Flea Market selling

**Michelle68** · 05-29-2008, 09:30 PM

Congratulations! What a great idea. Good luck with your new business.
P.S. I LOVE garage sales!

--Michelle

**i.m.cheap** · 05-29-2008, 10:26 PM

I will have a better location for my booth at the flea market in June. It is on a corner, and right by the front door. I will be hanging onto this space, if all goes well on the 22nd (next flea market day). They don't hold sales in July and August (the building is not air conditioned), and the months of Sept.-Dec. are supposed to be the best for high sales.

I have been reading a few marketing books, and I think I will be a better seller next time. I plan on talking my head off, and trying to sell every woman who walks by. I mean, I am sold on the merchandise I am offering, and it is priced to sell. I would estimate 80% of my bags and accessories are priced at $10 or less.

I bought a five yard section of silver satin fabric at the Goodwill last night for $1.49. I hemmed both the unfinished ends today. It will make a lovely table cover. I will have room for three tables in my "new" corner booth. I have a couple of black tablecloths, but the silver will be a great backdrop for displaying the black bags and accessories.

**qtkitty** · 05-30-2008, 05:03 AM

Also greet everyone ... loud enough for them to hear you ... trust me even if it just makes them turn their head to look and see who said that ... you have their eye turned toward your booth for a few seconds ... sometimes thats all it takes to catch a buyer.

If a man stops and starts looking at your merchandise ask him if he is buying for a special someone .. ask what type of things she likes to wear what she likes to do .. so you can get an idea of her character ... maybe you could help him with his selection so she can be really WOWED!

For Christmas time expecially ofter present wrapping... even if its just wrapping in tissue paper and putting it into a bag.

Maybe you could offer a travel bag type purse with little odds and ends to a local womens group to raffle off for proceeds for them ( aka raffle tickets have your name and where your located ... advertising through word of mouth )

**i.m.cheap** · 06-01-2008, 11:53 AM

I ordered my business cards from vistaprint. They are so cute! I named my business "Bag Lady Boutique". The cards have my business name, booth number, days the flea market is open (3rd Sundays, March-June and Sept.-Dec.), what I offer (Handbags, accessories, books), and my cell phone number. When I get a website going, I will order new cards and include my web address.

I am really looking forward to the fall months at the flea market. I expect June to be a little slow, but that is how I got my great new location. Some vendors don't come in June so they give up their regular spot. Once I am in (they already have my payment for June to reserve the spot), I only have to prepay for the next month (September) by 4pm on the day of the market in June. In September, I will prepay for October, and so on. My spot is right next to the entrance, so I will get people when they still have all their cash!

After reading several books on flea market selling, I have decided to keep all of my prices at $10 or less. I will still double or triple my investment, since I don't pay over $3 for the bags. I only buy bags in nearly new condition (some are new, even with the original store tags still attached). When I get them home, I clean the exterior of leather bags with leather cleaning wipes, fabric and straw bags, I vacuum the exteriors. The interiors of all bags are vacuumed. I only buy bags with clean interiors, no ink or makeup stains allowed. The fabric bags get a spritz of Febreeze, and all bags are stuffed with new packing paper (unprinted newsprint). Stuffing the bags is key to having them display well. A limp, empty bag lying on a table is not very attractive, but when they are "stuffed", they stand up and grab your attention.

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-01-2008, 12:07 PM

You are destined to have success!

**i.m.cheap** · 06-01-2008, 12:51 PM

I plan on handing out lots of business cards at the college I attend. Students are always looking for a bargain.

**cmdarlin** · 06-11-2008, 09:26 AM

It sounds like you have a great plan! I'm trying to get a business going too but having almost no success on the website aspect of it. Only people I attract are my friends who check it out when I tell them I have something new on it! Your inspiring me to see what else I can do to make it look and work better.

Right now, I do the local Farmer's Market on Saturdays and I might sell one or two items along with my bunnies and baked goods I sell too. With DH not working either, every little bit helps.

Good Luck!

Debbie in Missouri

**prftstrngr** · 06-16-2008, 07:44 PM

I work for a company that sells new handbags into stores. The market for handbags and accessories is HUGE this year!! We went to a seminar and one thing the speaker said stuck in my mind. We are going into or are into a recession/depression. Women will not spend money on high priced items like clothing. Instead they will buy basic colors (navy,black,white)and they will buy costume jewellry,scarves and handbags,etc. to change the look of the outfit. Your in the right market! June you should try to focus on bright summer colors if you have any as those seem to be what we are selling alot of. Yellow and lime green are my best sellers as well as red. Good Luck!!