A Checklist for New Market Traders Starting out as a market trader is an exciting step for any small business. Markets are vibrant, community-driven, and a fantastic way to showcase your products face-to-face. But success on market day isn’t just about what you sell, it’s also about how you present your stall. At Surf & Turf Instant Shelters, we’ve helped thousands of thousands of traders create professional, practical and eye-catching setups. Whether you’re attending your first weekend market or upgrading your current stall, this checklist will help you stand out, stay organised, and maximise your sales. Market Stall Equipment Checklist to Consider Gazebo: Choose the right size and quality for your business needs. Our 3m x 3m Elite shelter is our most popular option, known for its strength, durability, and professional finish. Custom Printed Gazebos: A high-quality printed gazebo helps your business stand out instantly, showcasing your brand and making a strong first impression. Promotional Flags: Printed flags, banners, valance wraps, roller banners, and menu boards can be crucial for attracting customers to your stall. Tables & Table Covers: A sturdy trestle table is a must. Surf & Turf offers a wide range, from cocktail tables to 6ft exhibition tables, with printed promotional covers available. Lighting & Heating Accessories: The right gazebo lighting and heating is essential for gloomy days, evening events, or colder months. Anchors & Weights: Secure your gazebo with a variety of weights for safe, reliable setup, especially in changing weather conditions. Choose the Right Gazebo Your gazebo is the backbone of your market stall. A flimsy or incorrectly sized shelter can quickly become a problem, particularly in unpredictable weather. Customers are more likely to engage with a stall that looks stable, clean, and professional. Your ideal gazebo should be a commercial grade shelter built for durability and sized to suit your market space and business needs. It should be easy to set up and pack down (particularly important for solo traders) and offer reliable weather protection with a waterproof, UV-protected canopy and sidewalls. A strong frame is also essential, ensuring your gazebo can handle windy conditions and stand up to regular use. Our Canopro Elite 3m x 3m is our most popular heavy duty gazebo, while the Robusta 3m x 3m is our bestselling entry level option. Both offer durability, ease of setup, and a professional finish. Custom Printed Gazebos That Strengthen Your Brand In a busy market, first impressions happen in seconds. A custom printed gazebo transforms your stall into a professional, attention-grabbing marketing tool that reinforces your brand and sets you apart from competitors. Branding must haves include a printed canopy featuring your logo or business name, along with full or half printed walls to boost visibility. Using consistent brand colours helps create a polished, cohesive look, while clear, easy to read text ensures your message stands out – even from a distance. Even while you’re busy serving customers, your branding continues to work for you. Our experienced design team can help you create the perfect design, and our artwork and print guide makes the process simple. Promotional Flags That Elevate Your Stall Printed promotional flags are an affordable, high-impact way for traders to stand out in busy markets. Their height and movement make them easy to spot from a distance, while instantly communicating your brand, products, or key messages to passing customers. Options range from feather, portrait, and teardrop flags to custom messages like “Fresh Today,” “Handmade,” or “Locally Grown,” as well as fully branded designs showcasing your logo or key products. Positioning flags at the front or corners of your stall guides foot traffic directly to your gazebo. With Surf & Turf Instant Shelters’ professionally printed flags your stall gains height, movement, and visual impact, providing everything you need for a successful market day. Banners, Signage & Table Presentation A neat, well organised, and fully branded stall not only looks professional but encourages customers to browse longer, often leading to increased engagement and higher sales. Essentials to consider include shop front banners that clearly display your business name, branded tablecloths for a clean and professional look, and roller banners to share product details, promotions, or your brand story. Menu boards or clear price signage help customers quickly understand your offerings, while valance wraps maximise branding across your gazebo. Our experienced design team can help bring it all together with clear, well-designed signage that highlights what you offer, your pricing, and your key selling points, making it easier for customers to buy with confidence. Lighting and Heating Accessories Markets don’t stop for the weather, so being prepared is essential. The right lighting and heating can keep your products visible, enhance your stall’s presentation, and create a warm, welcoming space for customers. Lighting and heating are worth careful consideration, especially when trading in early mornings, evenings, or indoor markets. Our 3-Way LED gazebo lights deliver bright, efficient illumination where it’s needed most. During cooler months, portable heating helps keep your stall comfortable, and our energy-efficient 3-Way Infrared Halogen heaters are ideal for market trading. With the right setup, you can protect your stock, stay comfortable, and trade confidently all year round. Gazebo Weights and Anchors Stability is crucial when trading outdoors, especially in unpredictable weather. Proper anchoring protects your gazebo, products, and customers while keeping your setup compliant with market safety standards. Anchors and weights improve stability on windy or uneven ground, reduce the risk of damage, and help safeguard staff, customers, and neighbouring stalls. With Surf & Turf Instant Shelters’ range of weights and anchors, your gazebo stays secure, giving you peace of mind to focus on providing an outstanding customer experience. Final Tip: Your Stall Is an Investment Your market stall setup is more than just equipment; it’s a long-term marketing asset you’ll use again and again. A well-presented, professional stall creates a strong first impression, builds customer confidence, and drives sales. If you’re ready to elevate your market presence, the Surf & Turf Instant Shelters team can help you create a fully branded, professional stall with gazebos, printed banners, signage, and table covers – all designed to work as hard as you do. Explore our range today and start making your market stall stand out.