Flea Market ... Yes, No, Maybe So?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the potential of setting up booths at flea markets for Pampered Chef consultants, discussing personal experiences and varying opinions on effectiveness and strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions considering a booth to gain contacts, questioning if it would be effective without selling take-home items.
  • Another participant shares their experience of exploring flea markets while wearing logo wear, suggesting that visibility might attract interest.
  • One participant expresses doubt about the effectiveness of a booth, noting that attendees typically seek bargains and have not had success with promotional materials like catalogs.
  • Another participant recounts their upcoming flea market participation, highlighting the importance of cash and carry items and the low cost of the booth.
  • One participant emphasizes the preference for cash and carry, noting that customers often want to leave with items rather than waiting for shipping.
  • Another participant shares mixed results from previous flea markets, indicating that while mass sales may not occur, there is potential for bookings and leads.
  • One participant reflects on their experience with pricing perceptions at flea markets, noting that some customers were surprised by the full prices of products.
  • Another participant discusses the need for clarity on company policies regarding cash and carry, citing differing opinions within the community.
  • One participant mentions plans to collaborate with a recruiter for a cash and carry event, seeking clarification on policies and potential inventory.
  • Several participants suggest using drawings or giveaways to generate leads, regardless of sales outcomes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of flea markets for selling Pampered Chef products, with some participants expressing skepticism about the target audience while others share positive experiences and potential benefits.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and varying strategies related to flea markets, with some focusing on cash and carry items and others discussing promotional tactics.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering participation in flea markets or similar events may find the shared experiences and insights relevant to their planning.

Intrepid_Chef
Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
Messages
5,144
There is a flea market in the area where I live ... booths are dirt cheap.

I was toying with the idea of setting a booth up just to gain contacts and talk to people.

Do these work if you're not selling anything people can take home with them?
 
I don't have much experience so this may not be the best advice, but I've been thinking about just wearing logo wear and exploring the flea market myself. Make sure to have your calendar and some catalogs with you. I think if people are interested they will see the name and ask you about it.
Generally people at flea markets are looking to buy something and want it cheap at that, so I don't know how effective a booth would be. But, if it's super cheap, you might want to give that a try too.
 
I dont really think it would work. At our flea market, people are looking for bargins. We went recently, and we always sell at least $100 worth of stuff. I put a stack of old cattys out and NOT ONE went! I dont really think it is the right target audience. My DH didnt even want me to put the cattys out--but I did! And he was right! Ahhh!

But good luck to you if you decide to.
 
I don't know if my answer helps but you should go for it. I'm doing a flea market next Saturday with another consultant. My director does it every year. She had another event this year so she gave it out to us. I know she's had success from it in the past. She did mention to bring cash and carry items which I don't have much of so I'm not sure how that will go. I know we'll do a drawing and at least try to get leads. The cost is not much either. It's $25 for the spot. I'm paying $6.25 for my share since I'm only doing half day. I was supposed to have a show in afternoon. If it's cheap enough and you think it may benefit you I'd say try. You never know where you're next lead may come from.
 
I would say that you would want to make sure that you have cash and carry. A lot of the people there may come from farther away or just be passing by. While you could offer them direct shipping, or looking through the catalog I know that people love it more when they can walk away with their items.
My town has a festival every year that quite a few Direct Sales people go to. But I don't know as if they do very well w/o cash and carry. I haven't ever set up at the festival b/c I always have something else to do and really don't ever know about the weather.
Best of luck to you, let us know how it turns out!!
 
I have done flea markets, with mixed success. You likely won't get mass sales. But, there's always a decent chance to get bookings. And if you get even 1 booking -- you'll more than make your money back.I never do cash & carry. PC doesn't like us to carry inventory, for obvious reasons. Plus, there is no way to know what people will be looking for.Be prepared to explain (over & over again) that you are taking orders -- not selling what you have. A binder with the bridal & fundraiser flyers, along with theme show ideas would be a good thing to take along as well.Good luck & go for it :)
 
I did do a flea market when I was in the Santa Cruz area. I had some of my stuff set out for people to see and some people were shocked that it was "so much!" But that is because they are there hoping to find something like our batter bowl for $0.25. :) Those people couldn't seem to understand that it was full price with a full guarantee and such (wrong audience).

Others, however, were so excited to see Pampered Chef and wanted to book parties. I wouldn't expect to sell much, though I did sell a few scrapers, measuring spoons, and other items under $15. The Seasons Best Cookbooks were very popular! I also got a recruit lead - so that in itself was worth it! I'd do again with a bigger selection of small items under $15
 
I dont know how the folks are over there, and their idea of what to get at a Flea market. Here, if I were to do that, Im sure most of the people would have their eyes pop out of their head when they saw the prices, when they were coming originally to look for things that would cost them just a few bucks, at most
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
But if we DO sell Cash and Carry, it needs to be sold for what it's sold in the catalog, right?I'm thinking maybe I should stock up on Cash and Carry for the summer anyway ... all stuff I can get on a supply order and use as door prizes. Paring knives, mini-whippers, Season's Best, stuff like that.
 
I say you should try it. If it doesn't work at least you didn't spend to much and it was only day lost. If it works, then great for you. It couldn't hurt to try.
 
My Ex Director, stated we ARE NOT ALLOWED to Cash and Carry. It is against company policy. I think I have stated this before and others have argue with me.
 
There is reference in the policies to placing an order for fairs, so cash and carry is allowed. There is no other reference to it in the policies document. From page 11:
Although it is not required, you may choose to carry a small amount of inventory occasionally when exhibiting at a fair or for other special purposes. Personal inventory orders must be placed separately from any other order, via paper only.​
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
We are going to do it. Recruiter and I are doing Friday and I am going to see if a clustermate wants to join me on Saturday.My brother says the rules are different from the web site ... he just plunked down a crazy amount of money to get two spaces for the whole month ... it's about $60 for my share and he is going to expand into my space on Thursday and for the rest of the weekend.Both of us got a very conservative amount of cash and carry, reasoning that if we don't sell it we can give the items away at door prizes at our shows. My brother has offered to "sell your stuff for you" on the day I'm not there ... an offer I will decline. However ... I may put up a card table and set up a few catalogs, business cards and maybe a sign up sheet for pink stuff and/or raffle tickets.
 
Best of luck!!

Let us know how it goes.
 
my recruiter and I were thinking about doing a cash n' carry type of event this next month. I was unsure about the PC policy so I called HO. She told me that it was okay but customers had to understand there was no guarantee transfer. I believe we will be doing outlet items only.
 
Maybe do a drawing for a "Free Cooking Show" or for an item you currently have on hand? That way, even if you don't sell a lot at the event, you have quite a few leads at the end of your day.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Well, at our last fair we did separate drawings for baskets ... and it was a huge pain getting them to the recipient. So we are going to do one "free cooking show" drawing instead.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the concept of "Flea Market ... Yes, No, Maybe So?"

"Flea Market ... Yes, No, Maybe So?" refers to the idea of participating in flea markets as a sales strategy for direct sales businesses like Pampered Chef. It involves setting up a booth to showcase products, engage with potential customers, and generate sales in a casual, community-oriented environment.

Is it beneficial to sell Pampered Chef products at flea markets?

Yes, selling Pampered Chef products at flea markets can be beneficial. It allows for direct interaction with customers, the opportunity to demonstrate products, and the chance to reach a wider audience who may not be familiar with the brand. Additionally, it can help build local connections and increase brand awareness.

What are the potential downsides of selling at flea markets?

Some potential downsides include the cost of booth rental fees, the need for extensive setup and teardown, and the possibility of low foot traffic depending on the location and time of year. Additionally, competition from other vendors can be fierce, and it may require significant effort to stand out.

How do I determine if a flea market is right for my Pampered Chef business?

To determine if a flea market is right for your business, consider factors such as the target demographic of the market, the expected foot traffic, the costs involved, and your personal comfort level with face-to-face selling. Researching the market's reputation and visiting it beforehand can also provide valuable insights.

What strategies can I use to maximize sales at a flea market?

To maximize sales at a flea market, consider offering product demonstrations, providing samples, and creating attractive displays. Engaging with customers through friendly conversation and offering special promotions or discounts can also encourage purchases. Additionally, collecting contact information for follow-up can help build a customer base for future sales.

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