Markets - Your opinion.

[Geegee83]

I did a market stall years ago, for one day, it was a massive dive bomb and I sold 1 item. I was selling my own photography, so not really a standard market item and wasn't popular

I remember the stall fee was fairly low, maybe £15 for the day, but the years insurance I had to purchased was about £90..

So, do many of you supplement eBay with market stalls? and do you think it's a good option?

I'm torn with the idea of having a second selling platform, or putting more into new listings and my website.

[jeffweico]

I would think of the website as a long term prospect. It takes time to build up traffic. The "stall" seems like it is a more immediate return.

As a businessperson, you must prioritize. If it were me, I would try the stall idea first since it will probably generate immediate sales. I agree with you that selling your own photography is NOT a great indicator of how your sales would be with more popular merchandise.

I would start working on the website, but not make it a top priority. And with the money earned from extra sales, you may be able to afford to have someone work on your website that knows more about websites than you do which could be a big benefit.

[Geegee83]

Thanks Jeff,

I've been working on the website for the past couple of months, still not listed on Google properly yet, so I'm guessing that will take a year maybe to generate some income.

I fancy market stalls for the reason you state, an immediate return, just nervous about trying it again, although the products would more than likely be popular now.

I just don't want to rely on eB anymore..

[GreenBean]

Be mindful of the wonderful British weather fast approaching.

On the other hand, start looking around to see if there are local markets for the December period.

Could be openings there.

Car boot sales are a bit of giggle too.

[Geegee83]

We have a massive car boot sale not far, 15 min drive, I was thinking of trying that first as it's busy and has a few 'new item' sellers there too. Also, I don't have to pay the market insurance there and can see if it's popular and build up some confidence in it.

I thought it was a bad time of year to start it, but I can always plan it for the spring good point GB!

[rsot]

eB is a good balance with brick and mortar sales - never rely on any one method 100% - multiple methods will help if anything happens

[GreenBean]

Geegee is after variety and spice.

Not wanting boring balance.

Of course, a blend of sale options is the best method

[Geegee83]

GB, you know me so well

I've looked into Units/Premises, but that's no better in some ways, and damn expensive!

I want to get stuck in and I'm not shy of hard work..

I have this habit of thinking it's a good idea and then clouding my own judgement with my excitement lol

I'll research it all a bit more.

Things are moving here though and I'm optimistic.

[tmastermind]

Car booters are ace around this time of year, its surprising how many go for xmas stuff not just presents but ppl are a sucker for second hand decorations and other kit for the winter period. I have a line of new imports coming in soon which I know will be big sellers at the car booter.

Of course down side is ppl are always looking for rock bottom prices and will always haggle you down even if the items are new and you have price points lol Then there's the stuck in a cold field at early o clock and the elements are never kind this time of year, but given the right conditions and market, can be a good income boost.

[JamesNorth101]

Originally Posted by tmastermind

Then there's the stuck in a cold field at early o clock and the elements are never kind this time of year

This is what has always put me off

[Geegee83]

The early start and weather does put me off a little, but I'm a snowboarder so I'll have to chuck all my gear on and my bobble hat.. I'll survive lol.

In all honesty I probably won't do it until next year as I've only ordered one large shipment so far, and a couple of smaller testers, so it'll take me a while to work out if they are popular.