Filed under: Design, etc
We're celebrating flea markets around the country this week with tips and insider notes. Today, a newcomer and a seasoned vendor offer insight for first-time sellers.Earlier this week I wrote about what I learned selling at Brimfield for the first time and we also offered tips on how to shop flea markets. To wrap up our nod to flea markets this week, I spoke to two Brimfield vendors about their gigs and what they think new sellers should really expect at the flea. Scroll down and check it out.
Shelterpop
Vendor: Julia Marin of Rugs Below
Home Base: New York City
The Goods: Oriental and Persian rugs, Americana
How long have you been a vendor?
About 25-30 years...my husband and I started out collecting sculptures and wall art, and then moved into handmade Oriental and Persian rugs because we think they're just like art. I've been selling at Brimfield specifically for almost 10 years.
What are three things new sellers should keep in mind?
1. You can't force anybody to buy anything so all you can do is come and show what you have and share what you have, and present it in the best way you can to everyone. There's no guarantee that anything will sell. You can't expect that and you have to remember that.
2. You have to pack your inner child. If it happens it happens on the road and you have to come with an adventurous spirit. You have to be flexible. I'm a girl with a glass half full versus half empty!
3. Tell the story about what you're doing and share points of interest about each item. Have information to share that makes your item special and show enthusiasm when talking about it.
Your highlight this week?
Brimfield is a place where bizarre things happen. I had a guy who had a rug and wanted to match a bunch of stuff to that. He took out paint chips and fabric swatches and he needed certain colors and dimensions. So I gave him my opinion, explained a few things, and presented colors that could work. Then after a few minutes he says, "I wouldn't know the difference anyways, I'm colorblind."
Shelterpop
Vendor: Jennifer Pate of The Quilt Ranch
Home Base: Dallas, Fortworth, TX
The Goods: Classic handwoven American quilts
How did you get started as a new vendor?
I was formerly a teacher and I lived in Asia for 25 years. There, I worked at factories with patternmakers, and when I eventually came back to the States I taught in home economics. Home economics got eliminated from the school curriculum, and so I ended up starting my own business in quilting...because I knew about the needle arts and how to sew--it was a natural segway.
What are three things you learned as a new vendor?
1. You have to pay your dues. You have to experience the show and learn how it really works the first time you come. I came in May and got a flat tire on the way here in the mountains, so I ended up missing most of the show and was here for only one day. But even though that was a nightmare it was a great learning curve. You make contacts and network the first time you come to Brimfield and it gives you a springboard for the next time. Your second time is when you'll make money.
2. It rains here usually and if your products are fragile, like textiles, you really need to protect them. So have a really good tent, either one of your own or rent a sturdy one here that can handle heavy rain and weather. Don't use the pop-up ones; water and wind blow right through those. Also, put plywood sheets or tarps on the ground.
3. If you need electricity for credit cards and your laptop, make sure you get into a field that has electrical outlets. My battery went out on my laptop that one day last time and I couldn't process credit cards. It was a nightmare. So if you need electricity, make sure you ask for a site with one.
Your highlight this week?
The curator for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Suite bought a lot of my quilts this time and they're going to be in the suite! And Diane Keaton was also here at my booth! You really never know whom you're going to run into here. You just never know what could become of you from the Brimfield exposure!