Glossy Guide to: Market Stalls

There is nothing I love more than culling my wardrobe of pieces I no longer wear, and taking them to the market to sell. Not only does this clear precious closet real estate for new season pieces, but the money made from your old threads can then be used to purchase new ones! Read on for my tips on running a successful market stall.

1. Market Location

Do your research! Google the best markets for clothing in your area and visit them before booking a stall. This is essential; as you want to make sure you are going to have the foot traffic for your stall. No point booking in at the local craft market, when you are not going to have the right shoppers browsing your pieces.

Attention Melbournites! I strongly recommend checking out the Camberwell Market since it is famous for clothing stall holders. Also consider Take2Markets who only allow womenswear and accessories to be sold. Take2 operates in Northcote (busiest), and Geelong.

2. Stock

Ensure the items you are selling are clean and in good condition. Donate anything with holes or heavily worn- nobody will look at these. Think “gently worn” or even anything new that you just never ended up wearing. Also, make sure you have enough stock. I recommend at least 80-100 pieces to make it worth your while.

3. Prices

Be realistic about your pricing strategy. Market goers are often reluctant to part with a lot of cash for 2^nd hand items, even designer pieces. I will often save the designer items for eBay and send my fast fashion bits to market. As a guide, I will usually sell everything for $10 except dresses and jackets which are $15-$20. For particularly embellished pieces I try for $25-$30 but often find myself being bartered down. Also, do not focus too heavily on pricing indivial items. I often have more interest when I leave the prices off the garments.

4. Equipment

Research how big your stall is. This will determine how many racks or tables you can fit. It is also helpful to check what sort of equipment is available for hire at the market itself. I usually find it easier to hire equipment than load up my car with racks etc.  Don’t forget to consider hangers as well. You can find these cheaply on eBay or perhaps if you work for a retailer your employer may allow you to borrow some.

I hope these tips have been helpful. Be sure to leave me any tips you have picked up in the comments below. I am always trying to look for ways on improving my current set up.

Jen xox