Market day

Six book sales might not sound like many, but I was delighted with that achievement at yesterday’s market. And along with that, I carried out a number of healings. I initially included the treatments as an incentive to buy a book, doing deals so that two books and a treatment, for example, cost a person $45 instead of $60. And it seems to have worked. But what also worked was posting on Facebook ahead of the market day so that people knew I was there and doing treatments along with the books. I have sat at previous markets and had zero sales. The indoor spots were full when I booked, and I was asked if I would mind the foyer. This turned out perfectly, as it offered a more private space for people when lying on my table. Although I wasn’t able to see what was going on and missed many people, those who wanted a book or treatment, found me because of my Facebook post.

I have just realised that I will be in Australia at the Easter market, so that is a shame, as I was already looking forward to the next one. Yesterday made me realise how much I miss working with people in this field, though I must say I was extremely stiff, sore and tired afterwards.

I have set myself a goal of selling 100 books this year, which averages out at 8 a month. With two previous sales, I am on target for January, but not really for the year. It is only at places like these that I sell any, although I haven’t tried much with the children’s book yet. I do have plans to target specific groups for these.

Something that seems evident from talking to other stall holders yesterday was that there is less disposable money around these days. I noticed this at another market I went to last week when one of my friends asked me what she was doing wrong, as she had had no sales to that point. People are doing far more looking than buying and even the sausages didn’t sell as well as they usually do. I guess that was why I was so pleased with selling those six books, feeling fortunate that some of that money had gone my way.

Lack of sales can create a vicious circle though, with some stall-holders probably not returning for the next market. Then less stall-holders will deter some people, who mightn’t bother with the following market and so it goes on. We had a number of years up here where the markets were slow, however, the latest team of organisers seem to have roped everyone back in again, which is awesome.

Though I wont be here for the next, I look forward to having a stall at the King’s Birthday market in June.