Prepare for Market Day
A solid bit of prep is the difference between a stressful morning and a brilliant day. Here's a practical walk-through of everything you and your young entrepreneur should sort before your first BizKids Market — written for first-timers, useful even if you've done it before.
- 1
Pick a business idea
Start with what your young entrepreneur loves doing. Baking, slime, art prints, friendship bracelets, dog treats, plant cuttings, second-hand books with a twist — the best stall is the one they're genuinely excited to talk about for three hours. Keep it simple, keep it theirs.
- 2
Name it and make it look the part
A good business name is short, easy to say, and easy to remember. Once you've landed on one, sketch out a simple logo or sign. A clear hand-painted sign with the business name and prices does the job — it doesn't need to be fancy, just legible from a few metres away.
- 3
Work out the money
Add up what every item costs to make — ingredients, packaging, materials. Then set a price that covers the cost and leaves a profit. A common rule for handmade goods is to charge two to three times what the materials cost. Round prices to whole dollars or fifty-cent amounts so the maths is easy on the day.
- 4
Make or pack your stock
Aim for a healthy amount but don't go overboard for your first market. It's better to sell out than to lug half your stock home. If you're selling food, prep as late as you safely can so it's fresh. Pack everything in sturdy boxes or crates the night before.
- 5
Plan your stall layout
You'll usually get a table-sized space. Sketch where things will go: signage at the back or hanging up high so people can see it from a distance, products at the front within easy reach, money tin tucked safely behind. Add height with boxes, baskets, or crates under a tablecloth — flat tables get ignored. Bring a tablecloth that matches your vibe.
- 6
Practise the pitch
Customers walk past quickly. A friendly ten-second hello goes a long way: 'Hi! Want to try one of my chocolate brownies? They're $3 each or two for $5.' Practise at home with family until it feels natural. Eye contact, a smile, and saying thank you make all the difference — and they're skills that stick for life.
- 7
Sort the float and payments
Bring a float of small notes and coins so you can give change — around $30 in a mix of $5 notes, $2 and $1 coins, and 50c pieces is a solid starting point. Cash is king at kids' markets, but it's worth setting up a simple PayID or QR code linked to a parent's account for customers who don't carry cash. Put the QR code on a small sign at the front of the stall.
- 8
Pack your market-day kit
Have everything ready in one box the night before so the morning isn't a scramble. See the checklist below.
- 9
On the day
Arrive early so you've got time to set up without rushing. Greet every customer, even the ones who are just browsing. Keep the stall tidy as you go and restock the front as items sell. Take a quick break when you can — three hours on your feet is a long shift. At the end, pack down properly and leave your space cleaner than you found it.
- 10
After the market
Count up what you made, subtract your costs, and that's your profit. Talk about what worked and what you'd change next time. Did one product sell out? Make more. Did something not move? Try a different price, a sign, or a sample. Every market is a chance to learn — that's the whole point.
Market-day kit
Pack this the night before. Future-you will be very grateful.
- Tablecloth and any boxes/crates for height
- Signage with business name and clear prices
- Your stock, packed in boxes or containers
- Cash float (~$30 in small notes and coins)
- Money tin or zipped pouch
- PayID / QR code sign (optional)
- Calculator or phone for quick maths
- Pens, sticky tape, scissors, tags
- Bags or wrapping for customer purchases
- Hand sanitiser and a cloth for spills
- Water bottle, hat, sunscreen
- Snacks for the entrepreneur — three hours is a long shift
- A folding chair for breaks
- Bin bag for packdown
Ready to give it a go?
Register your interest and we'll be in touch with dates, stall info, and next steps.