Our table at the flea market |
Customers at the flea market |
Our character bookmarks cum visiting cards |
Our menu was simple - red velvet/death by chocolate smash cakes in a jar, Stu the starfish, Bella the naughty nymph, Boo meringues with choice of lemon curd and chocolate ganache to dip and munch, (refer to the previous post for details on them), sticky chewy cocoa melts, Cinnamon lip 'stick' cookies, and hangover on a stick.
Sticky chewy coco melts |
With butterflies in our stomach, we waited to see who would buy what, would they like what we had to offer, and of course crazy fears like will anyone buy anything? What if they hate my stuff and what not :p
My mind's a whirlwind on most days and this day, there were a dozen whirlwinds rushing through my brain. I kept my crazy fears aside and put on a big smile and waited for the day to unfold. It was truly magical, with the response that took my breath away. Happiness unlimited was my state of mind, whirlwinds clearly pushed away.
Sticky chewy cocoa melts was the sleeper hit of the day. We saw people walk with it and send their friends to pick up a few as well. No points for guessing they got sold out first.
Giggly girls loved the cinnamon lip sticks, in their vibrant red hues.
Cinnamon Lip cookies |
We gorged on all the yummy stuff on display on the other stalls and got a bit of shopping done as well. All in all, a great beginning. Our tired happy feet dragged us back home and we slept in contentment on a day well spent. For those wanting to tred on similar paths, here are a few tips on your first flea market, from someone who is only 3 markets old :p but has important flea market lessons to give -
Me holding up my Boo Meringues |
- Pack everything to go as much as possible and have suitable covers for everything. We were all covered in a thick layer of dust owing to the open area. A neighboring stall was selling cheesecakes by the slice and it was open all day. I can't stomach the fact of how much dust buyers got in each bite. Eww.
- Ensure a good display. Your creations might be the best but if they aren't displayed attractively, people won't notice in the manic rush.
- Smile, it makes a difference. You might be fighting world war 3 in your head owing to lack of sleep, aching feet and crankiness, but if you are approachable, people will linger on around your stall, leading to potential customers.
- Keep a lot of business cards handy. A lot of people don't remember your brand name as much as you'd like to think they would. A business card ensures they have a name and number to contact when they remember your yummy creations, days later.
- Stay hydrated, you don't want to faint and miss out on your first flea market.
- Get friends to help. No you aren't superwoman/superman. You need a dedicated cashier along with yourself handing out the goodies.
- Keep visible price tags for everything along with names of dishes. People like to see information on display instead of playing 20 questions with the stall owners.
- Keep enough stocks handy and plan on how much to bring according to the crowd.
- Always check out previous flea markets of the organizers This one time, we went to a new group's flea market and came back with boxes as the crowd turnout was pathetic. All the stall owners sat with woeful expressions and were swatting flies in boredom (just kidding about the flies bit :))
- Lastly, have fun, don't stress yourself out. It is tough, it is hard work, but at the end of the day, it's all worth it...