Your Complete Guide to Preparing for the Sunday Community Market at Perth Markets

Becoming a stallholder for the first time is an exciting milestone, especially when your first market experience is at the Sunday Community Market at Perth Markets in Canning Vale. This bustling event attracts thousands of shoppers every week who come to enjoy street food, seasonal produce, plants, baked goods, homewares, crafts, bric a brac, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and a relaxed weekend atmosphere that feels uniquely local. For first-time stallholders, this market offers an ideal place to introduce your products to a broad audience and connect with a lively community. Whether you are selling handmade crafts, pre-loved items, plants, fresh produce, baked treats or operating a food stall or food truck, the Sunday Community Market provides a welcoming space where your business can grow.

To support your journey, this guide offers everything you need to prepare for your first day as a Sunday stallholder. It is designed to help you feel confident long before you arrive at the market, with a comprehensive look at applications, equipment, branding, customer experience, logistics, market behaviour, compliance, and long-term success strategies. Every section is written to guide you step by step so you can walk into your first Sunday Market with clarity, professionalism, and a sense of excitement.

1. Understanding the Sunday Community Market Environment

Starting your journey as a Sunday stallholder begins with understanding the nature of the market you are entering. The Sunday Community Market is not just an ordinary weekend market. It is part of Perth Markets, a precinct that has been central to Western Australia’s fresh food and market culture since 1932. With decades of history and a well-established community presence, the market continues to draw large numbers of visitors who enjoy a variety of products and experiences.

The Sunday Community Market brings together a mix of cultures, cuisines, and creative expressions. Shoppers regularly visit to browse unique handmade goods, find affordable home items, enjoy street food, discover interesting bric a brac, purchase household essentials, or simply wander through a lively environment filled with the sound of live music and the energy of families and community groups. For new stallholders, this means stepping into a setting where customers are open to discovering new products and often appreciate the stories and craftsmanship behind small businesses. Understanding this dynamic allows you to shape your product offering, your signage, and your customer approach in a way that fits naturally into the community.

2. Completing the Correct Application Form

Before setting up your stall, you must complete the appropriate application form provided by Perth Markets. The form you choose depends on the type of products or services you intend to offer. If you are selling non-food items such as crafts, homewares, plants, bric a brac, or handmade goods, you will complete the Non-Food Vendor Application Form. If you plan to sell food, whether as a traditional food stall or a food truck, you will complete the Food Vendor Application Form. These forms ensure that your products and operations align with market requirements and help the market team organise stallholders effectively.

If you are joining the market as a performer rather than a seller, you can submit the Busker Expression of Interest Form. The market regularly includes live entertainment, which contributes greatly to the atmosphere and experience. Ensuring that you select and complete the correct form is essential for a smooth application process and helps the market team communicate all relevant instructions and guidelines tailored to your stall type.

3. Familiarising Yourself with Market Operations

Every market operates differently, and understanding how the Sunday Community Market functions will help you prepare for everything from arrival to pack down. The market takes place every Sunday and attracts thousands of visitors, making it one of Perth’s busiest community markets. Open entry for shoppers means foot traffic is consistent and diverse throughout the day. This gives stallholders the opportunity to reach a wide audience that includes families, local residents, regular market-goers, and first-time visitors exploring Perth’s weekend offerings.

To operate smoothly, stallholders need to pay attention to the instructions provided by the Weekend Market Manager and any guidelines included in forms or welcome packs. Perth Markets places importance on maintaining a clean, safe, and organised space for everyone. This means stallholders should always follow instructions regarding access points, stall locations, set-up times, and pack-up procedures. Since dogs are not permitted onsite, except for service dogs, stallholders should also ensure their space respects this policy. Understanding these expectations early reduces stress on market day and allows you to focus on engaging with customers and presenting your products effectively.

4. Preparing Your Stall Setup

A successful stall begins with thoughtful preparation. Your stall setup plays a major role in attracting customers and encouraging them to explore what you have to offer. A common starting point is a strong, stable marquee or shelter, especially if your stall is outdoors or partially exposed to weather conditions. Perth’s climate can be warm, cool, or unpredictable depending on the season, so having a reliable structure that protects you and your products is important.

Once your shelter is sorted, think carefully about how you will present your products. Many successful stallholders use tables, risers, shelves, or stands to elevate and display items in a visually appealing way. A flat table surface works, but adding layers and levels creates a more dynamic and interesting display. Your stall should be easy for customers to browse, with clear visibility of your products and plenty of space for people to move around without feeling crowded.

Stability is another crucial consideration. Most markets require stallholders to secure their marquees with proper weights to ensure safety in windy conditions. You should also prepare signage that clearly displays your stall name, brand identity, product types, and, if relevant, your social media handles or website. Simple touches such as tablecloths, banners, or branded materials can elevate the look of your stall and give it a cohesive, professional feel.

5. Choosing the Right Product Range

As a first-time stallholder, deciding which products to bring to the market can influence your early success. The best approach is to curate your selection carefully rather than bringing your entire inventory. A curated range helps customers understand your style and makes your stall feel intentional and cohesive. Consider selecting items that showcase your strengths, appeal to a wide audience, and are easy to restock or transport.

Products that are lightweight or small enough to handle easily tend to work well for market environments. Handmade items, crafted goods, affordable homewares, seasonal produce, plants, and unique second-hand finds are always popular at community markets. If you are a food vendor, focus on items that can be prepared safely and efficiently onsite, keeping food safety practices in mind. Selecting items that are easy for customers to eat while exploring the market can also help drive sales.

Most importantly, think about what will make your stall memorable. Finding a balance between your personal style and what customers commonly enjoy at community markets can help you establish your place among regular visitors.

6. Meeting Compliance and Permit Requirements

If your stall involves food, it is essential to understand and complete the necessary compliance steps. Perth Markets provides the Temporary Food Vendor or Food Stallholder Permit Application for those who need to apply for the appropriate permit to operate at the Sunday Community Market. If you are a returning food vendor, you can also complete the Temporary Food Permit Renewal form to streamline your participation.

These permits help ensure that your food business follows local requirements for safe handling, preparation, and service. This protects both vendors and customers while contributing to the overall safety and reputation of the market. New stallholders often find it helpful to review these requirements well before their first market day to ensure they have everything in place. Non-food vendors usually have fewer compliance obligations, but all stallholders must still follow the market’s general rules for setup, safety, and operation.

7. Developing a Practical Pricing Strategy

Creating a pricing strategy is an important part of preparing for your first market experience. Prices that are too high may discourage shoppers, while prices that are too low may undervalue your products. Markets attract a wide range of visitors, so it is useful to find a balance that reflects both your costs and the expectations of your audience.

To develop a pricing approach, consider your production costs, materials, and labour, as well as the time required to create your items. Think about how your products compare to other stalls, not in terms of competition but in terms of what customers might expect to pay for similar categories. Once you have established your pricing, make sure it is clearly displayed. Customers appreciate transparency, and visible pricing can make them more comfortable approaching your stall.

Some new stallholders experiment with different pricing over their first few weeks to learn what resonates with their customers. Making adjustments based on real-time feedback is a natural part of your growth at the market.

8. Creating a Positive Customer Experience

The Sunday Community Market thrives on personal connection, making customer experience one of the most important parts of being a successful stallholder. A friendly greeting, a warm smile, or an engaging introduction can help customers feel welcome and give them confidence to explore your products. Many shoppers are drawn not only to the items they buy but also to the personalities behind the stalls.

If your products have a story, whether they are handmade, upcycled, homegrown, or carefully selected, sharing that story can create a memorable interaction. Customers often enjoy learning about the inspiration or effort behind what they are purchasing, and these personal touches can inspire loyalty and repeat visits.

Stall presentation plays a major role as well. A clean, organised, and visually appealing stall helps create a positive impression. Small gestures such as offering assistance, answering questions, and thanking visitors for stopping by contribute to an experience that feels welcoming and approachable. If you feel comfortable, consider preparing business cards or displaying your social media information so customers can follow you after the market. This encourages ongoing engagement and can help grow your audience over time.

9. Strengthening Your Branding and Stall Identity

Branding is a powerful tool for creating a memorable stall. Even simple branding elements can enhance your presence and help customers recognise your work. A clear stall name, consistent colour scheme, branded signage, and professional presentation all contribute to building a cohesive identity that stands out among the many stalls in the market.

Think about how your stall looks from a distance. Does your branding help people recognise your area? Do your colours and presentation reflect the personality of your business? Does your signage communicate what you sell clearly and effectively? These elements help shape customer expectations and create a sense of trust and familiarity.

If you are just starting, branding does not need to be elaborate. Even a handwritten sign, when styled and presented well, can work effectively. Over time, you may expand your branding to include table runners, branded tags, packaging, or consistent social media themes. Every little detail contributes to a strong, recognisable identity.

10. Planning Your Logistics for Market Day

Logistics may not be the most glamorous part of selling at a market, but they are essential for a smooth experience. Start by considering your transportation. Make sure your vehicle can hold your marquee, tables, products, signage, and additional equipment. Organise your items in a way that makes unloading efficient when you arrive on site.

Most stallholders find it helpful to pack their items in an order that reflects the setup process. This means placing your marquee and key display items near the back of your vehicle for easy access. When you arrive at the market, follow the instructions provided by the market team for access and setup. Arriving early gives you plenty of time to assemble your stall without feeling rushed.

Weather is another logistical factor worth considering. Perth’s climate varies, and outdoor market conditions can change quickly. Carrying waterproof covers, tarps, and storage containers can protect your products from unexpected rain. During hotter months, consider ventilation options or shade to help keep your workspace comfortable.

Time management is also important. Aim to be fully set up and ready before customers begin arriving. A stall that looks organised and open early creates a positive first impression and signals confidence to shoppers.

11. Observing Shopper Behaviour and Market Flow

Every market has its own rhythm, and spending time observing shopper behaviour will help you refine your stall and approach. At the Sunday Community Market, some visitors arrive early to explore food and produce, while others come later in the morning when the market is at its busiest. Foot traffic is steady throughout the day, creating opportunities for vendors to adjust how they present their products or engage with visitors.

Pay attention to which products customers gravitate towards, which areas of your stall they spend the most time exploring, and how they move through your setup. These insights can help you identify ways to improve your layout. For example, you might place your best-selling items at eye level, move popular items to the front, or create clear pathways for browsing.

Each week, the market will teach you more about how to interact with customers and how to present your products in the most engaging way. This ongoing learning process is one of the most valuable aspects of being a stallholder.

12. Connecting With Other Stallholders

The Sunday Community Market is a community in every sense of the word. Fellow stallholders often have years of experience and are generous with advice, observations, and encouragement. Building relationships with neighbouring vendors can help you learn important insights about customer behaviour, seasonal trends, product presentation, and other business considerations.

This sense of camaraderie helps make the market experience enjoyable and rewarding. Sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and offering mutual support contributes to an environment that feels friendly and collaborative. Over time, you may find that fellow stallholders become not only your market peers but trusted friends and sources of inspiration.

13. Monitoring Sales and Adjusting for Growth

Tracking your sales each week will help you understand what works best for your stall. Keep notes about which items sell the fastest, which products attract attention even if they do not immediately sell, and what feedback customers share. Observing these details will help you adjust your inventory and pricing strategies in future weeks.

You may find that certain items perform well at particular times, while others become more popular during different seasons. Use each market session as an opportunity to refine your offering. Growth often comes through small adjustments, consistent observation, and a willingness to experiment with your display or product range.

14. Promoting Your Stall Beyond the Market

While the Sunday Community Market offers strong foot traffic, promoting your stall outside the market can help build a loyal customer base. Share updates on your social media platforms to let followers know when you will be trading. Showcase new products, highlight behind-the-scenes details, and create posts that reflect your brand’s personality.

Shoppers often enjoy supporting small businesses they connect with online. By maintaining an active presence, you increase the likelihood that customers will seek you out at the market or follow your work beyond the weekend. Displaying your social media information at your stall also helps visitors stay connected.

15. Preparing for Pack-Down and Clean-Up

The end of the market requires a smooth and efficient pack-down process. Preparing ahead of time makes a significant difference. Organise your storage containers so that they correspond with your setup order. This helps ensure you can pack items quickly and neatly.

It is important to follow Perth Markets’ guidelines for waste removal and stall cleanliness. Leaving your area tidy is part of maintaining the professionalism and community spirit of the market. Once your stall is packed down, double-check that you have all your equipment, signage, and personal items before departing.

16. Embracing Growth and Returning as an Established Stallholder

Many first-time stallholders return week after week, finding joy and continued success in the Sunday Community Market community. Over time, you may feel ready to expand your offerings, refine your branding, adjust your pricing, or elevate your stall presentation based on customer feedback and your own observations.

Once you have experience at the market, you can submit an Existing Stallholder Booking Request when you wish to return. This process streamlines your participation and helps Perth Markets coordinate recurring vendors efficiently. Becoming a returning stallholder is a testament to your commitment and your positive connection with the community.

Ready to Join the Sunday Community Market?

If you are excited to begin your journey as a Sunday stallholder, Perth Markets offers everything you need to get started. Whether you are a non-food vendor, food vendor, or busker, you can find the appropriate application forms and information directly on the official page.

Start your journey today and become part of a vibrant, welcoming market community in Canning Vale. Become a Sunday Stallholder at Perth Markets