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The Market Series, Part 3: How to Make Your Booth Stand Out | Episode 107



If you’ve been following along, we’ve been walking through a three-part series all about selling at sourdough markets. In Part 1, we talked about choosing the right market. In Part 2, we covered market prep. And now, in Part 3, we’re talking about something I’ve wanted to share for a long time—how to set up your vendor booth so it actually works for you.


Because here’s the thing: you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect table to sell great bread. But

you do need a setup that feels professional, approachable, and cohesive. Your booth is the first impression someone gets of your bakery. And just like a good sourdough, it’s worth taking the time to do it well.


Let’s walk through what’s worked for me—and what hasn’t—so you can set up your market booth with confidence.


Start With What You Have

You don’t need to buy everything at once. You can absolutely start simple and build over time.

  • Use a clean, neutral tablecloth. Skip the busy patterns. A calm, neutral base lets your products shine.

  • Declutter. Don’t crowd your table with every single item you baked. Keep backup stock in a bin under the table.

  • Match your signage and packaging. Even simple handwritten signs work—just keep them neat and consistent.

  • Add height variation. Cooling racks, wooden crates, or foldable shoe racks give your display visual interest without overwhelming the eye.


The goal isn’t perfection. It’s clarity. When your booth is organized and welcoming, customers feel comfortable stepping in and buying.


Keep It Functional and Beautiful

A great booth isn’t just pretty—it works for you.

  • Stock multiples of each item. People hesitate to take the last one. Having a few out keeps things moving.

  • Use clear signage. I love small metal chalkboards. Just the item name and price—simple, clean, done.

  • Consider a banner. A vinyl sign behind your booth adds polish. Walgreens prints affordable banners fast. Bonus points if you can support a local printer instead.

  • Use foldable racks and displays. My bamboo shoe racks are lightweight and collapse flat—perfect for transport and setup.


Over time, you’ll refine your setup based on what feels good and what sells. But don’t wait for the perfect layout. Start with what’s available and build as you go.


How You Show Up Matters More Than Your Table

You can have a beautiful booth, but if you’re not warm and welcoming, people will keep walking.


Here’s what helps:

  • Stand or sit on a stool. Being eye-level is more inviting than crouched behind a table.

  • Greet people with a smile. A simple “Good morning!” goes a long way.

  • Don’t be pushy. Let people browse. If they linger, say, “Let me know if you have any questions.”

  • Avoid info-dumping. Instead, ask, “Have you tried our sourdough before?” and let the conversation unfold naturally.


Pay attention to body language. Not everyone wants to chat, and that’s okay. Create a calm, welcoming space, and let customers come to you.


A Note on Samples

Whether or not to offer samples depends on your market, your state’s regulations, and your comfort level.

  • I don’t offer samples at my regular market because I’ve built trust and word-of-mouth sells for me.

  • But at new events, samples can help. Think cubed bread or cookie bites in small cups.

  • If you do sample, keep it neat and easy for people to try without a fuss.


Trust that when your booth is polished, your product is excellent, and your presence is warm, you won’t need samples to convince people to buy.


Make Checkout Smooth and Professional

Your checkout experience should feel easy—for you and your customers.

  • I use the Square Stand with an iPad. It spins around for the customer to tap and go.

  • Started small? You can begin with just your phone and the tap-to-pay feature (free with Square).

  • Avoid Square Banking. It’s messy for bookkeeping. Transfer funds into a separate business account instead.

There’s a link to my Square referral code in the show notes if you're ready to upgrade.


Your Presence Sets the Tone

Even during the slow parts of market day, your demeanor matters.

  • Stay visible and approachable. Don’t hide behind your phone or book.

  • Smile, even if it’s quiet. Someone might be watching your booth from a distance.

  • Be consistent in your own presentation. I often wear linen, tie up my hair, and keep a cohesive look week to week.


Familiarity builds trust. When customers start recognizing you, it deepens the connection—and keeps them coming back.


Build Relationships, Not Just Sales

Long-term market success isn’t about selling out once. It’s about showing up with intention and building a rhythm.

  • Connect with vendors. Cross-promote with the honey or olive oil booth next to you.

  • Capture emails or phone numbers. Use a clipboard or QR code to grow your text or email list.

  • Learn your customers’ names. Nothing builds loyalty like remembering someone’s order or asking how their week went.


Your booth becomes a place people look forward to visiting. That’s when the magic happens.


Take Care of Yourself

Market days are long. You’re lifting, hauling, talking, smiling.

  • Stretch your wrists. Bend with your knees. Drink water.

  • Bring a snack. Wear good shoes. Sit down when you can.

  • Rest when you get home. Build in recovery. A sandwich and a nap is my go-to.


We can’t sustain these businesses if we burn ourselves out. Take care of your body like the valuable tool it is.


Recap: What Matters Most

Here’s what I want you to remember as you prepare for your next market day:

  • Keep your booth simple, clean, and cohesive.

  • Let your personality and product speak more than your signage.

  • Connect with people, don’t pursue them.

  • Build trust through consistency—in your setup and your presence.

  • Protect your energy so you can keep showing up well.


Selling at markets is more than just bread. It’s about presence, connection, and community. When you bring intention to your booth and care to your people, it shows—and it sells.


You’ve got this. I’m cheering you on.

And if you ever want to share your booth setup, tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see it.


Until next time—happy baking.


Links to things you might like!









  • Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including the dough bins I mentioned, packaging, pans, and more in my Amazon Storefrom! www.carolinebower.com/amazon




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