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Thread: Pen types for the markets
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2nd March 2014, 07:27 PM #1
Pen types for the markets
I have done a couple of markets now and made a little money - cost covering mainly. You have probably seen the display I have. I have attached a photos of it in case you have seen the display. I make the pens as a hobby and sell them to cover my costs realising that I will never make a lot of money from markets. However, for those who do markets at well I make the following observations and request your feedback on where I am going wrong.
1. I have a lot of fountain pens and roller balls and not one has sold.
2. I display a fairly wide range of pens, fountain pens from various kit types.
3. People stop and look at them and comment on how good they look, but buy only a couple of types of pens.
4. I have business cards on display and a lot of people take them as they want gifts - later on in the year.
5. I am thinking I might have too many varieties on display and a smaller range of best sellers would be better - less choice for the customer.
My questions -
A. What is the best selling pens you provide at the markets?
B. Should I limit my display to the best sellers and less of the upmarket pens?
Any advice appreciated from those who sell at the markets.
IMG_0153.jpgIMG_0154.jpgIMG_0155.jpg
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2nd March 2014 07:27 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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2nd March 2014, 09:56 PM #2
your tables look good but i don't like the hanging tags, have a look for the barbell clip type, they look much better, or even group your pens by price - Just my 2cents worth - sorry
as to what i sell best
1. Siera
2. Cigar
3. Bolt Action
4. Streamline
they would be my top sellers and in that order, Rollerballs and Fountain pens i always have on display, but very few and all in different materials, i then take orders if the customer wants something different, touch wood, only once have i been stiffed on an order, but it sold to the first person that picked it up so all was not lost
for what its worth, i now display and sell all of my pens in boxes, previously velvet bags, Timberbits and many other component suppliers now have pen boxes for $1 - $2 and they make the pens look so much more professional
i hope this helps
all the best
MIKNo Result Without Effort
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2nd March 2014, 11:22 PM #3
Thanks Mik. Good advice. I will try the pen cases too as they are cheap
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3rd March 2014, 12:59 AM #4Senior Member
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I too have only been doing the 2 local markets for a few months. Did the smaller market today. Only sold 2 pens but it only cost me $20 to display for the few hours. I have people that watch my FB page and also are waiting to buy for a gift later in the year. Will they? Time will tell. Apparently most "regulars" to the markets wont purchase until they have seen you 3 or 4 times so they know you are not a fly by nighter, so I have been told.
1. Fountain pens very slow sellers, people love them but dont use them. So I dont have many, but a choice nevertheless.
2. I had tags like you have but took them off as being outside the wind tangles them and when customers pick up a pen they pull 2 or 3 off. Plus my display now looks a lot cleaner.
3. I have a pad with a pen for people to try. I write on the top of the pad what the pen is and try me underneath, does it work meh not sure but have a lot more interaction with people when they try. I find it takes away the hesitation of trying a pen.
4. I dont have signs of any type just business cards. This is something I will change highlighting that they are handmade. Some people dont believe me so I have a blank and a pen kit or "a bag of parts" as I call it.
5. My Pens are a luxury item. So when money is tight, people wont buy.
I'm still feeling my way with the markets and what works for my area. I do not think I am well placed at the larger market, although I do not need a gazebo and I should be well protected during winter.
Time will tell.
Wish ya luck.
Cheers
Shawn
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