Entrepreneurial 'wolf duo' provide advice for other young traders

Howling Wolf Coffee is an independent hot beverages trailer, specialising in ethical, locally sourced coffee.

Rochelle Van Der Merwe and James Cady are behind the joint business venture, which officially got on the road in the early part of this year.

Since then, the beautiful, shiny blue cafe on wheels has been a regular and welcome sight on Honiton High Street - taking up their position amongst the other traders for the market held twice weekly in the town.

Nub News caught up with the young couple and asked what advice they would give to other prospective traders.

Rochelle explained: "The key really is persistence - because it may well be quiet the first few times you head out to trade.

"Then, once people get used to you on the High Street, they'll start coming up and engaging with your business and buying your produce.

"What's lovely for us is that we now have our regulars who are loyal customers.

"We opened a bit later on Tuesday, not really thinking it would make much of a difference, and we had a queue of people waiting when we arrived.

Another piece of advice imparted by Rochelle is to 'make contact with the market managers as early as possible so that they can answer any questions'.

"For us it's always whether the pitch is level," she added.

She went on to explain: "Honiton Market gives us the most exposure.

"We get a lot of bookings just off the back of being here - events such as Honiton Show, weddings and private functions. Events are really good for us."

When asked about how you become a market trader, James responded: "Make sure to do your market research beforehand - know who you're trying to target and the prices etc.

"Also, try and make yourself as weather proof as you can.

"Then just give it a go - contact Tony the market manager and be persistent, as Rochelle said!

"We don't see many young traders - which is sad, because there are a lot of young people who do trade. Perhaps they think it's better to go online - and that might be true but it's also good to have a physical presence in a town.

"A town can do so much for you. For us personally, being here is how we got to do so many events over the summer. People like what they see and come and talk to us about booking.

"Trading at markets can really compliment your online business as well. So, for example if you're selling on any of the online shops available - there's no reason why you can't expand your reach and sell directly to people on the street.

"If you advertise that you also sell online, you can potentially grow your business that way.

"You definitely broaden the scope of who you sell to and you get to meet your customers too, which is hugely satisfying."

Anyone interested in acquiring a pitch on Honiton Market, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week, should contact Market Manager Tony McCollum on 07980 922696 or [email protected].