Thread: Disheartened.

I haven't ever done it, but I have talked to a bloke at a local flea market who did wood stuff (cutting boards, toys, cheese knives etc. He said that his first few times there he didn't do all that well, but as time went by and people knew he was there he now does OK. It was about taking the time for people to see him, get to know his work, and come prepared with enough money to be able to afford his wares.

Peter

Yes! It can take a while to build up. Hell! You sold one thing. My first market I was next to a stall that sold hair scrunchies. (Yes it was the 80s. ) 3 for $10. they did a roaring traded and I sold NOTHING. These days I do a little better than that, but can still be a bit light on sometimes. One xmas I sold $600 worth of stuff, but everyone around me sold nothing.( I couldn't gloat guilt free. )

It does take a while also to get feel for what sells. You have to tread a fine line between making things that you want to make and making things that sell. That said, I always find if I've made something that I REALLY like and put a hight price on it it always sells first, so don'r under price yourself. Just make sure your work is as good as it can be.

Which market did you do? Mornigton?

Yes.... I know the feeling only too well.
First market I sold 4 items... didn't pay for the fee
Second one I sold squat and wind blew the cheap tent we had bought to buggery..

We don't do well at markets at all.... I think one reason is people come to markets to find inexpensive things....
If you come up with something inexpensive and useful that's quick to make... you have a winner... but that's really difficult to find... the minute you do someone copies it and you have to think of something else. I find it very frustrating. Gave up on markets.

I do better by word of mouth.
Not only that.. I found that once I have to mass produce the fun goes out of it. Having to keep stock up doesn't leave time to make new things that I really want to make ... fine balance - I have not found it yet.

Juvy

First market I tried I didn't sell a thing for the entire day .... that was until I was packing up and ended up heavily discounting to sell to a neighbouring stall holder who was also packing up ..... taking into account the cost of the stall ..... I went backwards. I was guttered after putting in so much work.

A few thinks that I have picked up following that experience ...... pick the market you are going to try to sell at and then change your product to suit the people you are expecting. Toys sell well at school fates but not so well at a fine woodworking show.

As difficult as it is try and engage with everybody who comes past .... it is much harder to walk away empty handed after you have been chatting with the stall holder (I have purchased a lot of stuff I didn't really need just because I felt I couldn't walk away). After you have made a few sales your confidence will rise and the pressure will be taken away.

Stinky.

Hi,
I have never tried selling but have noticed that on the "ScrollSaw Blog" site - Tuliptree Crafts - this might get you there

http://scrollsawblog.com:8085/scroll...2253#more-2253

posted some suggestions on what he does. True it is USA but perhaps the thoughts are worth a look. His article is called "Thoughts on a Craft Show Business" and is dated 22 Aug 2009.

Hope it helps,
Bob H.

Originally Posted by keju

We don't do well at markets at all.... I think one reason is people come to markets to find inexpensive things....
If you come up with something inexpensive and useful that's quick to make... you have a winner... but that's really difficult to find... the minute you do someone copies it and you have to think of something else. I find it very frustrating. Gave up on markets.

I don't think this is entirely true. I only do markets that are all hand made things so that at least you are not competing with "trash and treasure". You can also price yourself too low and put people off cos they think it mustn't be worth much. I have sold some very expensive things. But I make sure I have a range of prices.

Hi Wombatie, Marg,
My 2 tips are, Don't sit down at all, & just wait until someone wants to buy, because that creates disaster.
Secondly, put your prices up to put them down, as when you reduce the price, the customer thinks they are getting a bargain, but you have the price you were after, & don't get greedy, or they will leave you with them, & like the others said, you will go home dejected & empty handed.
I think if you intend to keep going, sell a few pieces a bit lower, (probably not finished as well or got a scratch), just to create business. Others will see you selling & will more than likely stop to see what you have, & that is when you strike.
You just have to hang in there.
Regards,
issatree.
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Thanks everyone, I have read what you had to say and I have taken notes. I'm not saying that next time I will make a killing but I will be a bit better prepared. My daughter wants us to have a stall at a craft market together (very crafty family) so I will also think about that one too.

Thanks Marg

By the way its the Hastings street market that I did.

Originally Posted by wombatie

By the way its the Hastings street market that I did.

I saw the signs yesterday when we went to the beach. I'm not sure about a weekday market. Do others do well? What sort of things do they sell? What sort of things are you selling? I'd try a weekend one. Is Bittern booked out?

I haven't looked into the Bittern market yet I only wanted to do baby steps to start with. The street stalls all have have hand made or home grown things. The lady next to me did not do well but then again she didn't spend too much time with her things. I think she spent more thanshe made, what with the sausage rolls, salad rolls drinks etc., but at least she walked them off. LOL
It turns out that I can't go back this week but I will be thwere again next.

Marg

Originally Posted by wombatie

I haven't looked into the Bittern market yet I only wanted to do baby steps to start with. The street stalls all have have hand made or home grown things. The lady next to me did not do well but then again she didn't spend too much time with her things. I think she spent more thanshe made, what with the sausage rolls, salad rolls drinks etc., but at least she walked them off. LOL
It turns out that I can't go back this week but I will be thwere again next.

Marg

Joke of the Day.
Very Very GOOD wombatie

I had to read this a few times

Originally Posted by wombatie

I haven't looked into the Bittern market yet I only wanted to do baby steps to start with. The street stalls all have have hand made or home grown things. The lady next to me did not do well but then again she didn't spend too much time with her things. I think she spent more thanshe made, what with the sausage rolls, salad rolls drinks etc., but at least she walked them off. LOL
It turns out that I can't go back this week but I will be thwere again next.

Marg

It always takes a bit of self controle not to do that. I bring my own thermos now. But I have to have a sausage. I usually spend the day chatting to everyone. Customers and other stall holders. But try not to wander to far. Good luck next week.