Monday, May 31, 2010

It Was An...

It was an
Average day in the market place,
An average day in the market place,
Would you buy something?
Could you buy something?


*sigh*

On Sunday Rosey and I had our second market stall, (which we will now be having every 2nd and 4th Sundy of each month at the Petrie Markets) and unfortunately it didn't go as well as the first time sales-wise. I didn't even sell half as much as last time, and only made back the cost of the site plus $2 : /  This has disappointed me, but I'm not a quitter, and I've made a commitment to at least give this a really good go for one year to get a good understanding of the markets and how my stuff sells. I'm told by experienced market stall holders that sometimes you have good weeks and others aren't so good, so hopefully that's all it is. Hopefully next time we'll do a bit better. Please come along and support Australian Handmade products by buying things at these markets, it's so much nicer to recieve something that's been carefully hand crafted by a local than to just get something that was made in bulk in some factory overseas. Give your home and your family something special.


Our stall on the day, note the cloth hiding our feet this time - a great idea of Rosey's, and the blackboard sign.


my goodies...


and Rosey's goodies. I honestly don't know why we didn't sell much. The table looked lovely, better than last time in my opnion. Must work out what we did wrong. If any kind person out there reads this and has advice for us, please please please share your wisdom, we will be very grateful.

Despite our lack of sales, we had lots of fun again. The weekend seemed to be a special event for the pine rivers shire, and there were antique cars on show, a cadet marching band, another band up at the pub, the Pine Rivers Brass Band were playing up the hill from us, and this lovely trio that I neglected to get the name of, who roamed the markets playing really fun and quirky music that was so my style. They even serenaded us with a french song and posed for this photo for me!



Looking around these markets I'm reminded of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful and friendly country. I had so much fun at these markets on the weekend and I'm looking forward to the next time we're there. I took my quilling equipment with me this time and made two more cards while we were there, and I might do the same next time, I'm not sure. It didn't seem to attract the interest I was thinking it would and I sometimes felt like I was ignoring the passersby, so I'll just have to ponder on that and decide from there.

 I have an assignment due every week until exam block, and then I have two exams, one on the 14th and one on the 17th, and then A WHOLE MONTH OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my goodness I can't wait. I can't wait to have five successfully completed courses towards my degree, and I can't wait to not have to USE MY BRAIN! It is full. I need to add on or take everything out and reorganise so that more stuff fits, seriously. I want to do more craft, and start painting this silly house, and actually relax occasionally, without guilt consuming me until I give in and go back to work. *sigh*


I will post again soon about a new addition to my market stall: gift tags!

Les passants dans la rue,
Bras dessus bras dessous,
En chantant des chansons,

xnata

(today's sign off is from my favourite french song "C'est Si Bon" by Eartha Kitt :D )

4 comments:

ittybittyandpretty said...

it was a great day even though our returns werent as wonderful as the first time...but i think if people get to see us there as regulars they will keep us in mind. plus when we do sell they will pass on by word of mouth how great our products are. 1 year, each season and then decide, should we go or should we stay :) (i feel a song coming on)
xxrosey

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Nata,
I can't give you any advice on marketing however don't give up just yet.
I'm sure once the word gets out and you have familiar faces, you'll have plenty of visitors.
Hugs,
Anna

Anonymous said...

You are right, the display is wonderful. I think you should bring something to be working on. It draws attention and shows people your items truly are handmade. If you can find out in advance when there are special interest events (ie cars) try to add some items appealing or relating to that theme and display those in front.
Be sure to make eye contact and say hello, even ask simple questions (how is your day going, are you part of the car group, is this your first time here...) or offer a compliment (clothing, hair, glasses, what they are eating, anything) but don't be too chatty or pushy unless the customer is the same. You want to put them at ease.
There will be good weeks and better weeks, and sometimes it will be slow, but that gives you time to see what other booths are doing.

nart said...

Anna & Rosey - yes, I have faith that over time it will get better, and we're in it for a year so we'll just see what happens :)

Dogsmom, Thank you so much for the advice :) Hopefully our next visit to the markets is better, but if not we'll just keep trying and making improvements each time. Surely we'll get a following over time.

Thanks for coming and I hope you enjoy my blog :)

xnata