DaleWill | 30 Oct 2022 1:19 p.m. PST |
I'm selling some stuff at Fall-in Wallys basement for the first time. Any advice for a first time seller? Thanks, Dale |
robert piepenbrink | 30 Oct 2022 1:47 p.m. PST |
1. Bring change. I pack $60 USD in singles and $40 USD in fives. 2. Put a price on everything, clearly and in round dollars. Do it before you pack out, not while you're trying to set up at the convention. (Carry spare price stickers and a marker, though. Sometimes they fall off.) 3. Label things so that someone three feet back from your table can see what they are. 4. Bring bags to put stuff in. 5. Don't bury the merchandise. If there's not enough room, keep some it behind the table until there is. (Best stuff out first, of course.) 6. Stay as long as you have stuff. Deals are made in the last half hour as some of your competition is packing. 7. Lower the price if someone is looking and not waving money. You don't want to take the stuff home--and have to bring it back next con. 8. Pack so you can easily and quickly bring stuff from your car to the flea market. I use plastic milk crates and a two-wheel cart. But have a plan, and try it at home. 9. Never forget that this is primarily a chance to talk to people and clear out your wargame space. Making money is nice, but if you think you're going to get back what you paid for your stuff, you'll have a long and frustrating afternoon. Relax and be grateful for what you get. 10. When you're satisfied that there is no market for some of what you brought, a "FREE TO GOOD HOME" sign is always in order. |
enfant perdus | 30 Oct 2022 1:49 p.m. PST |
Be sure you can make change since it's predominantly cash. A lot of your buyers will be prepared with ones and fives but not all. You'll also inevitably get the guy who buys the $1 USD figure and only has twenties. Bring some plastic bags for your buyers. Not as necessary as in the past as shopping totes and such have become normalized, but the people who need them will really appreciate you. Be sure you know the rules, mainly no electronic payment, no "displays" such as shelves or stacked boxes, nothing for sale under the table ,etc. |
enfant perdus | 30 Oct 2022 1:56 p.m. PST |
Seems Robert and I simulposted. My mantra regarding point #9 is, it's always part making money and part reducing volume. Sometimes the best deals can be made on the large or awkward thing the seller doesn't want to take home. I would also add that, while haggling is part of the experience, I'm not a fan of insulting low-ball offers, especially early in the session. |
DaleWill | 31 Oct 2022 9:07 a.m. PST |
Thanks for the advice. Been labeling & pricing stuff. I don't expect to get what I paid. Just making room for new stuff. |
dapeters | 01 Nov 2022 12:32 p.m. PST |
Gamer are cheap and want to haggle over anything. That said it better to sell items in small amounts for a few bucks then a big collection that get's barter down. Be willing to say "no" just realize you may walk it back to the car. |
Mirosav | 02 Nov 2022 6:58 a.m. PST |
If you have a lot of stuff, take the time to lay it out at home ahead of time so you know what will fit on the table and how to arrange it, it can save you time when you are setting up at Wally's. |
snurl1 | 02 Nov 2022 9:38 p.m. PST |
Your first customer will want you to break a $100 USD bill. |
greenknight4 | 03 Nov 2022 3:29 a.m. PST |
All excellent points here. |
Grumble87106 | 07 Nov 2022 2:14 p.m. PST |
Your first customer will want you to break a $100 USD USD bill. I usually have $100 USD in 20's in my wallet for just such occasions. |