Wednesday is booth straightening day. I knew there would be work to do because I had received several calls from the Flea market from potential buyers wanting me to make a better price on items for them. Like I have said before, I never talk to these people because I think my prices are okay (the highest priced item in my booth right now is $24.99) and I really don't want to sell it for less. Every time a person has done this and not gotten a "better price", they end up buying it for my price in the end. So, why should I deal with them? I hope that doesn't sound rude. I just don't see how people think they can dicker on prices like that. I am paying rent and commission. I have to make something! Anyway, when I went in to straighten up today, the item that they had called about night - a cast iron slot machine bank - had sold despite not being able to "reach me".
Sometimes I look in the other booths after I straighten up, just to see if I see anything interesting and to see if my prices are in line with everyone else or visa versa. I have two booths that I like the best - the both have the same sort of things that I love in them. One of them is completely different every time I go in - the lady that has it completely takes everything out and rearranges it all each time. It is amazing how different if can look. It is a pretty small area so she can do it easier than I could.
In my other favorite booth, I spotted this copper enamel teak box with toadstools on it. I thought it was pretty neat and then I spotted SASCHA B on it and I knew it was uber cool. Sascha Brastoff! Score! I have sold Sascha things in the past for pretty good money, so I took a chance on it and bought it for $12.00. Wish me luck! (I am saving up items to sell for an upcoming road trip).
After the Flea Market I always manage to hit the GIANT thrift across the street. Today the parking lot was packed and the shelves were empty of anything interesting or good. I wasn't finding much of anything at all until I rounded a corner and saw a familiar sight.
I knew that pattern instantly - Hawkeye!
But, it wasn't a picnic basket.
It was this ultra cool hamper. (I know it looks like it is stained at the bottom, but that is a shadow hitting it.)
I had to talk myself into buying it (I know you are chuckling at that one, but I really did!). I don't need a hamper. But, it was only $4.95 so I thunk and I thunk and I thunk and I decided that I could use it to hold my bags of Polyfil in my craft area (aka the corner of the garage where all my craft crap is currently stacked haphazardly). I thunked it out!
Lots and lots of rain in the forecast for the next seven days, so I'm not sure if there will be any sales this weekend. But, if there is....you'll know where to find me! ;)
When I had my booth at the flea market, I had a standing order that my items could be marked down by 5%. It was enough to make folks feel like they were getting a good deal, but not enough to cut into my profits.
ReplyDeleteI usually pay full price for things or do without. If people shop around enough, they know a fair price but I think the flea market culture has taught people that if they pay the marked price it's not a deal.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your blog, btw. Like a sister in collecting - have had to limit tablecloth buys to 'holy grails' only. I'm sure I'd love your booth and pay your prices!
Sounds to me like your prices are great! I love the hamper and think it is a great idea to use it to hold polyfil!!
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