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Great variety of merchandise/
crafts Usually the better variety you have the better the sale!
I always bring low cost items to counter set the higher price items,
so people of all walk of life can afford my table.
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You can take junk too, but you be
surprised how new merchandise will sell well at a flea market these
days. In the old addive... junk still sells but not recommended
on the same table as your new items. It will lower the value of
your new stuff. I would have a separate area for old items or junk.
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You need to provide tables or see
if tables are provided by the one who is establishing the sale. Make
sure the tables are close to the level of the customer. If you
have toys for kids you might want a lower table. Home Interiors
for ladies a taller table. A section for tools for dad are
great too.. if you have it available.
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Make sure to have plenty of
change. Don't lose a customer because you can't change a $20.
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Money apron or money box would be
good to keep change in. Make sure money doesn't fall out of an
apron. I use a waitress apron they work good.
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table cloth for your tables makes
a nice look. You can hide things like boxes under the table.
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Shelves can be optional on the
tables or around the tables depending on the merchandise. Trade show
shelves look nice also.
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chairs are nice if you want to
take a seat during slow times.
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Tarp System is almost a must..
keeps your items from getting sunburn. Keeps you from being sunburn.
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Recommend if you are light
colored skin to bring some good sun tan lotion. If you are by a lake
or spending the night, I recommend some bug guard. Avon has bug
guard that has suntan lotion combined. I don't leave home
without it!
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Price tags or guns are good for
marking merchandise. make sure you have removable tags that
won't ruin the merchandise.
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Set up a good display.. usually
what is up front will be the first to sell. Through out the
event, you could rotate the items to get a better picture of what you
have to offer.
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Good marketing sense.. make sure
each table carries its own value. If a table cost you $15 and it
carries $10 in goods, than you don't have the value of items to pay
for that table. Make sure not to set yourself up for failure.
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Keep an eye on candles, soaps,
and anything that melts that it is not in the sun whatsoever.
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Good idea to bring a trustworthy
friend. Someone who knows how to count money, give change, be
good with customers. This is a person you can take off for a
few minutes and know your products are in good hands. This is
nice buddy system.. because even the diehart sales person needs a
bathroom break now and then.
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Grocery bags or T-Bags to put
merchandise in that is sold. Sandwich bags are great for
jewelry and small items.
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Good idea to bring a few personal
needs, kleenex, paper towels, pens, paper to write down what you
sale, calculator, if you take any medication during the day, possibly
tylenol in case of a headache, a book to read during slow times, or
crossword puzzles, maybe a snack in case you are too busy to go buy
lunch. Something to drink water, punch, etc. is good to have on
hand. Most of your personal stuff will go in one bag. We call
ours "our personal bag". We keep our personal bag
under the sales table not seen.
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Make a list of what to do to get
ready to go. Make another list of items to take with you.
Follow your list and you won't go wrong.
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There are outdoor flea market
events, indoor flea markets, and then there are consignment type flea
markets. You can find the one that fits your needs the
best. If you don't have time to be there to sell your goods,
you might try the consignment type. They sell for you.
You pay them a commission to watch your goods. Outdoor flea
markets tend to sell more than indoor, but it depends on the
clientele of the store. Some well established stores have good
advertising and business established.
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Take a walk around the flea
market, if it is possible to do so.. check out the clientele... If
the place is empty at noon time not a good sign.
