want to start a Market stall and need advice

skintmum2012

Hi everyone I have been doing car boots this summer and with the weather getting worse I would like to start Trading on Market stalls. I know what I want to sell I have suppliers. I have looked into all the insurance and have read up on the markets I would like to do.
My Problem is I have no one to wait with my stock after I have unloaded and have to go and park my car elsewhere. I of course can't just leave it but I also can't leave my car. I was wondering what Market traders some of whom must work on their own do?

pooch

skintmum2012 wrote: »

Hi everyone I have been doing car boots this summer and with the weather getting worse I would like to start Trading on Market stalls. I know what I want to sell I have suppliers. I have looked into all the insurance and have read up on the markets I would like to do.
My Problem is I have no one to wait with my stock after I have unloaded and have to go and park my car elsewhere. I of course can't just leave it but I also can't leave my car. I was wondering what Market traders some of whom must work on their own do?

What's your plan for toilet breaks? :huh: :cool:

Market stalls are generally quite different to boot sales. You'll be setting up almost as early, but unlike boot sales, there's generally no public around at that time of the day, especially those that like to help themselves to the contents of your car before you've even had chance to get out yourself, let alone lay the stock out!. In fact if it's an undercover market (probably best if you are worried about the weather) then markets are not usually open to the public during setting up and taking down.

Whatever the case, market stall holders are generally very friendly and will usually keep an eye on each others stalls.

Discuss your concerns with the Market Manager.

Remember too that whilst you may have decided on what to sell and which markets appeal to you, the market manager may not be so keen if there is already one or two stalls that already sell that line of goods. The better run markets tend to strive for a wide variety of goods on sale through the various stall holders, and tend to avoid competion between individual stall holders ... as that can lead to an unfriendly environment.

Mistral001

I am not a market trader, but if you could find an inexpensive trolley or cart that would hold all your stock then you could move your stock from the car to the stall all at once perhaps.

ampersand

skintmum2012 - well done on a big, brave decision and your sensible homework.

A large tarp, plus old blanket/curtain/textile remnant or similar is essential. Carboot tarps need not be dear. Checkout best buys online if nothing else - B&Q, Wickes, Homebase.

A camaraderie exists among traders and will grow as your face becomes familiar at different venues. It works at London antiques markets [I live several hours away, bus pass age++!]and I have known only kindness for carpark absences at start and end of day from 4h>22h and comfort breaks. In my experience, people look out for each other and their stalls, share intelligence and expertise.

Your inner radar is also something to nurture.

Perhaps it depends on your stock/market type[one theme, not general], but that's my experience.

Mistral's point re: trolley - essential if crates etc. have to be ferried in. If you wait on London atreets before market gates open, trade is often done between dealers. Stock is always left covered while people wander off, meet up for early brekkie in Costa etc. It's vibrant and you'll learn and earn.

I really wish you well - update after first few sorties?

It's all a learning/experience curve and everyone has a foul day at some point.
In my field, theft, breakage and no takings, with stand, parking and petrol still outgoing[call it £100 a time]... that's the gamble one takes and & is not a gambler!

But the marvellous mtgs with all sorts, the crossings of paths with otherwise never met peeps, is what makes it a unique aspect of life and living and hoping to earn. You certainly appreciate every penny. For me, speaking other languages with European visitors is another bonus, lifts my spirits - francophile kiwi, moi.

By your choice of i.d. and signature, you have all the attributes - VERY impressive nsd totals:-)))