I’d been pondering the idea of taking a stall at a farmer’s market for a while. I’ll confess that it was a romantic, rose-tinted view of market trading; all shabby chic and lovely flowers.
The action side of my brain got wind of this day-dreaming and decided to do something about it. I’m now good for £5m in public liability damages whilst trading and I’ve made friends with the people who run Brentford Market – a very select group of seven stalls and yesterday, I made it eight.
Once I was set-up, it was great fun. I had ten jam jar posies, which sold in the first two hours. The ready to go tubs were popular and I sold around half the tomato plants. A profit of £120, so not bad. Maybe something to consider as a fortnightly or monthly activity during the summer.
I have a natural tendency towards agile planning, which is really just a euphemism for leave it all till the last minute, then write a list and work through it without a break! I’m not sure I’ll ever do it any differently, but there a few things that will make preparations a little less intense: do the jar primping during the week or in batches over time, think about the stock and prep tubs a week or two in advance, subject to space. Next time around, I’ll have more flowers to fill more jars (although I do need more jars!) Seems ready made posies is the way to go.
They’re simply beautiful. No wonder they sold so so quick!
Thanks. My sales patter was ‘sniff this’ and once they’d taken in the fragrance of Gertrude and the gang, they just said yes. Some even bought two!
Lovely post and pictures. Good for you and well done. xx
Great combo of good product, and great staging – no wonder you did well! Good luck
Next time you’re there, I’ll have to pop down! The flowers look beautiful!
What a brilliant idea? If you don’t mind my asking, how much is the stall to rent?
Thanks. The pitch was £25 and another £10 to hire a gazebo.
Not bad considering how much a pitch at a car boot sale could be.