Selling Collectables from a Stall

There comes a time in every collector's life when you simply have to sell. This is a good way to earn some money while clearing the clutter. If you cannot bear the idea of parting with any of your collectables hang on to the thought that you are just passing them on to other collectors who flock to antique fairs and table top sales, and this is a great opportunity to turn your collectables into ready cash. You do not need to be an expert at selling, you just need to get organised.

Find a Market

Antique fairs, flea markets, table top sales - you will find these advertised in your local paper and you will also find them advertised in collectable magazines and publications. Always check them out to see if they are well attended and ask dealers if they will be returning next time - this will given an indication of popularity. You need to discover the basic information such as opening times and cost and remember that it is worth paying a bit more for a stall if the event is well attended. Make sure that organisers provide you with a table and ask if you are allowed to place an additional paste table beside it, as this will double your selling space and hopefully your profit.

Convenience

Check out the ease of car parking for packing and unpacking and whether you need to climb steps - you don't want to be worn out before the sale begins. Make sure that the organisers provide a chair - if they don't, bring your own. You do not want to be on your feet all day. If you can, take a friend and you can work shifts - that gives you the chance to have a look around.

Aim to stun

Take time to display your items attractively and make your stall as interesting as possible, because the smallest details can make a sale. Cover your stall with a cloth as everything will look more tempting, and put matching colours together. If you can, position a shelf at the back - it gives more space and striking items can be shown at eye level. Another trick is to organise a box with a big sign 'Everything for £1' as this will draw customers who enjoy a good rummage and a serious spend.

Price Policy

Price things that you are selling in advance, so that someone else can watch your stall. When pricing allow a 'haggle' margin, it is always good for buyers to think they have engineered a good deal. Do not be too ambitious about the price, people like a bargain and you should be flexible. You may have to choose between take less or take it home.

Dealers Deal

As you are setting up your stall, a pack of dealers may swoop on your stock in a frenzied attempt to find the bargains. Expect this and enjoy it, because it will be the most exciting and lucrative part of the day. The trick is to be prepared with wrapping and change, and have your 'best price' on the tip of your tongue.

Collectors' Talk

Be positive about things you are selling. If you like something, say so and if there is a story behind it, don't keep it a secret. Collectors are easily hooked and your chatter will secure the sale. People buy from people they like, so take interest in your customers and you will find it doubly rewarding.

Check, check and check again

For older or collectable items, have them checked out by a local auction house or expert. Don't forget for every triumphant tale of buying a £500 item in a market for 25p - there is a matching desperate story of the person who sold it to them.

Tops Tips

Price everything in advance with a small margin

Decide on an amount for a float - £20 or £30 in small change

Keep your float in a bag attached to you

Take a pen, spare price tags and a cloth

Take carrier bags and newspaper for wrapping

Pack things in medium sized boxes so they are easy to carry

Pack your car bearing in mind what you need to unpack first

Take a book or newspaper to read

Take plenty to eat and drink

Take a cashion and a rug