To Every Stallholder Doing It Tough: We See You....And We’re Here to Help!

If you’re a stallholder feeling the pressure right now, you’re not alone. So many small business owners are telling us the same thing - things feel harder than they used to. Costs are going up, customers are being more cautious with their spending, and then the weather comes in and throws everything off. We’ve heard stories of ruined stock, last-minute market cancellations, and days where foot traffic barely trickles past.

If any of that sounds familiar…we get it. It is tough at the moment and we want you to know that what you’re feeling is real and completely understandable. Tough times don't last, but tough people and businesses do, so hang on in there!

At LocalStalls, we see how much heart goes into every handmade sign, every carefully packed car boot, every early morning setup. Stallholders are some of the most resilient people out there. You show up again and again, even when things don’t go your way. We’ve put together a few practical ideas that will hopefully  make things a little easier - financially, physically, and mentally.

Protect Your Products and Reduce Weather Risks

Weather is one of the biggest wildcards for any market day...one minute it’s sunny, the next minute your marquee is doing its best impression of a windsock! A few habits can make the world of difference, for example, waterproof tubs and covers are simple but incredibly effective - they’re basically your safety net when a sudden downpour hits. It can also really help to have a “rain kit” permanently living in your car: tarps, plastic sheets, clamps… things you can grab in a few seconds if the sky turns on you.

Inside your stall, keep stock off the ground for an extra layer of protection. Check the weather ahead of time, and on days where the forecast looks sketchy, it’s okay to bring a bit less stock, it reduces risk and stress. If you can, keep some weather-friendly products on display that still show off your brand, even in the rain.

And finally, take a moment to check your insurance - public liability plus stock cover can save you from a financial hit after a bad-weather event.

Manage Costs During Tough Economic Times

With rising costs, every dollar counts! Like any good business, know your numbers and be frugal with spending even in the good times, this way you build a safety net to buffer you through the tough times. One helpful approach is to focus on products with the best margins, the ones that consistently sell and actually bring in profit. You might also find it helpful to make or sell smaller batches if sales are unpredictable, as this avoids waste and keeps your cash from being tied up in unsold stock. 

Also, don’t be afraid to stand out...when everyone is selling similar items, lean in to what makes you different! Think branding! When it comes to selling, add bundle options and other small incentives to entice future purchases and gently increase your average sale over time. 

Another critical tip in 2025 -  if you haven’t updated your online presence in a while, now’s the time. Online sales through marketplaces and your website, let you earn while you sleep -  literally. Your market hours no longer limit your income, and every extra sale helps in times like these. And, if you don't have a website yet, or need a re-build, contact us [email protected] to find out about our low cost websites for stall holders!

Improve Sales Even When Foot Traffic Is Low

Some days, the crowds just don’t show up...it happens to everyone. When foot traffic is low, the small things matter even more. A bold “hero” product or display piece can catch a shopper’s eye from a distance and pull them in.

Offering a market-day special or a small deal can also nudge someone from just browsing into buying.
And even when someone doesn’t purchase, you can still build a connection...ask them to join your mailing list or follow you on Instagram - offer a little discount in return if it feels right. 

And any time someone does buy from you, make sure you slip a card or coupon into their bag as this boosts the chance of a second sale - which, long term, is where your most reliable income often comes from.

Mental Health & Mindset Support

Markets can take a toll - physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s important to remind yourself that one slow market, or even a string of them, doesn’t define your business. Taking a break to rest between events is part of the process, not a luxury. After a stressful day or weekend, allow yourself some recovery time.
Connecting with other stallholders can also be incredibly reassuring as you'll quickly realise you’re not the only one navigating these challenges. And when things feel overwhelming, try to focus on the small wins...progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re pushing through a tough season right now, we want you to hear this clearly: you’re doing better than you think. Your creativity, your effort, your passion...it all matters. Your community feels it, even if sales don’t always show it straight away.

LocalStalls was created for people like you, and we genuinely want to make your life easier. We’re listening, and we’re constantly improving our platform to support market organisers and stallholders, and to grow market communities. If you ever have ideas for digital tools you’d love to see us create, please reach out to [email protected] - we’re already planning new features, and your input would mean a lot.

Better days are ahead. And until then, we’re right here with you.