Jewellery Craft Market Vlog & Packing List With Mareike

byMaraca is all about bold yet sophisticated jewellery made by me, Mareike, in my home studio in Liverpool, UK. Established early 2020, I decided to take things properly into my hands when the first lockdown hit. After a 10-week course with Make it With Kim, I got to work with my very own byMaraca pieces, with the idea of selling them firmly in my head already.

How did I go about it? Well, I had a slight advantage, namely that before starting byMaraca, I had a small printing business with which I gained a bit of experience selling my etchings and lino prints online and from 2017 at local markets, arts trails and the like. Knowing how markets work, what to pack and how to get into them was a huge task already out of the way when in-person markets finally started happening again in the autumn of 2020.

Kernowcraft have kindly ask me to give some insights into this part of my jewellery business in their Day In The Life Of A Jeweller vlog, and I thought alongside the tips I give in the videos which follow me around market prep, setting up and post-market thoughts, a packing list for a jeweller’s very first (or second, or 100^th) market would be a great resource.

Every jewellery display is different, every market is different, and you and your stall will evolve with time and should. What seems like a good idea at home might not work ‘out there’, what makes sense to you might confuse customers. Mix all jewellery? Divide by collections? By type of jewellery? By material? Try it out and see what resonates. See what questions you get asked and take it from there. And – may I add – never ever apologise for your prices.

Watch Mareike's Day In The Life Video, Prepping and Running A Market Stall!

Before applying for a market

Make yourself familiar with the market you think of joining and if possible, visit first
Make sure you’d be able to arrange transport to the market
Research the parking situation or taxi fares to not get surprise costs on the day
Is the market attracting your ideal audience?
If yes, apply! Usually, this happens via email or through online forms
Be patient and kind with the organisers: They’re either volunteers or a small business themselves (potentially with day jobs like many of us makers)
Don’t be disappointed if you receive a rejection: Maybe there’s another jeweller who sells similar items, and not getting that gig means you won’t have to share sales with that other stall holder
If you get accepted, hooray!

In advance of the market

Organise insurance (if not provided by event organisers)
Make sure jewellery is shiny
Make sure jewellery is priced if you display prices
Make sure stock list is up to date if you have one
Make sure you have small change
Make sure card reader is charged and can connect to your phone
Make sure you have enough business cards
Charge battery pack (for card reader/phone)
Check out other jewellery businesses and how they present their work at markets – but never copy! Get inspired but make it your own
Share, share, share and share again on social media!

Jewellery and packaging

Jewellery, in boxes or on cards, ready to be put on display
Spare boxes / cards / stickers
(paper) bags to give to customers, ideally with your logo (sticker, stamp, handwritten business name)
Anything you want to include in the bags such as online shop vouchers

Table

Table if not provided by venue
(bar) chair if not provided by venue
Tablecloth
Your logo in some form (people want to know who they buy from!)
Consider also presenting your story, values etc in some form
Something saying you take card payment
Business cards

Display

Your display of choice (think building upwards to catch the eye and keep customers at your stall)
Price blocks if you choose to use them
Optional: plants, fairy lights or other decoration to give it a lifestyle look

Behind the scenes

Food (I don’t know how to do a market without packed lunch and snacks! Often there are food stalls but at a busy market you might not get a chance to nip out!)
Drink (you’ll talk a lot!)
Polishing pads / cloth (there’s always something to polish when there’s a quiet 10min)
Pen and paper (or other way to track your sales, make notes, take emails for commissions etc)
Blue tac
Tape
Scissors
Small pliers or other tools you use regularly in case you need to fix something
Battery pack to charge phone and card reader
Small bin bag
Two tooth picks if you sell fine necklaces (the ONLY way to detangle them)
Sample of jewellery in progress to show how you make it, people are curious!

One big question is: How many products should I bring?

This varies from maker to maker, and how many different products/designs you offer. I try to bring two to five of each item, but most importantly, don’t burn yourself out on the way there when making them. If you can fill your display to a satisfying extent, you’re good. That extent depends on the aesthetics you go for.

A byMaraca stall is full to the brim with about 100 different products. Others have 10 carefully selected pieces and look just as stunning. There’s no right or wrong: See what you can manage and what you want to and can achieve. See markets also as networking opportunities: People might want to think about buying a piece of jewellery, make sure your contact details are obvious (poster) and portable (business cards).

With all this in mind and with this packing list at the ready, there’s only one last thing for me to say: Have a wonderful market, enjoy your time, and know you have many customers (and cheerleaders) out there that will be SO happy you’ve decided to sell at their favourite market!

If you’d like to let me know how you get on, please feel free to message me or tag me in any posts on Instagram @bymarca, or visit my website and contact me there www.bymaracajewellery.com, or email me at [email protected]

Follow Mareike

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?