Processed By Colour Factory 19/03/2012 10:12:17 AMChannel: 3a_FCN_NSW_EDITORIAL_Newsprint_18.6cm_CMYK
Processed By Colour Factory 10/09/2012 12:56:30 PMChannel: 3a_FCN_NSW_EDITORIAL_Newsprint_18.6cm_CMYK
MARKETS give you the opportunity to buy fresh food and vegetables, as well as discover unusual and one-of-a-kind products.
The local markets can also provide up-and-coming designers the chance to showcase and sell their designs, as well as make a name for themselves.
Angharad Price has turned her teacup candle-making hobby into a thriving business — Soy Chai Latte — by selling her vintage teacups, teapots and jars at The Village Markets in Burleigh Heads State School Oval throughout the past year.
Miss Price said the markets gave her the opportunity to showcase her designs.
"The Village Markets are the biggest markets in Queensland and attracts more than 2000 people each time," she said.
"I chose to sell my designs at the markets because it gave me the chance to sell my products to the local community."
Miss Price said the markets gave her the chance to interact with people face-to-face about her products.
"The markets are great when it comes to getting feedback from customers," she said.
"When you sell your products in stores you don't get the feedback about what products sell and what products are not selling.
"The markets also allow you to trial your products to customers.
"For instance, I started adding jar candles to my teacup designs and by the end of the day all the jars were gone.
"From this successful outcome, I could tell that the jars were a good choice and I continued to sell them at the next markets."
Miss Price said the markets expanded her online business.
"Before and after the event you could see high internet activity," she said.
"Before the event there is a lot of advertising from the market holders which is great for your business.
"After the event you get activity from people who have either bought your products or have just seen your stall."
Miss Price advises future stall holders to make a good first impression on market and vendor holders.
"Make sure you take good quality pictures of your products and show the market holders that you have good quality products," she said.
"Sales figures are also good to include to prove to the market holders that your products are good quality and can sell."