Market Series- My most recent market experience

Last week, I participated in my first festive market of the season, one of the biggest Diwali Bazaars in Singapore—and what an experience it was! While sales were fairly average, the event was incredibly rewarding in other ways. I had great conversations, connected with both new and returning customers, and a few exciting opportunities came my way.

 

For context, this event took place about 50 days before Diwali, and most Diwali gifting typically happens 2-4 weeks before the festival, so I anticipated lower sales. For me, it was more of a marketing showcase, an opportunity for new customers to discover my work and see that there's a handmade option for Diwali gifts. I was also excited to reveal my brand-new setup, which drew some really interesting reactions.

 

Most people really appreciated the effort I put into my booth setup. It not only elevated my space but added to the overall vibe of the event.

 

Also, I noticed some interesting trends this time. While fewer people stopped by compared to last year, the interactions I had were far more meaningful. The conversations were richer, and the feedback I received were incredibly thoughtful. I feel like I naturally filtered out the bargain hunters, and honestly, I'm not complaining! 

And I don't mean to dismiss people with lower budgets. I had plenty of affordable options, like tealight holders and small trinket dishes, which many people bought. And I'm so grateful for every purchase. The key difference was that these customers, even with small budgets, valued handmade pottery over mass-produced items. These are exactly the kind of people I want to attract—those who appreciate the craftsmanship and aren't just looking for the lowest price. Bargain shoppers will never see the value in a $15 handmade dish, and that's okay, because they are not for me.

 

Since I've started retailing in a couple of boutique stores, I felt much more confident when quoting prices for my pieces. In the past, I would often explain why my work was 'expensive,' going into detail about everything being handmade and hand-painted—even when no one had asked. This time, I still shared how I made my pieces, but only when people were genuinely interested, rather than feeling the need to justify my pricing.

 

I also made sure to invite people to my open studio and collected contact details to share more information after the event.

Overall, I had a fantastic time at the market and returned feeling energized and excited to dive into the festive season.

 

Although sales weren't sky-high, this was one of my best events because of the meaningful interactions I had. I plan to follow up with in-person open studio events next month, where I anticipate most of the actual sales will take place.

 

Here's a little follow-up tip: I like to create a Gift Guide in PDF format and share it with my customers on WhatsApp, listing all the Diwali gifting options. The guide includes images, prices, dimensions, and instructions on how to place orders. This method has been one of my best sources for getting orders for Diwali!

 

As the busy season approaches, I might take a break from the 'Tip Tuesday' emails. They may not be weekly, but I'll try to share any new insights I gain as we move into the festive season.

 

Wishing you all great success this Holiday Season! Feel free to share your tips and experiences—I'd love to compile them into another email to share with our community!

 

Till next time..

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