Playing the role of a trader, even occasionally, cannot be improvised. And this is valid if you have decided to hold a stand at a flea market or a garage sale. If you want your little treasures to attract a lot of bargain huntersL’Ardennais gives you four tips to follow!
1 Believe in your merchandise!
Assume that at a flea market, everything sells. Roller shutters, toilet brushes…You should not limit yourself to selling what you yourself would buy.“, a neighbor of a stand confided to us, a few months ago, at a flea market in the southern Ardennes. Don’t hesitate to slash prices either! The bargain hunter is looking for a good deal? Give him one!
2 Prepare a nice stand
We make an effort on the presentation. No clutter, no messy bric-a-brac: classify, sort. We do not mix the dish towels and napkins or the puzzles with the collection of capsules. Armed with a felt-tip pen and a bit of paper, label: “Gifts for future mothers” (that funny book that you were given at the time will do well), “gadget for a spoiled dad” (that luminous gamer keyboard, received by accident after a scam on the Internet, will do the trick perfectly). The stand must be clear and well-ordered – because the public has this annoying habit of touching everything without putting anything away.
3 Equip yourself well!
Make yourself comfortable! The basic equipment of a flea market vendor? Cap (or plastic tarp), chair (or upside-down crate), bags, water galore.
Also bring change: 15 euros in coins and 30 in notes. And above all, be firm!Can you break my 50 note?“Clearly, for a euro of cheap earrings, no, you’ll have to come back.
Also consider bringing someone with you. A husband, a friend, or even a child will do the trick to keep you company, to allow you to go for a walk, pee, or get a chip at the refreshment bar (preferably at 11:30, because after that, it’s full). This way, the day will go by more quickly.
4 Have fun!
You don’t catch flies by selling ugly stuff: you have to sell it while having fun. This plastic peony? To give to Madame! This boring clock? To put in Monsieur’s garage! Who wants it? Here, there’s bound to be something for you. Are you looking for Lego? I have Pokemon… Is this tray made of stainless steel?
No, but it’s the aesthetics that matter. A little coffee? Look at this coffee pot decorated with ladybugs… What a joy. But be careful: humor does not mean naivety. So, when faced with this overly audacious customer who asks about the price of the (beautiful) books in front of him? Don’t give in if he offers a lot for half the price. We clear away, yes, but nothing is free.
