Enjoying the hustle and bustle of the weekend market is something that is truly ingrained in the Australian culture. Whether you are a shopper in search for hard-to-find goods, a foodie who is up for some yummy grub, or a future stall-holder trying to learn the trade, you will enjoy reading our compilation of the best markets in Australia which can be found here. Learn where to go for sumptuous oriental servings, where to hunt for new artwork for your wall, and even have your fortune told!

OZtrail Compact Pavilion 2.4m x 4.8m Gazebo is now available. It is longer in length allowing you to fit in more people underneath - perfect if you have a large viewing party to take to sporting matches! With the same sturdy structure but lighter than the Deluxe Range. Nothing to worry about when it comes to potability because it comes with a wheeled bag. 

Presentation is key in any successful business. Just look at the display window of any popular store. Aren't they enticing? Big stores usually hire professionals to get that particular job done. Fortunately for you, dear market stall holder, you don't need to spend big bucks for someone to fashion your stall - you can D-I-Y. We have collected snapshots of attractive stalls from all over the world and added in a few notes to guide you.Head over here and be inspired!

How your market stall looks could make or break your business. After all, it holds the products you are selling.  Have you ever wondered what will make people flock to your stall? Is your stall too bland to be noticed? There are many factors to be considered if you want a winning stall that attracts customers. Lighting is one. The kind of stall that you use is another. In fact, we compiled 13 ideas to get you on the right track. Keep reading then and find out what they are here.

Thanks for your order Marcus. 1 x Coleman Gazebo Screenhouse Floor (Hexagonal) Fly Mozzie Net Instant Tent Shelter will be on its way to you shortly. We've just added the Coleman shelters to our product range, so glad we could be of help to you.

As you’re probably aware, Melanie sends us independent reviews of gazebos and accessories. We suggest a product and then at some stage in the next 2 weeks or so, Mel places an anonymous order for the product. We package it, ship it and then Mel documents how quickly she received the product, whether it was well wrapped and then what she actually thinks of the craftmanship quality.

We view process this as an independent audit of our service and products, and this helps us to make improvements along the way. Feedback from our customers is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENT mechanism for our business, but we know your time is precious and you don’t always get a chance to provide us with feedback. So, asking Mel to act as a professional customer has allowed us to refine our packaging processes, improve our shipping times and then get a fair evaluation of a basic product review.

(Let me know if you’d be interested in doing the same as Mel! We really appreciate feedback from any and all of our customers, positive and negative.)

To date Melanie has created reviews for the OZtrail Deluxe Gazebo and the matching OZtrail Gazebo Mesh Wall. We asked Melanie to start with an OZtrail Deluxe Gazebo as it’s the most popular product in our range. I think just about every market stall holder has, at one time or another, owned the Deluxe model. They are literally EVERYWHERE at fresh product markets in Australia. They’re a good size, durable, look good, easy to transport, easy to set up and from an Aussie home-grown company, OZtrail.

Anyway, slight digression….

There are some fantastic accessories that you can buy to match your gazebo, including a banner kit, adjustable awning, sand bags and even a gutter system. Is there anything in particular that you’d like Melanie to review? One of the accessories might really stand out for you but you’re not sure whether to buy it. Melanie can check it out closely for you, create video, photos and her independent review. Worth a shot!

Ever wondered who works behind the anonymous eCommerce sites all over the web? I certainly wonder. And I personally really like it when the store owners make themselves know. To this end, I've put together a short screencast, or video, showing the order process from start to finish. There are a few tips in there, along the way, to help you order online smoothly. And then best of all I show you how we process your order when it's received. There's not a lot to it really, but just to let you know that we process your order as soon as we receive it, never see your credit card details, and have a good warranty in place in case of faulty goods.

A very important factor when shopping online is your ability, and ease with which, to return a product for faulty workmanship.  Many people, not just you, will simply not buy online if there is not a clear warranty description for each product.

A warranty acts as a guard against faulty products. Personally, I always check out the warranty on any eCommerce site I visit, so we also need a very well defined warranty for you.

So, with that in mind we have updated all products to include our warranty guarantee information. I hope that this helps reassure you that we're in business to look after you as our first priority.

So, here it is ...

We hope you are delighted with your order, but if you are not, here's what to do to organise your return, exchange or refund.

For all gazebos, parts and accessories there is a standard 1-Year OZtrail manufacturers warranty in case of UV breakdown on fabric. And a standard 1-Year OZtrail manufacturers warranty against faulty workmanship on the frame and parts.

Keep in mind that the gazebos are intended ONLY as a temporary shade structure. They are not designed to be left up permanently or to stay grounded in strong winds and rains. They are not designed to be your new super-cheap carport! :)

If water ponds on the gazebo, or it is left overnight outside, it may rip. Warranty is void if there is evidence of water ponding or the gazebo being used as a permanent structure.

Here's the best part - to save time and postage costs please take photos of the damaged part and either log a RETURN REQUEST under your account, or email us. We are often able to simply ship you a new component, rather than you having to return the whole gazebo. Much simpler and faster!

If we are unable to repair or replace the faulty product we will always offer a full refund.

If you are not able to provide a photo of the broken part then please send the item back to Gazebos Australia Unit 23, 12 Cecil Road, Hornsby NSW 2077. 

Item must be received within 3 weeks of the order date unused and with product packaging intact and unwrapped. Products must be in the condition you received them and in the original box and/or packaging. Enclose a copy of your online receipt and payment method details.

Unless the stock is incorrect or faulty we do not pay for return postage nor take responsibility for parcels that do not reach us. For the return of high-value goods, we recommend that you use a registered delivery service, as we cannot be responsible for non-delivery of returned items.

Once your return is received and inspected (usually within 72 hours of receipt), a new part will be shipped to your, or your refund will be processed and a credit will be automatically applied to your credit card or original method of payment within 7 days. Please note that depending on your credit card company, it may take an additional 2-10 business days after your credit is applied for it to post to your account.

Gazebos Australia is an Australian owned and operated company with a good reputation and long history in the supply of quality gazebos and camping gear. We have been in business since 2005 and only want the best product and experience for you.

There’s a lot of activity that comes with an open food, gift or craft market, no matter where you are in Australia.  While that’s half the fun, it also means a lot of competition for sales, particularly if you’re selling items that are more popular than unique. As they say, the best defence is a good offense so, in order to avoid a day of sitting around watching everyone else make sales, you need a way to ensure your market stall stands out from the rest. But where to start, you might ask?

Probably the most important things to consider when decking out your gazebo are your products themselves and your customer.  You want to appeal to as many visitors as possible and, to do that, the branding and overall feel - in short, everything - has to work together consistently.

So, What Works for Your Customers?

The items you sell are a big factor in determining who your customers are...and they’re likely to be a bit different from those of fellow stall holders.  For example, if you’re selling hand crafted pure soaps, you’ll probably draw a different crowd than the guy a couple stalls down who’s selling retro wooden toys or the lady across the path selling recycled designer shoes.  You have to know which sea to fish in before you can begin reeling them in.

Ask yourself the following:

Who’s buying?  Pinpointing your biggest buyers is a good first step in understanding how to appeal to them.  Are they male or female?  Younger or older?  Where are they from?  What draws them in the most?  There’s a culture within your crowd and knowing its language is crucial.

Are you on display?  This is easier to answer once you know your customer better, but it’s always a good idea to put smaller or related items near your biggest sellers.  If you are selling teen clothes, try adding some accessory displays (such as lip gloss or earrings) at the register.  Sweets or small inexpensive toys would draw in younger children and their parents, while displays of small hand tools would attract the do-it-yourself types.

Signs, signs, everywhere the signs?  If you don’t have a sign or banner, you should definitely consider getting one...but keep in mind that having signage doesn’t guarantee sales, only that you’re more easily found. Make sure your signs can be seen from a distance, are appropriately styled, and include your name or logo.

Is there breathing room?  Can your visitors move comfortably around your displays or are they crammed in like twin joeys?  Believe it or not, the layout and navigation of your gazebo is more important than you might think.  It also makes for easier inventory control, as you can simply add more products as they sell out.

Are you flaunting the goods?  Organising your merchandise not only keeps things tidy, it helps your customers find what they’re looking for, whether it is a different size, colour, brand or item.  Providing signs for each product or category somewhere above or in front of them can help visitors quickly zero in on what they want, while placing related items or accessories nearby can encourage additional sales.

Does it “pop”?  Once your market stall is set up, take a look at it from the customers’ perspective.  Would it draw you in, if you came upon it at an outdoor market?  Is it lacking anything and, if so, what?  Is it easy on the eye?  Ask a friend what they think for a second opinion.  If it passes your test with flying colours, it’s likely to ace those of visitors as well.

Using The Senses You Were Born With

The 5 senses, that is.  We all use them every day and they’re responsible for most of our shopping habits and quirks. With that in mind, calling attention to as many of our senses as possible is necessary for survival at the markets.  After all, your biggest goal at this point is to create the best first impression of your market stall and what it has to offer. The sales will follow!

Sight – It’s said that most people are visual, so appealing to this sense is especially important if you want to catch the interest of potential customers.  Some ways to get there from here are to make use of scale, bright colours, moving objects, unusual sights, or a combo of these.   Think about it: Could you resist turning toward a large orange wallaby that was spinning around and flashing at you?  (Believe me, you’re not alone!)

Of course, you don’t have to go that extreme to get some attention.  You can use your existing product displays to the same advantage by dressing them up with paint, a string of lights, a bright tablecloth or a large sign.   You could even use simple placement by putting items where they’re most likely to be seen. Whether you’re going for nostalgia, a modern vibe, or something in between, the most important thing to remember is to keep the visuals you use relevant to your products and something your customers would enjoy.

Sound - Does your marquee have a soundtrack?  If it doesn’t, it should!  For some customers, sound plays a key part in their shopping experience, so offering something that other stall holders aren’t is the best way to attract these shoppers.  
Music naturally sets any mood you’re going for...with it, you could have your visitors relaxing or dancing.  Or you can belt out a unique sales spiel through a megaphone that motivates interaction (and, with it, sales!).  You could even set up a “noise-maker” of your own, such as a bell or game of some sort, so that your customers can join in the fun.  After all, one sound that’s sure to entice visits is that of others enjoying themselves!

Smell – With few exceptions, such as food markets, the sense of smell is often left out.  Oddly enough, it’s the sense that can tell our brains to remember things from long ago and is as effective as sound for getting people’s attention in a crowd. Why ignore it when you can use it to your benefit by burning incense, using perfumes or even cooking food? 

If your products tend to remind customers of their childhood, try using a scent that does the same, like chocolate chip cookies or cotton candy.  With a wide variety of scents to choose from, you can find one (or more) that draws people in to see what you’ve got for them.

Touch – Studies have shown that customers are more likely to buy items that they have handled, tried on or otherwise touched.  Can you avoid touching something warm or fuzzy?  Or buying clothing that fit you perfectly? 

Appealing to this sense is surprisingly easy, as long as you offer an experience of ownership.  Providing display samples, such as perfume testers, or a changing booth for clothes/costumes are one way.  A soft or textured (think microfibre or velvet) tablecloth is another simple solution.  You could even offer things like face-painting or heat on a chilly day.  

Taste – This is a powerful sense and can be a big draw for hungry visitors.  Try offering free drinks (or taste tests, if you sell food).  Complimentary burgers, sausages or cakes…even bags of popcorn or candy would be a welcome sight to many customers.  For example, you could offer a small order of fries or fruit smoothie with each purchase.  Your customers will leave happy with a quality product and a fuller belly.

Offering a little something for each of the senses ensures the kind of full-on, all-over experience that visitors can’t help but keep coming back for. Outfitting your stall with a high-quality gazebo is just the start of it.  As the base of your business, it helps you build growth but it’s also much more than that.  It provides shade and protection from the elements, while acting as both the artist’s canvas that advertises your products and the store that sells them.

When you think of all the roles a gazebo plays for your business, it only makes sense to ensure you have the best...which is where Gazebos Australia comes in.  Contact us for more on how we can help you get the most out of your marketplace experience.

It’s dead easy these days to run surveys on the Internet, to find out anything you want to know. We want to know what people, out for a morning stroll through their local markets, want to see and buy from you. What attracts their attention? What attracts their wallet? What makes them come back to visit you again?

So, we’re in the midst of running our inaugural online poll and collecting data about market attendee shopping habits. If we get a good response, and you find it useful, then we’ll run the survey once a year.

Success doesn’t naturally come along the instant you put up your gazebo and lay out your treasures. Our aim is to give you a good idea of things you can do to increase sales in your own market stall.

It will be interesting to see what the buying public have to say.

I personally really like the idea of running a market stall. My own little business, set up the way I like it, in the friendly atmosphere of a local market, and selling some lovely trinkets. I always imagined I’d either sell artisan breads still warm from the oven or gorgeous children’s clothes with fine embroidery. Neither of which I would be particularly good at making, mind you! Or perhaps I’d forage around on eBay and in garage sales and become an expert on early 20th Century pottery from Bendigo, Victoria and then sell it all for millions at Paddington Market to all the Sydney hipsters! I could do that. Maybe not.

But I do know a key to getting a good volume of sales at your market stall, apart from choosing great product, is the presentation. Presenting your product brilliantly makes half the sale.

Now I don’t imagine that you’ll be able to traipse around Australia and visit all the market stalls to get inspiration (Have you been to the Eumundi Markets? We went in late May this year. Brilliant stuff.) so we’ve put together a photo gallery of all the market display ideas that we could find.

Have a look at how other people are using their market stalls, their gazebos and display furniture to really make their product stand out.

Some things I didn’t know: – It’s good to have multiple levels of products, to give your stall an appearance of ‘height’. – Have something that moves or sways or flutters. This can attract an other passing customer to your stall. – Have good quality tables, all the same height. This consistency in presentation makes your stall look more professional, and they won’t be as easy to knock over.

Enjoy the market stall ideas gallery. I hope it helps you to make more sales, every weekend of the year, and turn your stall into your dream mini-business.

How do you choose the right gazebo, or the right canopy accessory, or the right gazebo colour for your market stall? The exact perfect gazebo which you'll never ever want to exchange? Never, never? I have no idea either, it's not possible, there's simply too much choice.

I personally get analysis paralysis with all the choice of portable shade on offer and sometimes don't end up buying anything at all. Or I just hit the BUY button for the first thing that scrolls onto my screen, and then hope for the best. Running an online business you'd think I'd be a better online shopper!

But mostly the real reason for my paralysis stems from not being able to physically examine the gazebo right in front of me that I intend to buy. I know if I can touch and feel it, talk to the Sales Rep and ask them questions, then I know I've got a better chance of walking away with the gazebo that's perfect for me and my market stall. But going into a physical store is time consuming, costly and tiring.

To sort out this problem we've asked Melanie, a mother of 3 and weekend market attendee, to buy anonymously from Gazebos Australia and review whatever she buys. She'll comment honestly on how long it took from the time of purchase through to delivery at home. She'll review the packaging quality, whether anything was damaged with Australia Post and then she'll go through what she thinks of each gazebo or accessory she buys. Mel isn't a sales rep, she's not an expert market stall holder, nor does she have any particular interest in whether we like the reviews she writes or not. And this, we hope is a good recipe for providing you with an authentically independent review. 

You'll be able to take her independent reviews for exactly as they are, and I hope this will help you with your own analysis paralysis.