Everything goes well when you prepare in advance! Let’s get ready for the market!
The thought of selling in front of a lot of people might seem a little scary at first, but we’re here to help you every step of the way! Follow the steps below and you’ll soon be a successful entrepreneur!
1. What should I sell?
Before you start a business, you need to figure out what you’ll sell! Think of a product that:
- solves a problem
- is in demand
- or is simply something you love making
It can be anything — handmade, created by you, old toys and clothes, or services. What matters most is that people want to buy it.
2. Make a business plan
An important part of a successful business is setting goals:
- How much do you want to sell after 2, 6, or 12 months?
- Do you want to earn 20 or 200 euros?
Writing down your goals helps you stay focused, avoid wasting time and money, and track your progress. Ask a parent to help you and think carefully about each step.
We’ve prepared a simple business plan and report, which you need to print out and return filled in at the end of the kids market.
3. Manage your money
When you start a business, you need to manage your money carefully:
- keep records
- keep personal money separate from business money
- accept different payment methods
Also think about what you’ll do with your profit — save it, spend it, or reinvest it in the business.
4. Set the right price
Setting a price can be tricky:
- if it’s too low → you’ll sell a lot but earn little
- if it’s too high → people might not buy
You need to work out how much the product costs you and what price you can sell it at to make a profit.
5. Make your business stand out
You’ll probably have competition.
Why should customers choose you?
You can stand out through:
- better service
- a memorable experience
- a unique way of presenting your product
The goal is to make your stand stand out.
6. Don’t “eat” your own stock
As tempting as it may be:
- don’t use your own products
- don’t give them away for free
Every product you lose means lost profit.
7. Draw attention to your stand
At a market with many stands, you need to stand out.
You only have a few seconds to catch a customer’s attention!
Use:
- balloons
- bright colors
- signs
- decorations
Be creative and make people want to stop at your stand.
8. How to sell successfully
Sometimes the scariest part is talking to customers.
To feel more confident:
- practice at home
- greet your customers
- ask questions
- briefly explain what you’re selling
Once you’ve caught their attention, you can tell them more.
9. Learn from experience
Every business can improve.
Ask yourself:
- Can I buy more cheaply?
- Can I make things faster?
- Can I sell better?
Not everything will be a success — and that’s completely normal. What matters is learning from your mistakes and improving.
10. Tips for parents and teachers
1. Let the child sell
This is the most important part!
Stay nearby, but don’t step in. This way the child will become more confident and independent.
2. Children are responsible
The business should be simple enough for the child to manage on their own.
Help them prepare in advance.
3. Support, don’t take over
Give the child a chance to manage on their own. Support them, but don’t take control.