I did very well at Rosebank and Irene Markets in the 1990's. The cleintelle is a little more upmarket and have disposable income.
My feeling is that cloth does not sell that well online. People are afraid that the garment might arrive and be a dodgy quality or the wrong size and then returning the goods becomes a problem. They usually want to try the clothing on.
I had a change-room that I took with me to the market and it was vital if I wanted to make sales. A mirror is also important so that they can see how they look.
Rosebank happens every weekend which would give you an ongoing income. I made money at Rosebank from my very first day there. By the time I left there (due to burn-out) I was making 100 garments a week that I sold at Rosebank, Bruma (which has gone downhill now) and Irene.
I also found that although tie dye is specialised, it still remains clothing and it has the same sales cycle as any other clothing.
People want to see all the options in all the sizes and by the time I closed my stand in 1998, I was carrying R30 000 worth of stock with me. People want options. I sold dresses, T-shirts, ponchos, bell-bottom trousers, beanies, baby-gro's...
Do not feel intimidated. I started with 50 T-shirts and built up to that over 5 years. Each week you replace the stock that you sold, and add in a couple more items.
Winter is always a bad time for sales at the flea market. People do not want to venture out in the cold, and when they do they are certainly not going to get undressed to try something on.
Winter is a very good time to get into a market though. In spring, there are a lot of people who flood there to get in in time for Christmas. It might be a good idea to wedge your foot in the door now so that you can work your way into a good location by Christmas.
It normally takes some work to get the better positions at the market and you will have to go regularly every week to secure a place.
What most people do not realize is that flea market is still a retail space and that you need to be there every week to do well. people may see something that they like and they want to come back later when they have more money. They want to know that you are there in case they need to return the goods. etc...
I hope that this is helpful?
Have a great day in full colour!
Kind regards
Melanie
0835689150
www.dyeandprints.co.za