Let’s be real: nothing is worse than dealing with bad weather during your outdoor market. But fear not, fellow vendors! I’ve got plenty of experience with outdoor markets and I’m here to help you out. Let’s talk about how to prepare for different weather conditions when setting up shop at outdoor markets!
Hot Days
As much as we love soaking up the sun, it’s important to stay cool and comfortable during hot days. To do this, position yourself in the shaded area of your canopy. Bring sunscreen to avoid getting burnt (trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way), and a portable fan or mister can come in handy to cool you down. Don’t forget to bring water to stay hydrated! (My Hello Kitty cooler is the perfect size to bring to outdoor markets!)🤩
Rainy Days
Rainy days can be a bit of a downer, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up and go home. Protect your products and make sure they stay dry! Scooch everything in towards the center of your canopy to avoid water dripping from the sides. Bring towels to wipe off any water that may have made its way onto your products!
Windy Days
Wind can be your worst enemy. I remember the windiest market ever when my dad had to come help hold down my tent (he had run an ultramarathon earlier that day, so he was up for the task!😂). To prevent this from happening again, anchor your canopy down with plenty of weights. Secure your display items with clips, bungee cords, or duct tape. Even though it’s not as pretty, sometimes the only option left is to lay everything flat and hope for the best!
Cold Days
It can get chilly, especially in the fall or in the morning and evening. Bring lots of layers and even a blanket to help keep warm (bonus if it’s a crocheted blanket). I kept using my dad’s portable heater to warm up last year during my fall markets, and he ended up getting me one for Christmas!
Bonus: I’ve had my all-time best sales days on slightly chillier days (probably because I sell beanies at an outdoor event in fall, right before our cold season!).
Snowy Days
Personally, I’m out when it comes to snowy days. But if you’re feeling adventurous and decide to set up shop, make sure to take extra precautions. Keep everything covered and weigh down your canopy. And remember, safety first!
The all-time worst weather to set up in is wind + rain. The rain will soak into your canopy and make everything a mess. The only solution I’ve found, although not my favorite, is putting up walls and weighing down my canopy like it’s nobody’s business.
Well, there you have it! Now you’re ready to tackle any weather conditions at your next outdoor market. Happy selling!
