Selling at an Outdoor Market

Summer is a perfect time to get your small retail business out of the house or the store and sell at a flea market or farmer’s market.  Many cities have these events, several times a week and on Saturday mornings. It’s kind of like an old-fashioned eBay, and it’s a great way to let people know about your business.

My town has a large farmer’s market downtown two weekends a month.  I was expecting to see fruits and vegetables and baked goods, so I was surprised to see how many products were being sold there, like:

• Candies and chocolate (notice how this one’s at the top of the list)
• Coffee and Teas
• Meats (particularly free-range)
• Crafts
• Wines from local wineries
• Soaps, skin care products and organic cosmetics
• Antiques and collectibles of every imaginable kind
• Canned foods like jams and jellies, salsa, and relishes
• Jewelry
• Hand-made clothing
• Toys and games
• I even saw a local chiropractor talking to people about his services.

Almost any kind of retail business or small business selling a product could participate in an outdoor market.  The businesses lease the space from the promoter (often a town or city).  Most markets operate rain or shine and you would be surprised how many people come out in the rain.

A Small Business Example: I found a local coffee company at a flea market a couple of years ago.  She gave out free samples and I found out about her fair trade water-processed decaf coffee.  She said she doesn’t have a store – too expensive. So when I needed coffee I called or emailed and she would send it to me (I paid online).  The flea market gave the coffee merchant an low-cost opportunity to introduce her products and get people to try them.

If you are considering a new way to sell your products or promote your services, try selling at an outdoor market.

Images: sxc.hu