How to Set Up a Community Made Goods Marketplace
- Carolyn Snell
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Discover how to create an engaging and meaningful onsite marketplace that showcases community-made goods, offering guests an immersive experience while supporting local artisans.
Why it Enhances Your Guest Experience
In today's hospitality industry, guests are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond comfortable accommodations. They are looking for stories, meaning, and connections that enrich their stay. A Community Made Goods Marketplace is an excellent opportunity to meet this demand. By featuring products crafted by local artisans and individuals who are overcoming significant life challenges, you add a layer of authenticity and purpose to your guests' experience.
Such a marketplace not only provides guests with unique, high-quality products but also supports local communities and economies. By purchasing these goods, you contribute to the social and economic upliftment of marginalized groups, including women in poverty, individuals with disabilities, resettled refugees, and trafficking victims. This creates a win-win situation where guests enjoy delightful products, and the underestimated individuals gain meaningful employment and economic stability.
Selecting the Right Products for Your Marketplace
Choosing the right products is crucial for the success of your marketplace. Here are some recommended items that not only delight guests but also have impactful stories behind them. Bonus: they're all shelf-stable for 3 months to a year!
1. Women's Bean Candy: Place these down low so kids can easily grab them. Parents can't say no when they're on vacation! These candies are made by women in poverty who receive job training and economic stability.
2. Port City Pretzels: Available in flavors like Tasty Ranch Dill, Tangy Honey Mustard, and Cinnamon Sugar, these pretzels are a road trip favorite and have a long shelf life—made by a neurodiverse team.
3. Prospector Popcorn: Their best-selling flavors are Cheddar Caramel and Belgian Chocolate Toffee—and kids devour the Strawberry Ice Cream flavor! People of all abilities create this gourmet caramel popcorn.
4. Beautiful Day Granola Bars: Made by resettled refugees in Rhode Island, these healthy granola bars cater to health-conscious guests. Go with Keith's Originola or the Variety Pack!
5. Green Island Bakery Cookies: These salted caramel and strawberry-filled Irish shortbread cookies are made by trafficking victims who receive comprehensive care and economic freedom.
6. Stroopies: Our number one, best-selling Pennsylvania Dutch Stroopwafel, handmade by resettled refugees—available in chocolate- and vanilla-dipped varieties. Perfect for melting over a cup of coffee.
Bonus Section: Allergen-Friendly Options! Every Body Eat offers cheese-less crackers and vegan chocolate chip cookies, ensuring that every guest can find a snack they can enjoy.
Creating an Immersive Experience with Storytelling and Signage
Enhance your marketplace by incorporating storytelling and informative signage. Each product comes with a story that connects guests to the communities behind them. Ours include QR codes that provide deeper insights into the lives and journeys of these remarkable individuals.
Two 5x7 cards are included with any purchase and will automatically ship to you: one featuring a specific vendor and the other providing an overview of community-made goods. If you invest $1,000 in one order, you'll receive a complimentary large Community Made Goods sign. You can either choose from a variety of colors or create a branded version for a small fee. These visual elements not only inform but also inspire guests, making their shopping experience more meaningful.
Effective Merchandising Techniques to Attract Guests
Proper merchandising can significantly increase the appeal and sales of your marketplace. Here are some effective techniques:
1. Eye-Level Placement: Products should be placed at eye level for maximum visibility. For items like Women's Bean Candy, place them lower so kids can easily reach them.
2. Themed Sections: Organize your marketplace into themed sections such as 'Healthy Options,' 'Sweet Treats,' and 'Allergen-Friendly.' This helps guests easily find what they are looking for.
3. Interactive Displays: The QR codes on our informational cards provide additional content such as videos or articles about the makers. This adds an interactive element to the shopping experience.
4. Seasonal Rotations: Keep the marketplace fresh and exciting by rotating products seasonally. Highlight seasonal goods or limited-time offers to create a sense of urgency.
5. Visual Appeal: Use attractive signage and well-lit displays to draw attention to your marketplace. The complimentary large Community Made Goods sign can be a focal point that draws guests in—and takes up that spot on the top shelf that is too high for most customers to reach.
Building a community-made goods marketplace is a fantastic way to support local creators while offering unique products to buyers. Such platforms foster trust, creativity, and collaboration by allowing artisans to connect directly with customers. A well-structured marketplace also encourages sustainable shopping, as people are drawn to handmade and eco-friendly items. Integrating healthy lifestyle products into such a marketplace could further enhance its appeal. For example, including trending options like the konjac jelly diet snack can attract health-conscious shoppers while broadening the diversity of offerings. Ultimately, a community marketplace thrives when it balances innovation, variety, and authenticity.