The tiangge business has certainly gone a long way since the concept was introduced in the ’70s. Mall operators then were reluctant to adopt the idea in the beginning but since the first tiangge was mounted in Greenhills, it was gradually accepted by people. Today, almost all malls have flea markets in their premises.

How to start your tiangge business

Bazaars are popular venues for first-time entrepreneurs, given their low operating cost and high foot traffic. It’s a great way of introducing products to consumers, plus a chance to get insights on how to improve your business.

If there’s anything to admire about people who engage in the tiangge business, it’s their entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity. They learn to develop their own line of business, even if capital is scarce. Also, since they are often hands-on with the business, from production to marketing and even the actual selling, they know what it means to hustle.

Before you jump in, here are some important lessons in the tiangge business that you need to keep in mind:

Prepare to invest.

While significantly less costly, you still need to shell out money for your products, promotions, and stall rentals. Make a breakdown of any possible expense to figure out how much you will need.

Choose a good area.

Visibility is key. So in finding a space to rent, study the floor plan and visualize the foot traffic. The most coveted spot in a tiangge is right near the entrance, so if you want to secure prime real estate, contact the organizer as early as possible.

Optimize your space.

If you don’t get a spot near the entrance, you can still grab attention with a booth that looks interesting and inviting. Design it in a way that it can be easily spotted in a crowd.

A time-tested tip is to ensure that your spot is well-lit. It helps to bring your own, instead of just depending on the lights at the venue, as it tends to get dim when all the booths have been set up. If you can, have a dedicated light for your product, or at least your bestseller.

Style arrangement matters–

It’s easy to just lay everything out on the table and hope for the best but when you’re competing for the attention of busy shoppers, layout does matter. For one, when you’ve got people pushing their way around, the last place they’ll be looking is down. Keeping that in mind, it helps to have your bestsellers or stocking-stuffers at eye-level. The first place they’ll be looking is straight ahead, so elevated displays that they can see right away is a must.

— and so do signages.

And we’re not just talking about the big sign with your store name. Think like a shopper, what statements make you pause at a store? That’s right, the likes of “3 for P100”, “Everything P100”, “Buy 5 Get 1 Free” are sure to grab attention and encourage their impulse to spend.

Promote your business online.

Using social media to promote your business is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to get it out there. To start, set up a Facebook page for your business and ensure that the essentials are there for your customers to find: location, hours, contact information, and an overview of your business. Keep it updated with new products and promos, as well as your event calendar if you plan on participating in different bazaars. Don’t forget to include your social media links in your booth displays or calling cards!

Engage your customers.

If you are manning your space, remember that a sincere smile goes a long way in attracting potential customers. Assisting people and helping them with their concerns gives them a positive experience and makes them more likely to return with their friends.

Your next step then is to go ahead and start your own tiangge business. Take what you’ve learned from this, put it to the test, and lease with us. Happy selling!