Selling your woodworking at farmers markets and festivals is a great way to showcase your craft, connect with customers, and generate income. However, a successful event requires planning, organization, and the right strategy to stand out in a competitive market. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from researching events and setting up your booth to pricing your items, processing payments, and avoiding market saturation. 

 

1. Researching Events & Understanding Costs

Before committing to an event, take the time to research and evaluate whether it is a good fit for your woodworking business. 

A. How to Find the Right Event

  • Check local event websites, social media, and community boards for market listings.
  • Talk to other vendors to get recommendations for successful events.
  • Look for events that match your target customer, such as craft fairs that attract buyers looking for handmade goods.

B. Questions to Ask About an Event

  • What is the vendor fee? Booth costs range from $25 to $500 or more depending on event size.
  • How many attendees are expected? More traffic means more potential sales.
  • What type of vendors will be there? If there are too many woodworkers, it may be difficult to stand out.
  • Are booths indoors or outdoors? If outside, you may need to prepare for weather conditions.
  • Do you need liability insurance? Some markets require vendors to have insurance.

C. Estimating Costs

  • Booth Fees – Factor in vendor fees when pricing your products.
  • Supplies – Tables, tents, displays, and promotional materials.
  • Travel Expenses – Gas, lodging (for out-of-town events), and meals.
  • Payment Processing Fees – If using card readers, budget for transaction fees, which are typically around 2.6 percent per sale.

2. Booth Setup Checklist: What You Need to Bring

A well-organized booth makes a great impression and helps you sell more products. Here’s a checklist of essentials: 

A. Booth Equipment

  • Pop-up tent (if outdoors) with weights or anchors.
  • Tables and table covers for a clean and professional look.
  • Shelving or display stands for vertical product presentation.
  • Banners or signs with your business name and logo.
  • Business cards or flyers with your contact information and website.

B. Product Setup

  • Organize products neatly for easy browsing.
  • Group similar items together, such as cutting boards in one area and coasters in another.
  • Have pricing tags on all items for transparency.
  • Offer bundle deals, such as "Buy two coasters, get one free."

C. Payment Processing & Supplies

  • Credit card reader, such as Square, PayPal Zettle, or SumUp.
  • Cash box with small bills and coins for change.
  • Sales log for tracking cash sales and inventory.
  • Phone charger or portable power bank to keep your devices powered.

D. Transport & Setup

  • Pack products securely with padding to avoid damage.
  • Use rolling carts or a dolly for easier load-in and load-out.
  • Bring a small toolkit with zip ties, scissors, and tape for booth fixes.

3. Pricing Your Woodworking Items

Pricing can make or break your sales. If prices are too high, customers may walk away. If prices are too low, you may be undervaluing your work.

 

A. Basic Pricing Formula

Material Costs + Labor Costs + Overhead + Profit Margin = Price Example:  

  • Materials: $10
  • Labor: One hour at $20 per hour = $20
  • Overhead: $5 (booth fees, electricity, marketing)
  • Profit Margin: $15
  • Total Price = $50

B. Competitive Pricing Tips

  • Research what other vendors charge for similar items.
  • Offer various price points, such as budget-friendly coasters and premium cutting boards.
  • Do not undercut yourself. Customers appreciate handmade quality and are willing to pay for it.
  • Use perceived value. Explain why your work is unique, such as using high-quality wood or offering custom engraving.

4. Popular Woodworking Items That Sell at Markets

Some woodworking items sell better than others at farmers markets and festivals. 

Best-Selling Items:

  • Cutting boards – Functional and easy to personalize.
  • Coasters – Small, affordable, and great for gifts.
  • Wooden signs – Personalized home décor is a big hit.
  • Charcuterie boards – Premium wood adds value.
  • Jewelry and keychains – Small impulse-buy items.
  • Children’s toys – Handmade wooden toys attract parents and grandparents.

Avoiding Market Saturation

  • If too many vendors are selling cutting boards, offer unique designs or bundles.
  • Add custom engraving for a personal touch.
  • Focus on niche markets, such as camping gear, rustic décor, or bar accessories.

5. Spin-Off Products to Expand Your Offerings

If your woodworking niche is crowded, consider expanding into related categories:  

  • Kitchen Items – Wooden utensils, spice racks, and knife blocks.
  • Outdoor Décor – Planter boxes, birdhouses, and Adirondack chairs.
  • Pet Accessories – Dog bowl stands and custom leash holders.
  • Engraved Gifts – Personalized wedding gifts and name plaques.
  • DIY Wood Kits – Sell unfinished pieces with instructions for DIY enthusiasts.

6. Payment Processing: How to Accept Credit Cards

Most customers expect cashless payment options. Here’s how to accept credit cards: 

Best Mobile Payment Solutions

  • Square – Easy setup with a 2.6 percent transaction fee.
  • PayPal Zettle – Accepts PayPal and Venmo, good for online orders.
  • SumUp – Simple interface with lower fees for small businesses.
  • Cash App, Apple Pay, and Google Pay – Contactless payments.

What You Need to Accept Cards

  • A smartphone or tablet with internet access.
  • A card reader, either plug-in, Bluetooth, or tap-to-pay.
  • A backup cash system for customers who prefer cash.

Final Tips for a Successful Market Day

  • Arrive early to set up before customers arrive.
  • Engage with customers—friendly interactions increase sales.
  • Have an email signup sheet to capture potential repeat buyers.
  • Post about the event on social media to attract visitors.
  • Track your best-selling items to adjust inventory for future markets.

Selling your woodworking at farmers markets and festivals takes effort and planning, but the reward of seeing customers appreciate your work and making sales is worth it. 

What’s Next?

Are you planning to sell at a market soon? What is your biggest challenge? Let me know in the comments.