Before You Book Another Market, Read This
At this time of year, things tend to move quickly.
Applications are opening, events are being announced every week and it’s very easy to find yourself saying yes to everything that comes your way. For many traders, this is one of the busiest booking period of the year.
We’re already seeing it. Traders booking two or three events on the same weekend, just to keep their options open.
It might feel like the safest approach, but it can lead to problems later on.
Why Overbooking Can Cause Issues
Booking multiple events with the intention of deciding later might seem harmless, but it can have knock-on effects.
Event organisers rely on confirmed traders to plan their layouts and promote their markets and events. If cancellations come in late, it can leave gaps that are difficult to fill, especially if the event is already close.
Over time, reliability matters. Organisers tend to remember traders who follow through on bookings, just as much as those who don’t.
Of course, there are situations where cancellations are unavoidable, and that’s completely understandable. But booking with the intention of cancelling later is something to think carefully about.
How to Choose Between Events
If you’re finding yourself with multiple options, it helps to take a step back and look at each one properly.
Here are a few things worth considering:
Location
Is it local and easy to get to, or will it involve a long day of travel or an overnight stay?
Local markets can often be lower risk, especially if you already know the crowd.
Costs vs Potential Return
Look beyond the pitch fee.
- Travel costs
- Fuel
- Accommodation (if needed)
- Time investment
Then ask yourself, what do you realistically need to make back to make it worthwhile?
Type of Event
Is this your kind of customer?
A busy event isn’t always the right event. The best markets are the ones where your products match the audience.
Stock and Preparation
If you’ve booked multiple events close together, do you have enough stock prepared?
Spreading yourself too thin can impact both your sales and your overall setup.
Experience vs New Opportunities
Have you traded there before?
If you already know a market works for you, there’s real value in that consistency. You understand the crowd, what sells and what to expect on the day.
On the other hand, new events can be a great way to reach different customers and grow your business, but they do come with more unknowns.
Regular local markets often offer more stability, while new opportunities can bring more potential, but also more risk.
There’s no right or wrong choice, but it’s worth thinking about the balance that works best for you.
If You Do Need to Cancel
Sometimes, things change. That’s part of trading.
If you do need to cancel:
- Give as much notice as possible
- Be upfront and clear with the organiser
- Avoid leaving it until the last minute where you can
If you are cancelling, it’s always a good idea to acknowledge that it may leave a gap and try to help where you can. A simple message letting the organiser know that your space may suit a similar trader and suggesting they share it with IOMST, can go a long way.
We’re happy to include last-minute availability in the newsletter where possible, which can help organisers fill spaces and keep their event running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to say yes to everything.
In many cases, it’s better to do a few markets well than to spread yourself too thin across too many.
Taking a bit of time now to choose the right events can make a big difference to how your season plays out.
For more Information, Guides Help, Support or Advice. Get in touch with IOMST and become a member today!
Grainne & Greg
Just a little reminder:
This blog is here to spark ideas and help you think about your business in new ways. What works for one person might not suit another. Take what’s helpful, adapt it to your own style, and if you ever need more tailored advice, just get in touch. That’s what we’re here for, supporting you and your business every step of the way.