I’m headed up to the
Renninger’s Extravaganza in Mount Dora, Florida, this week, and I couldn’t be
happier! Big outdoor markets are my idea of a GREAT time and I’m always ready
to jump in the car and GO!
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| Renninger's Mount Dora - it really is that big! |
Over the years friends
have asked if they could come along. Some have loved it and some have found it
more than they bargained for. I learned that they would have a better
experience if they had some guidance about how to manage a big market. Maybe
you’ll find these tips helpful too!
DRESSING RIGHT
Being “market ready”
starts with getting dressed with a long day in mind.
1. Dress
in layers. The day can start out cold and warm up fast. Lightweight layers will
help you get through the day.
2. Comfy,
supportive shoes. Can’t stress this enough. You’re running a marathon here!
3. Wear
things with functional, secure pockets. You’re going to want to have your phone
and notepad readily accessible. I like cargo pants for this very reason.
TOOLS TO HAVE WITH YOU
1.
Sunscreen and bottled water are essential. Hat
and sunglasses also handy.
2.
Hand sanitzer or wipes
3. Notebook
and pen
4. Phone
5.
Magnifying glass
6.
Use a shopping cart. Whether it’s a luggage kind
of thing, a wire shopping cart or a little red pull wagon, it’s handy to have
something in which to haul purchases. There are often people who sell carts at
the markets but if you can get one beforehand, it will save you from spending
valuable shopping time at the market looking for a cart.
7.
A good bag that keeps your cash and wallet
secure. I like a cross body bag – easier on the shoulders – with multiple
compartments. I keep my cash in a bank envelope, accessible but secured in a
zippered or closed compartment.
8.
Power shopping snacks. Nuts, string cheese,
granola bar. You can eat them on the go for a little boost!
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| Power shopping! Not even injury interferes! |
BE PREPARED FOR PORTA POTS
However you need to prepare
yourself for this, it’s the reality of big outdoor markets, and there’s no
getting around it!
WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN
1. Write
down all your purchases – item and price
2. Write
down everything you need to go back and pick up and WHERE IT IS
3. Write
down things you want to go back and look at again and WHERE THEY ARE
STRATEGIES FOR SHOPPING / HOW TO KEEP FROM GETTING OVERWHELMED
1. Know
your shopping style. If you are an “on the fly” shopper and you’re going with a
friend likes to look at every little thing, don’t be afraid to say “Let’s meet
up at noon at the car” so neither one of you is hindered.
2. Plan
to spend the day, and plan your shopping accordingly. For example, for my first
walk through a market I generally “walk and scan”, stopping to shop when I see
a booth that has an overall look or items that interest me. Things that are a
definite “yes” I buy on the spot. Things I’m considering I’ll make note of to
come back to. On my second walk through I’ll look more closely at things in
many booths.
3. Use
your phone to look things up. If you’re not sure if something’s worth the
price, or if it’s common or rare, or if it’s just not “right”, you can often
find a reference online (search by images). Be polite and don’t do this while
in someone’s booth, taking up valuable space for others who are shopping.
4. Unsure
whether or not to buy something? Ask yourself “Will I be sorry if I come back
to get it and it’s gone?”. I find this really helpful, and the answer can be
crystal clear sometimes!
5. TAKE
A BREAK. Go find the “food court”, sit down, drink some water, eat a little
something and REVIEW YOUR PURCHASES. When you’re “power shopping” it can feel
like you’ve bought A LOT and SPENT ALL YOUR MONEY. Taking a break and reviewing
your purchases tells you what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent. I’ve
learned this lesson the hard way – after leaving a market thinking I’d bought and
spent a lot when actually I could have stayed and bought more. Reviewing your
list also helps you decide whether to run back and get something on the “go
back for” list, to keep it on for later or to cross it off.
6. Figure
out the market’s layout and walk it strategically – by rows and sections so
you’ll know what you’ve covered and what you haven’t.
7. Don’t
let your collection rule your buying decisions. Just because you collect cat
figurines doesn’t mean you need to buy every one you see. When in doubt, pass.
WORKING WITH DEALERS
I’ve gotten to know dealers over
the years and my “favorites” are always the first ones I go to. Many are happy
to interact with you and are often able to provide information about things
you’re interested in. Getting off on the right foot lays the groundwork for a
good relationship.
1. Negotiating
is fine, insulting not so much. Ask for discounts nicely. “Can you do any
better on this?”, “Is this your best price?”, “If I buy more than one item can
you offer me a discount?”. If you want to just make an offer, as in “Would you
take $X for this?”, don’t make a really low offer; it gets things off on the
wrong foot.
2. Sometimes
dealers will tell you to “make a pile” if you’re looking at more than one
thing. This is fine with items that are priced but if things are not priced I
ask them to give me an idea of what they’re asking; no sense making a pile of
items that I think are $20 each and they think are $100 each.
3. If
you’ve bought a big item, the dealer is often willing to put it aside for you
to come back for it; no reason to lug it around, as long as it’s convenient to
come back.
4. Be
mindful of the traffic in a booth. If there are a lot of people shopping and
trying to look at things, taking a selfie or talking on the phone is preventing
commerce from taking place. Step outside the booth so others can shop.
5. If
you plan to return to the market again and you like a particular dealer’s
items, ask if they’ll be back next time and in the same spot. They might give you a card, give you their
social media link or a phone number so you can find out where they’ll be set up
next time.
So that’s my Crash Course in Flea
Marketing #101. Now I’m out the door. Look for lots of new goodies coming to my
shops soon!!
Happy Trails! – Marilyn
