Assessing Product Viability
Why This Matters at Old Town Farm & Art Market
Old Town Farm & Art Market supports a wide range of vendor models, from weekly participation to occasional or seasonal attendance. Applications remain open year-round, and vendors are welcome to join the market when they’re ready.
Product viability at this market isn’t about fitting into a single mold. It’s about understanding how, when, and why a product performs well, so vendors can make informed decisions that support their goals and the overall market experience.
This resource is intended to help vendors evaluate product fit based on what we consistently observe working at Old Town Farm & Art Market.
What Product Viability Means Here
A viable product is one that performs well within its intended context, whether that’s weekly, twice a month, or during a specific season.
At this market, viability may look different depending on the business:
A weekly staple product with steady repeat demand
A seasonal product that performs strongly during a defined window
A specialty or art-based or artisan product that customers seek out intentionally
Understanding your product’s role helps set realistic expectations and supports long-term success.
1. Understanding Demand (Weekly, Occasional, or Seasonal)
Strong products meet customers where they are. Some products generate consistent repeat purchases throughout the season, while others are purchased occasionally or shine during specific times of year.
Questions to consider:
Is this a product customers actively seek out during a certain season?
Do customers return for it, or plan purchases around it?
Is the value clear and easy to understand in a market setting?
Seasonal products, such as holiday items, spring plants, fall arrangements, sewn goods, or art, can be highly viable when expectations and timing are aligned.
2. Profit Margin That Matches Your Attendance Style
Viability also depends on whether a product makes sense financially for how often you attend.
Consider:
Does the pricing support your costs for the number of markets you plan to attend?
Is the margin sustainable for weekly, biweekly, or occasional participation?
Does the product justify the time and effort required for setup and selling?
Some products work best when sold selectively rather than every week, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
Adding New Products to an Existing Lineup
Expanding or rotating products can be a healthy way to grow, especially when done with intention.
Staying Within Your Lane (Without Limiting Creativity)
New products tend to perform best when they align with what customers already associate with your business, while still allowing room for seasonal or creative exploration.
Ask yourself:
Does this addition make sense alongside my existing offerings?
Will customers understand why I’m offering it, even if it’s seasonal?
Seasonal additions are often most successful when they complement a vendor’s core identity rather than compete with it.
Research and Observation Matter
Before adding a new product:
Pay attention to customer questions and requests
Observe what performs well during similar seasons
Consider whether the product fills a genuine need or interest at that time of year
Not every product needs to sell year-round to be viable.
Confirm Profitability and Practicality
Even seasonal or occasional products should support your business goals.
Consider:
Are there added costs (materials, packaging, licensing) that affect margins?
Does this product improve your overall booth performance during its season?
Can you realistically produce and stock it at the level you plan to attend?
Common Challenges We See
Products may struggle when:
Expectations don’t match attendance frequency
Pricing is based on infrequent events rather than market norms
Customers need extensive explanation to understand the value
The product doesn’t align with how or when the vendor plans to participate
Early awareness allows vendors to refine offerings or adjust participation in ways that work better for them.