If its not much of a financial outlay to display at the market, I dont see there being much harm in seeing how it goes.

 

Brett

yea, I am planning on going there this weekend and finding out how much it costs, Hopefully not to much for a small booth

We have a flea market not far from here, I went there a few times.  Not this Christmas just past but the one in 2003 I went there a few weekends in a row.  I only cost $35 for the weekend.  It is true most people are looking for bargains.  But I was able to sell ok but not great.  I did learn alot about what people were looking for and make a few custom orders.  Sold alot of ornaments, because they were low priced.  Acouple of times I brought my saw with me to have something to do when it was slow and to show people how much work we have to put into a nice picture.  By them seeing that, they understood why I wanted $20 and up on some of the pictures.  But, just like a craft show, some days were better than others.  Alot of the same people come every  weekend and they did come back to see what I had that was new.  I didn't get to do any shows this Christmas or flea markets for that matter, because I was working alot of overtime.  But I am looking forward to getting back in there this year.

 

Mightychurchill

I know what people say, But we sell alot of wood at Flea Martkets. We have build up alot of people who want special orders, things are only worth just what you ask for them. You need something to draw the people to you, you sawing is a good way. They are always courious as to what is going on. I say don't knock it til you try it.

We also sell at craft shows, different class of people. Listen to the customers, must have a different types of things, different stokes for different folks

Jim

I agree.  Most flea market folks are looking for a bargain.  I did a couple a few years ago no one wanted to pay the asking price.  There was a lot of interest tho.  At craft shows/fairs I don't recall anyone ever trying to talk me down in price.   Different audience I guess.

 

JO

Does anyone have any experience with selling in a Craft Co-op type store or consignment shop?  I was thinking of joining an Artists Co-op in Sandy when we move.

Thomas

www.barefootwoodworks.com

No, Sandy Utah.  It is a temporary move, 4-5 years as I am transfering locations for my job. Then hopefully off to the pacific northwest somewhere.

Just my two cents ive been doing a flea market for 5 weeks now and with the sales so far im thinking of giving up one maybe two farmers markets and keeping this one Ive cleared at least 200 bucks every weekend so far and received more large orders than at the farmers market.True i still get those who want it for dirt cheap but then again I got those at the farmers market too.Of course it didnt hurt being interviewed at the flea market by the local news station eithergot calls from as far away as Newfoundland Im on the west coast in Alberta.

I have just completed my 3rd weekend at a flea market that has been in operation for

about 6 months and so far have done as well as if not better than craft shows that I have done.

 

I have been doing craft for 5 years.  I am 65 years old and have some health problems so I have been looking for an alternative to the hassel of loading up,

carrying in, setting up and hauling back out for a one day show, after paying $100

for a 10 x 10 space.

 

When I checked out this new flea market, I found they had vendors selling NASCAR

collectables, Avon products, as well as the usual antiques, tools and used books.  It appeard that people were not expecting yard sale prices.  They charge $10.00 a day

for a 10 x 10 space.  They are open Fri., Sat., and Sun but vendor are allowed to

set everying up and leave it but are only charged for the days they are open.

 

I sell scroll saw items only, including celebrity and animal portraits, custom portraits from customers photo's, clocks, toys, candle holders, baskets etc.  I have been well

received by customer and vendors.  One vendor stated that I added class to the

market.  The management are changing the name in advertising to Flea Market and

Craft Mall. 

 

As I said, my experience has been very good so far.  I don't expect to get rich but

a hobby I really enjoy will continue to self-supporting.

 

Hope this helps,  Good Luck

 

Bill

I have not done too well at flea markets.  Every one wants something for nothing.   I do alot better at craft shows. Usually a small town has craft shows on their square.  They are good. Also, Civil War reenactments are good if you have scroll saw portraits that relate to the Civil War; i.e. generals, war scenes, Abe Lincoln, horses, cannons, etc. Good luck

It really depends on where you live.  In Michigan I could clear between $200 and $500 doing two days of the flea market a week.  We moved to Florida and what a change.  Lucky if I can clear the booth fee.  You really should kind of check out the one you plan to go to first and see what others are selling.  Good luck.  Judy  [email protected]

 

well its me again ive now been set up at the flea market for 3 months and over all its going quite good true some weeks its as slow as mollasses but orders are good and ive expanded to bring in work from the club i belong to now we have 7 scrollers in one booth and its cheaper on rent to boot. Still get those who ask its marked at 30 would you take 10 but you get that all the time even at shows up here.