Outside of selling on the weekends, I spend quite a bit of time speaking with other vendors. Most of the time it's water-cooler talk and the usual, "How was business today?" However, I also spend time discussing ways to increase our respective businesses.
In these times, and all the time for that matter, making minor tweaks or adjustments to the way you do business can do wonders for your bottom line.
Take a look at the 4 tips below and see how you can apply them to your business.
TIPS:
#1) TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
Whether you are a full time flea market vendor, street vendor, or sell products on your job, the most important thing is that you take it seriously. Granted, it might be a hobby or a reason to get out of the house, but just think how much further you could take it if you took it seriously. Ask yourself this simple question: Am I doing the best I can at this? Anything less than a yes leaves plenty of room for improvement, so take it seriously. This is your operation, your are the C.E.O., treat it as such.
#2) SET SALES GOALS
Be it the weather, your weight, the speed limit, or the DOW, most things are measured on a constant basis. As a vendor, the best way to gauge how your business is doing is by setting goals and taking them seriously enough to achieve them. This does not necessarily have to be financial, but that is honestly the best way to determine if being a vendor is worth your time. My personal rule of thumb, is that I must make at least $100 on market days. For some it might be $50, for others it's a $1000. Set your own goals, then take the necessary steps to achieve them.
#3) MAXIMIZE THE USE OF YOUR SELLING SPACE
Most markets give vendors either 8x10 feet or 10x10 feet of selling space, with some offering space for parking. However it is up to you to make the best use of that space. I use a set of 3-level metal step racks with closet shelving (similar in shape to the one below) to create more display space.
I also find that in open spaces, using two 8x4 tables vertically, like an h, gives customers room to walk into your make-shift booth and allows your twice the selling spice.
#4) PLAY NICE
This might seem a little elementary, but some vendors are just plain ole rude. No one comes to the market to be disrespected, so play nice. Be courteous to not only your customers, but to other vendors and the market's staff as well. People are more likely to share information with someone who is approachable, so stop screwing up your face. This past weekend I had a guy tell me the wholesale cost on a bushel of corn - something simple - but information I did not have first hand knowledge of. This bit of information will go along way as I plan the next item to sell at flea markets.
Happy vending!
-FMN
