Indoor VS Outdoor Markets: Pros and Cons

We have been attending markets for over 5 years, and have been asked to give tips and tricks for first time market-goers more times than I can count. And amidst these conversations, people often ask questions about the differences – and benefits – of having either an indoor or outdoor stall. Some markets offer both, other’s offer one over the other – and only YOU can decide which works best for your market stall’s needs.

Whether you are starting out at markets or a seasoned pro wondering if the change from indoor to outdoor stalls (or vice versa) is right for you, read on! Here are 5 of the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor markets.

Weather: This is an obvious one, and typically one of the major deciding factors for stallholders. It relies heavily on what products you’re selling, and where your market is being held.

If you’re selling fairy floss (or cotton candy for any Americans reading), the rain won’t be your friend during an outdoor market. If you’re selling cards, it’s no fun having to chase them down the parking lot on a windy day – and trust me, I have been there trying to play catch-up for other stall holders!

Not every market day is sunshine and clear skies.

On the days that the weather isn’t on your side, an indoor stall is the easy way to go. Thunderstorms or scorching sun are much less on a problem when you are beneath the heating vents or within airconditioned comfort. There are less muddy puddles to worry about, and getting sunburnt from setting up or packing down is less of a threat.

But on the flip side, if you enjoy a fresh breeze or feel suffocated by the hot and still air of heating vents (like we do), outdoors may be worth the trouble!

Space: If you have an outdoor market stall, you often end up scoring more space than if you are placed inside.

With indoor sites, space is typically very limited. You can’t just scoot over a wall or support beam to fit in an extra table or have some breathing room around your site. Whereas with outdoor sites, the open space proves to be far more forgiving, especially if someone cancels on the day.

Outdoor stalls are often less squishy for customers too!

As a rule of thumb, indoor spaces are often advertised as smaller than outdoor spaces. The standard outdoor stall is 3m x 3m (which is the typical gazebo size), whereas many indoor stalls are smaller than that (sometimes based around 2-2.5m, depending on the location).

If you need more space, an indoor site might not work well for you, and you may find yourself sorely disappointed with the constraints you have to work with.

Supplies: For some indoor events, the market supplies the tables and chairs for you. This doesn’t apply to all events, so it is important to read the applications thoroughly before any market.

If markets are only a hobby for you, or a temporary situation to see if it’s the right thing for you, having the tables and chairs provided for you means that you do not have to invest in them. This also means that you do not have to take them home and find space to pack them in the car.

For us, hiring tables and chairs for a market is an option does not work. We have already invested in our own tables and guaranteed comfortable chairs, so it feels like a waste to hire an indoor stall for the day where this will be provided for us. We find it to be much more cost effective to invest in your own tools and equipment. However, everyone’s situation is different, and hiring tables and chairs may work for you!

I have also known of a handful of outdoor markets that offer tables for a day. Again, it is important to thoroughly read the application of a market prior to applying.

Price: Outdoor sites are often cheaper.

With the above points in mind, the price between indoor and outdoor stalls can differ, though it depends from market to market.

Example 1: One Tree Hill Country Market (1st Saturday of every month)

At the One Tree Hill Country Market, the stall fee varies between indoor and outdoor stalls.

The price for outdoor stalls is $12 for a 3m x 3m space. The price of indoor stalls is $15, which includes the hiring of tables and chairs, though I am unsure of the exact specifications of the stall sites.

Example 2: The Magill Sunrise Market (2nd Sunday of every month)

At the Magill Sunrise Market, the stall fee is $35 for both indoor and outdoor stalls.

Outdoor stalls are given a 3m x 3m space. No tables or chairs are provided, and stall holders must bring their own gazebos with the appropriate weights.

Indoor stalls are given a 2.5m x 2m space, and the price is inclusive of a single table and a chair. They also allow stallholders to bring additional tables, chairs and display items as long as it does not impede on the space of another stall.

For some, more space is a must! Others can work with a lone table!

Although they are priced the same, outdoor stallholders naturally get more space and do not have to pay for the use of the table and chair every month. This also means they have more freedom in how they set up their stall and have more options and more space to display their products compared to inside stalls.

On the flip side, indoor stalls do not have to take the equipment home or store it. It also means they have not had to invest in a gazebo, weights, etc.

Effort: Overall, indoor markets are less effort compared to outdoor stalls.

This may sound a tad controversial, but I have lost count of the stall holders that religiously attend indoor markets who tell me to do the same for this reason. And I believe they are right.

Outdoor stalls have to battle the elements. Outdoor stalls have the additional exertion of setting up a gazebo, and packing it down at the end of the day. We have the added responsibility of setting up tables and not leaving them to be packed away by someone else at the end of the day.

All of this is true, and that is what we agree to as an outdoor market stall. It has it’s perks and its pitfalls.

If you do not have the energy, if you do not have the space, if you have an injury or a disability: an indoor market stall may be a great option for you as it is easier than an outdoor stall!

In short, there is no right or wrong choice. Outdoor stalls don’t work for everyone. Indoor stalls don’t work for everyone either, and that is ok. As long as you take the time to consider the equipment and the space you are working with, you are bound to find the right fit for you and your stall!

What are your thoughts? Do you have a preference for indoor or outdoor stalls? Is there a benefit (or downside) I’ve missed? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Kimberley (they/them)

Accessories by Antoinette