Whether it is for necessity or luxury, people will naturally want to buy products that are cheaper but this does not mean that they will be buying cheap products or those with not so good quality. It just means that they will be buying something that is worth every cent that they paid for.
Products like that are not so easy to find. Often, when products reach the consumers, the prices have already been jacked up several times already. From the manufacturer to the retail shop, everybody adds a little percent to the price. This is especially true if you are going to buy in commercial establishments and in malls.
There are however places where prices are not so high flea markets. Flea market products are often new items that are just being introduced in the market. Because of this, the price is not so high. Some even sell them without any mark up because the manufacturers just want the consumers to be familiar with the product. That way, they will be able to easily sell them to the retail shops.
Flea market rent is also not that high. In addition to not being inside an air-conditioned building, the place is equipped with a simple long table where sellers can display their goods. There is not really much in terms of expenses. Most are even located in public places where a minimal rental fee for the whole place is given. Sometimes even none at all. This is the reason why people often get a bargain in flea markets profits and yard sales.
Still, if they know how to economize, manufacturers and sellers who are joining flea markets can actually make a profit without having to jack the price so much. Below are some advice on how to do it.
1. Forego with the paper bag
Some sellers give paper bags or plastic bags with the logo of the company along with the item purchased. Although this is actually a form advertising your product, having paper bags or plastic bags printed can cost a lot and this will reflect on the price that you put onto your product. Why not forego with the package?
Or if you want to advertise your company and product, why not make it economical by buying a simple brown paper bag and decorating it yourself. You can print the logo on several sheets of sticker paper and stick them on the bag. After all, no matter how great looking your paper bag is, if your item is forgettable and expensive, it will not make much difference.
2. Smile and give your calling card
Profits in flea markets are not just the monetary kind. It is also a way for you to meet potential buyers and to advertise and market the products. You can do this by establishing great relationships with people who visit the site. Smile and do a little public relations. Sell them your product and then give them your card. You do not have to sell your item to them right away.
What you aim to do is to sell them the product in the future. Make sure that though that you have given them your card or at least told them where they can find you or your shop.
Even the designers on TV are doing it; finding great furnishing at flea-markets, charity shops, and yard sales. Often, a wonderful piece of furniture can be had for mere dollars, especially if its finish is in desperate need of some TLC. Unfortunately, the design shows on TV don't show you all the proper steps for refreshing your finds. Take the time to do it right, and your ?new? furniture will have friends wondering where you shop!
1. Safety first: Before you disturb any painted surface, you should think about the possibility of lead. Lead paint additives were phased out in the 1970's and 80's. If you suspect lead is present in any paint, you can find information about safety precautions and testing at www.epa.gov/lead, or by calling the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Even with newer surfaces, I find that a dust mask is always in order when sanding. Your lungs will thank you.
2. Sanding: Not all pieces will require sanding before repainting. My mantra is to leave well enough alone when dealing with old paint surfaces. If, however, the paint is chipped, peeling, crackling, or has other problems, you might not be able to avoid the sandpaper. A small electric hand sander is my best friend for these situations. A very light sanding (really just scuffing) can help your new paint adhere to old oil paint or a glossy surface.
3. Prep, prep, prep: The number one reason for paint failures is incorrect preparation. Time spent on prep will ensure you get a good result in the end. Make sure the surface is completely clean and dust free before you ever get the paint out of the can. If you have sanded the surface, remove dust with a tack cloth. This is a small piece of cheesecloth soaked in wax, available at your local home improvement store in the paint section. They cost around one dollar?get several to keep on hand for the next project! If you can't find one, several thorough passes with a damp cloth followed by another pass with a dusting cloth can do the job. Most importantly, don't rush your prep work.
4. Taping: Carefully tape off any areas you don't want painted, and burnish the tape edges down once, firmly, with a fingernail. If you think you might have to leave the tape on for more than a day or so, use a lower adhesion tape made for delicate surfaces.
5. Priming: If the piece is unpainted, consider a coat of primer before you paint. There are excellent primers specifically made for stone and metal. Tell your paint store rep what you're painting and follow her advice. Use a good latex or oil-based primer for wood surfaces. Some wood grains (pine or cheaper grades of oak, for example) may ?rise? after a first coat of latex, and priming improves the chances that you can avoid this. The raised grain will feel rough. If this happens, you'll need to sand the grain down lightly and prime again. Don't worry; it's not as bad as it sounds when you know what happened!
6. Painting: Finally, time to paint! Use a good quality paint brush. Be careful not to overload your brush with paint and put it on too thickly. This is a common mistake. Painting in thick layers can lead to ugly drips, cracks, or drying delays. Instead, paint in thin coats, allowing time for each coat to dry completely before recoating. This will give you a beautiful and strong surface.
7. Curing: Follow the instructions on your paint can to make sure your new furniture is safely cured before you begin to use it or place objects on top of it. Paints, latex in particular, can feel dry well before they really are. When in doubt, I like to wait 24-48 hours before I place my newly painted flea-market beauties into service.
Now, enjoy your new furnishings. Use them well and never fear; if they get chipped or you tire of the color, you know how to fix it!
Both Ronald W. Firquain & Narinder Kaur are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ronald W. Firquain has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, How to Sell on Ebay and Home Businesses. Ronald Firquain is a writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 16 years of computer knowledge. You can download e-books for making money online, building a website, improve your golf game, playing guitar and much more. For more information go to:. Ronald W. Firquain's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
Narinder Kaur has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fundraising, Web Development and Flea Pest Control. Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to your house, both indoors and outdoors, do please browse for more information at our websites.. Narinder Kaur's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.