Filed under: Design, etc
We're celebrating flea markets around the country this week with tips and insider notes. Today, what I learned working as a first-time seller at Brimfield.Earlier this week, I recounted my weekend working as a seller at the Brimfield Antique Show, from setting up late and waking up at the crack of dawn to spotting Diane Keaton shopping right by us. It was an exhilarating and extremely educational (albeit exhausting) experience. If you're thinking about showing and selling at flea markets, here are a few tips that I picked up as a first-time seller at the fair.
Shelterpop
1. Don't miss opening day. According to our site manager and all the other vendors, the opening day of the fair is the most important day. It's when all the decorators and serious shoppers are there to get first dibs on the best of the best. We missed day one this time, but we'll be sure not to for come September's show!
2. Book your lodgings early and close to your site. Places fill up quickly when it gets near the time of the show so book early. Not only would this make your commute for the week easier, you'll also likely meet other vendors and shoppers attending the show, which can help you network and sell!
3. Set up early. We had very little time to set up but somehow managed to pull it together. Most vendors get to the fair a day or two early to set up their spaces--putting up display cases, painting the floor, hanging artwork, etc. How you display your merchandise is key since you want to show off your best pieces. But keep in mind that "best" doesn't always mean "most expensive."
4. Greet, smile, and be positive. This is a given but it's surprising how easy it is to forget this--because it's too hot, you're tired of sitting all day, you're hungry, etc. Greet shoppers and ask if they're looking for anything. If they say no, tell them you're happy to help if anything catches their eye. The lack of enthusiasm, care, and attention to a shopper's wandering eye is the quickest way to kill off any interest they have in your merchandise.
5. Know your merchandise. There's nothing worse than appearing clueless about what you're offering customers. You should be sure to know the pricing (of course) as well as the provenance of each item if there is one. Sometimes the backstory to an item--whether a piece is 19th-century French or 18th-century English--makes all the difference to a shopper. Be confident about what you're offering, shoppers will appreciate that.
6. Be smart bartering. Everyone's looking for a good deal so it's important to be realistic and smart about what you're trying to get for an item and what the shopper is looking for. If you can't reach a compromise, explain the reasoning behind the price--the item is handmade or an artwork is by a well-known artist. A lot of times people are more understanding than you think. And if they still won't bite, you'll have to use smart judgment. But don't be afraid to hold on to the piece, it might just catch another shopper's eye later on.
7. Dos and don'ts: Do: Bring cash! And wear comfortable walking shoes, have a book or music handy to get you through the afternoon lulls. Don't: Use the porta potties (as a vendor you should have access to better facilities through the site's management). And don't have any expectations--a positive attitude will help you sell better.
Looking to shop instead? These 8 steps will help you prep for flea markets and make you a savvy shopper.