As someone with a closet akin to a revolving door – I regularly need to make way for new pieces on a regular basis; it’s my job ok! – I’ve become quite fond of fashion-specific markets.
People attend these markets hoping to pick up exactly the type of clothing, shoes, bags and accessories I’ve bought along – for a bargain.
Just because there’s a targeted audience of fashionistas ready to part with their hard-earned money doesn’t mean you have it made, however – far from it in fact!
So, based on my own observations as a self-confessed fashion market-stall junkie, I’ve put together a checklist of things you should think about when setting up a market stall of your own.
You can make hundreds, even thousands of dollars if you put some time and energy into preparation – and who doesn’t want a cheeky $Gorilla to spend on new clothes? I never leave with less than $500, here’s how:
- Nuts and Bolts
The night before your market you should have the following packed and ready to go:
- Small tool or sewing kit with things like: clips, safety pins, sticky tape etc…
- Cash or float and calculator
- Notepad and pen
- Packaging or bags
- Business cards
- Mailing list sign-up on clipboard (if you have one)
- A giant bottle of water
- Folding chairs, unless they are already provided
- Full length mirror
Trust me when I tell you that you need all of these, you will be nothing but sorry when you lose a sale because an errant button is hanging by a thread.
- Pricing and Tagging
I like to use heart shaped tags sourced from a local $2 shop. They’re cute, they’re a point of difference and it gives a professional air to your stall. Most people expect to see priced items, or a sign on the rack telling them how much something costs.
People tend to feel more comfortable knowing the price and then asking for a discount rather than asking how much something costs in the first place. Remember – you’re there to sell!
- Get out front
“Sitting doesn’t sell,” a market veteran told me once.
I know myself, as an avid market attendee, that if someone is sitting behind their stall looking bored, then I’m less like to engage with them.
If their clothes bore them, why should I be interested?
You can also keep a closer eye out for light-fingered characters, be ready to haggle on the spot, and generally keep things neat and tidy.
- Merchandising
How you present your wares can make a huge difference. HUGE.
Each item on my racks is clean, pressed, individually tagged and on a wooden hanger.
I can’t tell you how many people I see turning up with bags full of un-ironed clothes they then put on ugly wire hangers. At the end of the day, they’re always genuinely surprised that they haven’t sold a thing.
It pays to cover your trestle table in a tablecloth, and use wooden crates painted white to display smaller items like bags, shoes and jewellery. I always have a mirror and usually take vases of (faux) flowers for an extra touch.
I’ve also seen people bring along vintage suitcases, carpets, cushions and teacups to help their merchandising efforts. In general, have fun and try to invest some personality into your stall.
- Be Flexible
People go to a market to nab a bargain, so be prepared for haggling – it’s part of the fun.
I usually don’t discount until three hours into the market, and only give discounts if people buy more than two items.
As the day wears on, however, your main aim should be to go home with an empty car.
Perhaps I’ll take $5 off the marked price of everything for an hour, creating a sense of urgency. Other ideas are to discount a particular item: All shoes $10 between 1pm – 2pm! for example. It’s never failed me and always seems to get people interested in my stall.
Do you have any other tips for a successful market stall? I’d love to hear below!
