your first market, I’d love to hear from you. What are you nervous about? What are you hoping to learn? Let’s keep the conversation going.
