As many of you know, there is a bit of bartering that goes on at a show like this with customers asking “What is your best price on this?” Sometimes it makes sense if you are trying to sell a piece and the customer is ready to take it, but just needs it brought down a few bucks if it’s a tad out of their price range. For example, this gal & her mother really wanted all 6 dining chairs that I was selling last year and asked if I would round out the number. No problem.
I think we all need to keep in mind that these sellers work really hard and look at their craft as art – alot of their lives go into these items. Heart & soul go into finding these pieces & selling them and it’s personal. These are pieces that you will never find in stores and have really, really good prices in comparison! There is value in that.
Also keep in mind that these markets are not box stores. Everything will be priced much lower than even a sale at a catalog store so keep that in mind when you look at price tags. You may see “Firm” on the tag meaning the price is non-negotiable. This will probably be on those real antique items that have a value out there in the marketplace. For example, my dough bowls will be firm because of their value.
If you do do any bartering and the vendor goes down on price do not then think about it or change your mind. Be happy that you’ve adjusted the cost, pick up your item and say your thank-yous. Once you get home with your treasure and out of the bustle of the show you will realize what a prize you have found & brought into you home….and how little you actually paid for it!
Luckett’s Spring Market May 18,19 10-5
42350 Lucketts Road Leesburg, VA
Beautifully said!
SO sad I am going to miss out once again. Next year I’ll have to hold my son’s birthday on a different weekend!! I wish it was on Friday too!
Good advice on bargaining. I generally only bargain for a really pricey piece or if I am buying a bunch of stuff. Then it works out for everyone 🙂
Hi Christen,
Thanks for the reminder that we should be careful not to offend the seller by attempting to get the prices down so low that it makes their pieces seem “cheap.” I also think that trying to get the price down too much is a statement as to how you view the seller. It is personal.
Have a great time! Would love to have a dough bowl, so if you change your mind about shipping, let me know! I’ll even pay extra, above and beyond shipping!
Pam
Yes, thanks for those tips for buyers at these fun markets. Those dough bowls are the biggest I have ever seen! I thought that was a baby doll laying down in one of them but then I realized that it is an actual child! Funny!
From all of us vendors out there — thanks for this post! 🙂
Oh how I wish I could go!!! I love your dough bowls!! Is that a baby in the first one…..
Yes I agree with this post..I vendored for many years and my product was of high quality.
Everyone tries…But that doesn’t mean win…..
Just curious $ value on your dough bowls.
I love your dough bowls!! Is that a baby in the first one…..
Yes I agree with this post..I vendored for many years and my product was of high quality.
Everyone tries…But that doesn’t mean win…..
Just curious $ value on your dough bowls.
Amen!
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
Thank you for sharing!