Going professional

[Laserbeak]

Does anyone here sell orchids and/or other plants retail? I am fortunate to live practically just around the corner from the American Museum of Natural History which has a school behind it and on Sundays they hold a flea market in their field/playground area.

So I am going to take my skill at scouring the internet for plants and pots and matching them and put it to some good use by getting a table there (it's very reasonable). I just have to wait for my certificate to collect NY Sales Tax to arrive.

I plan to sell orchids, carnivorous plants, and all sorts of other strange and unusual plants in exotic pots, as well as a few other things, mostly accessories.

Does anyone else do something like this? Any tips?

[MattWoelfsen]

Sorry I misunderstood what you were asking when you asked for"any tips".

[Laserbeak]

Yes, I know all orchids must be in bloom. All the florists around here have only Phalaenopsis and Oncidium plants, so I'll focus on other types. Mine will be a bit more expensive than bodegas and grocery stores (where these types aren't available anyway) though because I'm going to be pairing them with beautiful ceramic or metal pots.

[My Green Pets]

Good luck, I've been thinking seriously about this as well. Where are you?

[Laserbeak]

Originally Posted by CambriaWhat

Good luck, I've been thinking seriously about this as well. Where are you?

Upper West Side of Manhattan.

[Subrosa]

One word of caution from an aquarium professional. When you decide to stop spending money on any hobby and start making money it isn't a hobby anymore. It's a job.

[Paul]

I assume you are looking at this as a side job?

Subrosa has a very valid point. In order for you to gain a clientele base, I expect you will have to plan on attending the flea market regularly. (Is it an every weekend type deal? Once per month? ...) At that point it can very well become a job. If you greatly enjoy it, then it won't be bad. If, on the other hand, you find that while you can make some money it is "work" as often as not, then you run the risk of losing some of the enjoyment your previously had from your hobby.

Have various care sheets made up ahead of time -- perhaps two to a page so you can cut the paper in half and reduce costs.

If you're busy, you don't want to get tied up answering questions with one or two customers and have others getting frustrated waiting and leaving. Keep in mind, some customers will want to "talk your ear off" so you will have to be prepared to end conversations tactfully.

Make sure you've figured out payment methods that you will accept ahead of time. Checks are often a hassle so many vendors I see at shows will no longer take them. If you're going to take cash, make sure you have more than enough small bills and change. Credit cards have become very easy to use. There is a small card reader that can be used with some phones.

Especially if working the booth alone, make sure you have your set up designed with making it harder for shoplifters to steal merchandise.

If the market area is outdoors/exposed to the elements, make sure to bring shade/shelter for you and the plants. You will deeply regret it if you don't.

[Laserbeak]

Originally Posted by Paul

I assume you are looking at this as a side job?
...

Yes, I actually am. I work from home anyway.

The market is open every Sunday year-round (except for Easter or if Christmas falls on a Sunday). During the winter pretty much everyone moves inside the school cafeteria.

I would plan to be there every Sunday and my mother will be able to be there most of the time, at least at first, if it becomes really successful I can hire someone.

Like I said, it's in a very good location just across the street from the American Museum of Natural History and there are some very popular restaurants around there too.

They are looking for people selling things other than the usual fare of costume jewelry, antique-y things, etc. you see in NYC markets and street fairs, so they seem pretty excited about me possibly starting there. It's pretty cheap and they offer rental tables, chairs, tent covers, etc. Pretty much everything you need.

[My Green Pets]

There is a market the first weekend every month near my home and they were thrilled at this idea of a booth that sold something other than antiques. I love the idea. I say go for it and godspeed. When Im up in NY in september i will try to pay you a visit Right across from the natural history museum seems like a great spot, too.

[Laserbeak]

Originally Posted by CambriaWhat

There is a market the first weekend every month near my home and they were thrilled at this idea of a booth that sold something other than antiques. I love the idea. I say go for it and godspeed. When Im up in NY in september i will try to pay you a visit Right across from the natural history museum seems like a great spot, too.

Thanks!