I almost forgot to write about the flea market I was a vendor at a couple of weeks ago. I figured it would be worth it to rent a space and try and get my business cards and my name out there. I set up my space with all my merchandise which consists of pre-owned clothing, shoes and handbags (www.nayaudo.com is my website). I was by myself of I would have set up a tent to keep the sun at bay. I was fortunate that the next space over was a lovely retired couple selling Royal Dalton figurines along with some various yard sale nick knacks.
I thought I came prepared. I had merchandise, change, I brought my lunch and water bottles. I even had a comfy chair. People are funny at flea markets I’ve concluded. They do not want to talk or chit chat. They just want to look over your “stuff”. Most people didn’t even respond when I said, “Hi how are you?” Strange I tell you. Anyway I said I thought I was prepared. What I wasn’t prepared for was the haggling! Man. When asked a price I was immediately met with an answer of half my price. Half! That’s not haggling that’s insulting. I would shoot back another price just as fast. I became a quick learner. I also learned to start higher on my pricing strategy and stay firm.
It was also the best opportunity for people watching. I loved seeing the couple next to me deal with hagglers. At one point the wife became annoyed over a customer haggling her over a dollar for a set of drinking glasses. Seriously? Yes the hagglers became amusement. It was also noticed that the nicer someone dressed was NO indication of whether or not they would spend money. A well dressed mother/daughter pair carrying expensive handbags was very quick to literally paw through my merchandise and not buy a single thing. Meanwhile, the more modest dressed customers were much more polite (still haggled me) but were more likely to buy. I thought that was interesting.
I am planning to attend another similar flea market next month. I can say this time I’ll be even more prepared and I hope not to get as haggled down again.
Menay O; mom to 4, Christian and thrift shopper on the side... 