How to sell at Markets in New Zealand: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Selling at markets in New Zealand is a great way to showcase your products, whether you’re a foodie, artisan, or have a creative side hustle. Kiwis love their markets, and there’s no better way to connect with your local community, sell your wares, and get a feel for what customers really want. This guide will take you through the steps of selling at markets in NZ, from choosing the right spot to setting up your stall and making sure you get those all-important sales.

Understanding NZ’s Market Culture

New Zealand’s market scene is booming. Whether it’s a farmers’ market in a small town or a vibrant artisan market in the city, markets are a key part of Kiwi life. People come for fresh, locally produced goods, handmade crafts, and the opportunity to support local businesses. For vendors, it’s a chance to connect directly with customers, build relationships, and create a loyal following. If you’re thinking about selling at markets, you’re entering a supportive, community-driven environment where authenticity matters.

Markets in NZ are about more than just making a quick sale—they’re a space where people value the story behind the product. Whether you’re selling handcrafted pottery or organic honey, Kiwis love knowing where their goods come from, so make sure you’re ready to share your story and build a relationship with your customers.

Choosing the right market for your product

Not all markets are created equal, and it’s important to find the right one for what you’re selling. Some markets cater to foodies looking for fresh produce, while others might attract art lovers on the hunt for handmade treasures. Here’s what to consider when picking your market:

  • Know Your Audience: If you’re selling organic skincare products, for instance, an eco-friendly market or a wellness fair might be your best bet. If you’ve got home-baked goods, a busy farmers’ market is where you want to be. Spend time visiting markets, observing the crowds, and chatting to other vendors to get a feel for where your product fits.
  • Local vs. Regional Markets: Some of the bigger cities like Auckland and Wellington have larger markets with higher foot traffic, but don’t discount smaller local markets. Smaller markets often have loyal customers who love supporting small, local vendors. If you’re just starting out, smaller markets can be a good way to test your product and refine your pitch.
  • Market Fees and Rules: Each market has different fees, rules, and requirements for vendors. Some charge a flat fee for a stall, while others take a percentage of your sales. Make sure you know the costs upfront and understand the market’s guidelines—especially if you’re selling food, as there are often additional health and safety regulations.

Once you’ve found a market that feels like the right fit, reach out to the organisers to apply for a stall. It’s a good idea to have a professional-looking portfolio or website ready to show them, as they’ll want to see what you’re offering.

Sorting out the legal stuff

Before you set up shop, you need to make sure you’re following all the legal requirements for selling in New Zealand.

  • Business Registration: If you’re planning to sell regularly, you’ll need to register as a business or sole trader. This is a fairly straightforward process through the New Zealand Companies Office. Registering means you can also claim business expenses, which will come in handy at tax time.
  • Food Safety Regulations: If you’re selling food, there’s a bit more paperwork involved. You’ll need to comply with New Zealand Food Safety regulations, which may include getting a Food Control Plan (FCP) and registering with your local council. Make sure your food preparation area meets hygiene standards, and be ready for regular checks if you’re in the food business.
  • Licences and Permits: Depending on what you’re selling, you may need additional licences. This could apply if you’re selling alcohol, certain crafts, or providing services like hair braiding or face painting. Always check with your local council to see if there are any specific permits you need for your type of business.

Pricing your products

Pricing is one of the trickiest parts of selling at markets. You want to make sure your prices are competitive while still making a profit.

  • Cover Your Costs: Make sure you factor in everything—materials, production costs, time spent making your product, and any market fees. Don’t forget to account for things like packaging, transport, and stall setup costs. Once you’ve calculated your costs, set a price that gives you a decent profit margin.
  • Check the Competition: Spend time looking at what other vendors at your market are charging for similar products. You don’t want to undercut yourself, but you also don’t want to be the most expensive stall without a good reason. Keep in mind that people go to markets expecting quality products, so they’re usually happy to pay a fair price.
  • Offer Deals: People love a bargain, especially at markets. Consider offering a special deal for market customers, like a discount for buying in bulk or a special price for loyal customers. This can help you move stock and build a repeat customer base.

Creating a standout stall

Your stall is your shopfront, and first impressions count. A well-designed, inviting stall will draw people in, while a cluttered or dull setup might keep them walking.

  • Stall Layout: Keep your layout simple and accessible. Use shelves, stands, and displays to showcase your products, but avoid overcrowding your stall. A clear, well-organised space makes it easier for customers to browse and helps them feel comfortable.
  • Branding and Signage: Make sure your stall has clear signage with your business name, and keep your branding consistent. Whether it’s a logo, colour scheme, or packaging, make sure everything ties together. People remember brands, and a professional-looking stall will help you stand out.
  • Product Presentation: How your products are displayed can make a huge difference. Use attractive packaging and arrange your products in a way that highlights their best features. If you’re selling food, make sure it looks fresh and appetising, and consider offering free samples to draw people in.

Marketing and social media

While markets are a great way to get in front of people, it’s important to build a buzz about your stall beforehand. That’s where social media comes in.

  • Build a Following: Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote your market days. Post photos of your products, share behind-the-scenes snaps, and engage with your followers. Let people know which markets you’ll be at and encourage them to stop by.
  • Collaborate with Other Vendors: Market communities are tight-knit, and building relationships with other vendors can help you grow your customer base. Share each other’s posts on social media, run joint promotions, or offer package deals that feature complementary products.
  • Offer Exclusive Deals: Give your social media followers a reason to visit your stall by offering exclusive deals or discounts. This not only rewards your loyal customers but also helps spread the word about your market presence.

Customer service matters

At markets, the customer experience is just as important as the product itself. Be approachable, friendly, and ready to chat about what you’re selling.

  • Engage with Customers: Don’t just sit back and wait for people to come to you—engage with them! Say hello, offer samples if appropriate, and be ready to answer questions about your products. People love learning about the process behind handmade goods, so be prepared to share your story.
  • Build Relationships: One of the benefits of selling at markets is the ability to build relationships with repeat customers. Remember faces, chat with regulars, and make your stall a place where people feel welcome. A positive experience can lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Kiwis are big on sustainability, so incorporating eco-friendly practices into your stall can be a real selling point.

  • Use Sustainable Packaging: Wherever possible, opt for eco-friendly packaging. Compostable bags, recyclable containers, and reusable packaging are all great options that will resonate with environmentally conscious shoppers.
  • Reduce Waste: Be mindful of waste, both in terms of product leftovers and packaging. If you’re selling food, consider donating leftovers to a local food bank or charity at the end of the market day.
  • Promote Your Sustainability Efforts: Let customers know about your commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s using locally sourced ingredients or minimising plastic, share your efforts with customers through signage or conversations.

Handling payments

Offering a variety of payment options is key to making sales easy for your customers.

  • Cash and Cards: While cash is still common at markets, more and more people are opting for card payments. Invest in a mobile card reader like Square or PayPal Here so you can take card payments on the spot.
  • Mobile Payments: Some customers might prefer to pay via mobile payment apps. Make sure you’re set up to accept these types of payments if possible.
  • Tracking Your Sales: Keep a record of all your sales, whether it’s through a point-of-sale (POS) system or manually. This will help you track your performance, manage stock, and prepare for tax time.

Reflecting and improving after each market

Once the market day is over, take time to reflect on how things went.

  • Review Your Sales: Analyse your sales data to see which products were the most popular and which didn’t move as well. This will help you adjust your stock for the next market.
  • Customer Feedback: Pay attention to any feedback you received from customers. If several people asked about a product you didn’t have, consider adding