Manchester’s Christmas markets get incredibly busy. If you’ve got a stall this year you’ll know the problem already. People are walking past with a hot drink in one hand, looking at ten stalls at once, and you’ve got a couple of seconds to catch their eye before they’re onto the next one.
A good banner won’t do the selling for you, but it does tell people who you are and what you sell before they’ve even reached your counter. Here’s what we’d think about before ordering. It applies just as much to any other Christmas market in the UK, whether that’s Birmingham, Edinburgh or the one in your local town square.
Check What Your Market Allows First
Before you design anything, read your trader pack or ask the organiser. Most markets have rules about how big signage can be, where it can hang and how it’s fixed, and some ask for specific materials. Its much easier to design to the right size from the start than to find out on set-up day that your banner can’t go up.
If the organiser has asked for anything specific, tell us before you order and we’ll let you know what we can do.
Which Banner Works Best On A Market Stall?
For the front or top of an outdoor stall, a PVC banner is usually the right call. It’s tough and weatherproof, which matters in a Manchester December, and it’s printed to whatever size you need with hems and eyelets included so you can tie it straight on.
If your pitch is exposed and catches the wind, have a look at mesh banners. They let the wind through, so they don’t pull at the fixings like a solid banner does.
For the back wall of the stall, a fabric banner looks great behind the counter. It’s crease-resistant, so it’ll still look smart after being folded into the van every night. Add a printed table cover and the whole stall starts to look like one brand rather than a few bits put together.
Trading indoors or in a covered hall? A roller banner stands up next to the counter in seconds and packs down just as quickly at the end of the day.
Keep The Design Simple
The banners that work best at a busy market are the ones you can read from across the walkway. Your name and what you sell should be the biggest things on there. “Handmade Candles” or “Hot Churros” tells someone more in a glance than a clever slogan does.
After that, keep it to the essentials. A website or Instagram handle is handy for people who want to find you after the market closes. Strong contrast helps too, dark text on a light background or the other way round. Market lighting in the evening isn’t always great and pale colours can just disappear.
You can design your banner yourself using our free online design tool, or upload artwork you’ve already got. If you’d rather leave it to us, our design service is £20 and we’ll put something together from your logo and a few notes.
Leave Yourself Enough Time
Most banners take 7 to 8 working days from order to delivery, and orders need to be in by 12pm to start that day. Roller banners can be quicker if you choose a faster turnaround. Work back from your first trading day and give yourself a few days spare, because November gets busy for everyone.
Delivery is free across the UK on orders over £65, or £4.50 below that. If you’re cutting it fine, get in touch before you order and tell us your date. We’ll be honest about whether we can make it.
Not sure what size or material you need for your pitch? Send us the measurements and a photo of the stall if you’ve got one and we’ll point you in the right direction with a custom quote.