So, you’ve got a whole bunch of junk you want to offload, but you’re unwilling or unable to put on a garage sale? The solution is to rent a stall at one of the city’s many weekend markets and flog it off there.
Paddy’s Markets,
Glebe Markets,
Rozelle Markets and the
Bondi Beach Night Market all allocate space to casual stallholders, with prices ranging from $40 to $89. But places are limited, so it may be necessary to book several weeks in advance. It is also important to remember that each market has rules on what can and can’t be sold. Check that all the items you want to sell are permissible, because if you get caught breaking the rules, you can expect to be kicked out.
The key to being successful on the big day is to thoroughly plan before it comes around. Make sure that everything is priced. Make sure that you have at least $50 worth of coins and $5 notes to issue in change. Make sure that you have enough shopping bags, signs and display equipment. Make sure that you have a chair, table cloth and large umbrella. Make sure that you have a mirror if you’re selling clothes. Make sure that there is somewhere for you to legally and safely leave your car. Make sure that you pack a picnic.
On the day, it is important to arrive early so that you have plenty of time to set up. When visitors begin to pass through, make a point of engaging them, as the more people you have hanging around, the more popular your stall will look. Don’t be afraid to be flexible with prices- after all, the point is to get rid of what you’ve got. Be willing to bargain and to offer package deals, especially as closing time nears.
Another thing to consider is that a stall may best be shared with a friend. That way, you’ll be able to offer a greater range of products, while also having somebody to keep you company (and look after things when you want to go to the toilet).
But what to do if you don’t end up selling everything? Well, in that case, why not donate the leftovers to charity? It’s a win-win situation: you get to finally be rid of all that junk and the less fortunate members of our community get to benefit.
The Salvation Army’s op shops will be happy to accept any “quality” items that you may wish to give them.
