Sunday, January 31, 2016

Top Ten Things I Learned My First Year as a Flea Market Vendor

It's been over two years since I took my leap of faith and two years since I've "officially" been in business for myself.  I started at a flea market and then I attended several big vintage show in our area as a vendor.  Shows are a ton of work, but you sure learn a lot.  I plan to write a new list now that I've finished up my second year in business and especially because I have my own little brick and mortar shop.  

Here is my list of the things I learned during my first year in business.  I wrote this on November 3, 2014. 


1.  Be flexible. It's OK to go in with a plan, but you need to be willing to change things up. If you aren't successful in the spot you chose, move. If you aren't selling what you came to sell, watch people and find out why...price? Product? Attitude and how you present yourself?

2.  Be kind. Mean people finish last in this business. If you are serious about becoming a regular vendor and/or you are using the flea market to launch a business, how you treat fellow vendors can make or break your reputation in "the tribe." It's a small, tight-knit community. Word travels fast and your reputation will precede you everywhere you go. (And it carries over to what customers think of you too!)

3.  Be a student. Watch what other vendors are doing. How are their displays put together? What makes them a "go to" booth/shop at the flea market? ASK them and allow yourself to learn. You become better and you just might make some really great new friends.

4.  Find a mentor. Ask someone who is really successful if they will spend some time with you a few times a month or even weekly to share their story. Be prepared with questions, take notes, and then put their suggestions into action.

5.  Embrace trial and error. Try something new. Then, take notes--really. Write stuff down. If a sale or discount or piece of merchandise doesn't sell--ask why? Then try something new or combine ideas and see what happens. Ask for suggestions and input. Your customers and "the tribe" are HUGE assets!

6.  A flea market is just like any other retail setting. You are going to have amazing days with sales through the roof, and you are going to have days that drag with little to no foot traffic or sales. Welcome to reality, baby! Instead of whining, go network with fellow vendors and exchange ideas. Make some new friends. Chat with customers. Get on social media and pump up the volume on the ol' advertising. It's free!!!

7.  You don't always have to spend money to make money.   Be creative. Think of every single free outlet for advertising and use them! Make those freebies work for you, darlin'. Social media is a great place to start! Craigslist garage sale ads are free too. Flyers don't have to be in color--get the word out! Then when you make some cash, you can go get those fancy color copies. Word of mouth. Promotions--bring a friend--give 10% off to both your regular customer and their friend. If the venue owner or provider is active on social media and they say use our page--USE IT.

8.  Be part of the solution.   You can't very well complain about the foot traffic and then do nothing to spread the word. Complaining all the time only wins you the title of "Flea Market Grump." ;)

9.  Mix it up.  I officially sell, "Cottage chic home and holiday decor." Great. But not everyone likes cottage chic. Or shabby chic. Or vintage. Or contemporary. So why not mix it up? Find that sweet spot. I have watched at every show and venue I've been at and one huge thing I've taken away is the need for a mix of our items AND antiques, funky junk, vintage items, and soft goods mixed in with my regular product.

10.  A positive attitude is a must. A positive attitude is contagious. If you choose to be down in the mouth or grumpy, it oozes from you and trust me, people will avoid your booth. I've watched it happen to fellow vendors at different shows and venues. People aren't drawn to your grumpy attitude. Greet people. Ask them how they are doing. Strike up a conversation...ask how they heard about the market. Don't be pushy. Be cordial and approachable. And when customers leave your booth/shop without buying, thank them anyway. Good manners never go out of style--yes, I sound like my mom. But it's a fact. I have lost count of the return customers I've had who have said they came by to look one weekend but came back to shop the next weekend simply because I didn't act like a money-hungry vulture. Guess what? I now have some "regulars."