When the rain eventually stopped, we ventured forth, found another
vide-grenier and unloaded a whole load of utter crap on unsuspecting
French punters. We managed to clear 230€ which was no mean feat, as the
average selling price was 1€. It was also pretty impressive when
compared to the people who had a stall to our left (total for the day
8€) and the people to our right (total for the day - no euros). I
suspect this was due to our aggressive pricing and Anglo Saxon sales
tactics. After all, we Brits do know about ‘le marketing’…
The
French are very reluctant to ask for prices at car boot sales. I
suspect this is because things are generally so over priced that it is
hard to keep you face straight. Typical prices included a child’s bike -
new list price 85€ - being sold second hand, complete with damaged
paintwork for the bargain price of 70€. Guarantee not included.
I
especially liked the revolting fold away sofa bed. This was in a state
such that the dogs would have wrinkled their noses if invited to sleep
on it. Yours for only 250€.
Our problem is that our prices are so
low, the French are suspicious. So we go for a sell, sell, sell
approach. I’d borrowed a couple of extra kids for the day itself. This
meant my sales team was eight strong. I parked the WC (complete with
cistern) that we were selling, in front of the stall, sat one child on
it and got them to hold the ‘Everything Must go’ placard. Another couple
were stationed at either end of the stall with more placards and the
rest were told to create a buzz around the stall and accost any passing
trade. When they slacked off, I got all Alan Sugar like on them and
reminded them 'they were here to sell!'
It was funny watching
the neighbouring stall holders. During the course of the day, their
expressions went from shocked to amused to quietly impressed. I was
quite impressed with the kids too. I think car boot sales and the like
are a great way for kids to learn about just how hard it is to earn
money. And about how important it is to re-use and recycle stuff.
They were probably expecting you to charge the Leroy Merlin list price!!
We’ve done really well before now and once made 1200 € which was a really good days work but we had some big items to sell whereas this time it was battered tennis rackets and the like… cx
Well done - I’m impressed! Did you sell the w.c.? We took 3 to sell at our v.g. and didn’t manage to shift one, just got funny looks from the locals - like “Oh they must be English to sell their loos”!! Maybe I could rent your kids next time to drum up some business - do you rent them out?! K x