Set up your own stall at a flea market?

Budding entrepreneurs, before you get started with big scale businesses, you’d probably like to try to out a small simple one first. How about trying out at flea markets first? It’s cheap, fun and most importantly, it’s an opportunity to bond with family and friends.

Here’s how to get started

1. Rental charges
Usually very reasonable. Rope in your girlfriends and share the cost amongst yourself. Best if you can get a few people to join in. So that you have someone to mind the stall for you while you take your time to walk around visiting the other stalls!

2. Supplies
Go find whatever you can. Now there are no more excuses not to rummage through your wardrobe and set aside unwanted items! Clothes, books, shoes, accessories, toys etc. Don’t be shy to ask around; Mum – who knows she has those cool vintage handbags, long forgotten, buried deep beneath tons of mumsie clothing? Or how about dropping by that cute neighbour’s place that you never had the guts to speak to and ask if he has unwanted tees for ‘charity’?

3. Prices
Before starting out, survey the place. Get to know how much t-shirts, jeans, shoes etc, are selling. Branded ones and non-branded ones. Because you wouldn’t want to wonder why your stuffs ain’t selling when it’s priced too highly. Neither would you want not be able to cover your rental charges, never mind the profit.
Point to keep in mind – don’t go too far off, or too far behind.

4. Target customers
Get to know who your customers are. Teens? Foreigners? Tourists? Bring stuffs that will interest your customers. Your things should appeal to the groups of people there.

Other points to consider
You might want to have a signboard to indicate the prices. Be sure to have it big and in strategic places where it can clearly be seen.

Bring picnic mats, foldable chairs, umbrellas. Water is extremely important, especially if you’re going be under the sweltering sun for hours on end. Food too, just in case you get hungry.

What should you do when it rains? Bring a plastic sheet to cover your goodies. Who wants to buy something that’s wet and dirty, no matter how fabulous right?

Remember to have enough, if not plenty of small notes and coins. Carry a small pouch or a small sling bag with you.

Closing down sale
Prices are usually slashed come night time. That’s when you got to put your mighty voice to good use (other than karaoke-ing of course)! Start by asking your boyfriend or husband or brother to start chanting ‘$1, $2, cheap, cheap!” Of course that’s just as an example; you can ‘chant’ any amount you want. Then join in - its fun when everyone does that!

Lastly, always adhere to the rules and regulations set by the management. It is very important to operate within the boundaries and guidelines given.

Don’t be too depressed if your sales were slow. It is, after all, your first venture. You’ll do better with ample exposure and more experience.

Good luck!