I do markets and table top sales fairly often and I've learnt (often the hard way) some tricks of the trade.
What to wear:
Check the weather forecast the day before and use this as a rough guide but DON'T take it as the gospel truth! Especially if you will be out of doors and not under some sort of cover.
Try to wear layers that you can add to or take of depending on how the weather changes through out the day. Take a pack-a-mac if you are going to be outside and there is any chance of rain. Wearing leggings under your trousers is very handy to add a bit of warmth, gloves and ear muffs are very useful too. Make sure the gloves are fingerless though so you can still give people their change!
I usually take sunglasses if I'm going to be outside because I don't want to be squinting at my customers.
What to take:
Make sure you have a 'float' so that you can give people change. I find £25 is the perfect amount. Make sure this includes a mix of £1 coins, 50pences, 20pences, 10pences and a maximum of one £5 note. If you are going to be doing a lot of markets always keep this money together in a box so you know you have it ready, rather than having to get it out of your purse. I keep my float in a 'lock and seal' tupperware box but bum-bags are also good as it means the money is on your body which keeps it safe.
If you are planning on putting up signs or price labels make sure you take scissors, sellotape or bluetack and a pen in case you need to make adjustments to them.
REMEMBER - take plastic bags to offer your customers!
I always take a packed lunch and a drink with me as burger vans or food stalls at car boots/markets are often expensive! However it is worth investing in a hot drink if you are working on a cold day. This can really make a difference and warm you up! Also handy for this, if you have them, are 'hand warmers'. These are small gel packets that, when activated, heat up and can be used to warm your hands or even tucked up your top! Hand warmers are not expensive and can be re-used.
You also need to decide whether you want to take a chair or not. Consider how long the car boot/market is on for and whether you easily get a bad back or legs from standing for long periods of time. If you do take a chair I would recommend a picnic/camping chair that folds up and goes into a bag with a carrying strap.
Storing, carrying and displaying your stock:
This is really up to you- you can pack your stock in boxes or bags. The advantage of boxes is that they can be neatly stacked and stored at your house. But the advantage of bags is that it's easier to carry them from your car to where your stall is. Personally I prefer bags. It is also handy to take some small-ish boxes and plates or trays to display jewellery and other small items on. I use 'glossy box' boxes, they're a really good size for packing with jewellery!
Getting home:
My advice for when you get home is to put the kettle on, make your favourite drink, relax on the settee and count up your earnings! ;)
I often have a bath after doing a market because I'm achey from carrying the stock and sitting in the same chair all day!
Thanks for reading! I wish you all lots of luck and hope you make lots of money! oxox
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