How to Get Started Hosting a Craft Market in Your Own Community

How to Get Started Hosting a Craft Market in Your Own Community

Past vendors have been asking when I'll start hosting markets again in the Skagit Valley - sharing how much they appreciated my organization and advertising leading up to the markets.

Honestly, hosting is not as hard as people might think now that we have ai tools and the power of social media. People typically don't host because they don't feel like they don't know where to even start.

Here’s the thing. Markets are usually created because someone noticed a gap and decided to try filling it.

When I hosted my first market, I didn’t have a big plan. I didn’t have sponsors. I didn’t have a blueprint. What I had was a love for handmade things, a desire to bring people together, and a willingness to figure it out as I went. I planned my first market in less than 7 days once I found the right venue.

That’s still how most good markets are born.

Start smaller than you think you should

You do not need 40 vendors, a massive venue, or a six-month runway. In fact, starting smaller usually makes for a better experience.

A handful of thoughtful vendors in a welcoming space beats a packed room that feels chaotic or impersonal. Focus on connection before scale. The rest can grow later.

Choose a space that already has some warmth

Community centers, coffee shops, studios, school gyms, outdoor courtyards, church halls. The best spaces already feel lived in.

Ask yourself:

• Can people linger here?

• Is it accessible?

• Does it feel safe and welcoming?

Perfection is not the goal. Comfortable is.

Curate with intention, not trends

You don’t need the trendiest makers. You need people who care about what they make.

When vendors are proud of their work, it shows. When they enjoy being there, customers feel it. That energy matters more than what’s currently popular on Instagram.

Also, set boundaries early. Decide what fits and what doesn’t. It makes everything easier later.

Price booths fairly (and don’t apologize for it)

This is where a lot of hosts get stuck. You’re not charging vendors just for a table.

You’re charging for:

• Your time

• Your planning

• Your marketing

• The experience you’re creating

If you underprice, you’ll burn out. If you price thoughtfully and clearly communicate what vendors receive, the right people will say yes.

I'll admit that my prices were way too low the first year I hosted. I wanted it to be affordable for new artists - but priced booths so low that didn't realize until later that I actually lost money at some markets after paying the venue fee, advertising fees, and the amount of time and energy I put into it. Do a cost analysis first to ensure you are pricing it fairly and that it is worth the time you put in.

Expect to learn as you go

Your first market will teach you more than any guide ever could. Something will go sideways. Someone will cancel last minute. You’ll forget something small.

That’s normal.

Each market gets better because you get better. That’s how it works.

If you’re feeling the nudge to host something in your own community, listen to it. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.

And if you want more behind-the-scenes tips like this, let me know! I'm happy to share more tips in details and create a step-by-step process on how to get started if there is interest.