Thanks for all the suggestions on my Barn Sale set up.
My decisions so far:
I had planned on pricing items exactly the same as I do in my booth because I will eventually put anything that doesn't sell in the sale to the booth anyway. I was just curious what people might "think" the prices will be. I haven't been to any of these kind of sales, but I tend to think that even within my own flea market, prices are sort of high. But, as we all know, I am cheap and frugal to a fault!
I will use my vintage tablecloths since I think it will complete my look. Also, none of my tablecloths are perfect so they won't get hurt. But, if I do see a child wiping his now on one, I will faint. (gross)
I plan on setting up my canopy, banner, tables and display pieces in the back yard for a couple of days to get the right look. I'll snap lots of photos so when I do set it up, it should go quickly. *Remind me of that when I am in tears sweating like a pig while the "early shoppers" are lined up to get in!
I'm gong to have a mix of vintage Fall/Halloween/Christmas items in one area of the booth. I'd love to get more into the making and selling aspect rather than the buying, cleaning, storing, pricing, rearranging aspect. I love the hunt and I could still hunt - but for different items.
The plan is to be set up beside or close to Lara over at Pretty. Quirky. That way we can buddy up, watch each other's stuff for bathroom breaks and a quick bite. An added bonus to this is that we will actually MEET each other. :D We email/Facebook/Pinterest and read each others blogs PLUS we live about five miles apart, but we've never met. I asked her what will happen if we meet and she decides, on the spot, that I am just a big old b*tch. (I don't think I am, but you never know!)
I keep making references to "being alone" and "doing it myself" and one day The Bean said, "I AM GOING WITH YOU! You will not be alone!" I had hoped he would go, but I never expect him to go or require him to go. We plan to have fun with it and he will take a stack of books.
I plan on a check out area and some chairs, because you have to sit at some point or you will just be exhausted. But, I hate booths and really even yard sales where they people just SIT and look at you. Makes for a not so friendly environment and makes me just want to move on to the next booth. I like to mix and mingle and hear what people have to say about things.
I do not plan on bartering and working on prices much. I price things pretty affordable. I am uncomfortable dickering with prices when I shop and I really don't want to do it when I sell. This is a marketplace with priced items, so I really don't foresee dickering. *That's not to say that I won't offer a deal if they buy multiple items, or offer a better price from time to time.
Keep the ideas coming! I love hearing from veteran sellers. *Laurie - I have looked at every one of your SHOW posts!
You sound like you have made some great decisions and I'm so glad the Bean will be with you.
ReplyDeleteyou are right on track and glad the Bean will be there to help you. I do quite a few shows solo. When I have to do a potty run, I have someone watch my booth (often people running the shows have a person that will come and sit in your booth for spell) and RUN LIKE THE WIND...people always comment on how quick I can do a potty break! You will be great!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the Bean will be with you too. You can get a rhythm going in check out with you writing the receipt and him wrapping or bagging!
ReplyDeleteWhen my girls were young and I did craft shows I would always give them a dollar or two. They would look around for the best thing to buy - sometimes it took all day! They both learned to make change.
I know your booth is going to look great as you know the up and down rule. So many people doing shows don't!! And the focal point one, too. Something that will make them look - it won't necessarily sell right away but it needs to be there. When I was doing doll clothing, it was a purple velveteen dress Mandy (from Fisher Price) was modeling!
I'm sure you're readers will agree with me when I say that there is no possible way you are a b*tch! Don't you know we know you well already through your blog??? I am beyond excited that I will get the double pleasure of finally meeting you in person AND The Bean!
ReplyDeleteare your buyers paying you directly, or the event organizers? If they are paying you, are you set up to take credit cards? You can use your cell phone to swipe them (yes, you do pay a percentage to the credit card processor) - it may encourage people to spend more.
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