Recently a reader asked me to share some tips for those who plan to attend the Lucketts Spring Antique Market. This year will be my 4th year as a vendor there, so I have learned a bit over the years. (But why do I still get such nervous butterflies?) So, I have been thinking about some of the things you need to know…
1. Bring cash and lots of it! And your checkbook. Many vendors, myself included, do not accept credit cards, and there is only one ATM at a nearby gas station that has gone out of order or empty over the last couple year’s fairs. So make sure you are prepared to use cash or check, or you just might miss your chance on something you love. Not to mention you will need money for food and drinks.
2. The early bird gets the worm. The gates open at 10 am, but there is always a line to get in. If you want to get first dibs on something, get there around 9:30 and be prepared to wait to get in.
3. Do not panic and freak out! Unless you really love something so much you don’t think you can live without it, don’t buy it right away. Walk around a bit and take it all in. And if that piece you go back for is gone, then it just wasn’t meant to be. Be patient. As a vendor I get to walk around a little and sneak peek other booths. I see so many things I want, but I don’t allow myself to buy anything til Saturday afternoon at the earliest. And I always come back with great items!
4. Pee before you get there. Really. Unless you like porta-potties. I have a very disgusting and embarassing story from the first yeat I was there. You know I suffer from migraines, and heat triggers them sometimes. Well, Saturday of the market, I got a migraine, and I had to throw up. My choices were throw up in the grass behind our booth or in the portapotty. I didn’t think it would look professional for a vendor to be visibly puking, so I went with the portapotty and that will go down in history as one of the worst moments of my life. So go pee before you hit the road, and you probably don’t want to drink a big coffee before you get there!
5. Wait for Sunday if your budget is limted. There are still lots of great items on Sunday, and vendors are much more willing to negotiate as they don’t want to haul items home. I sold a ton of my stuff last year at the end to the shop owner for a bargain in the last 30 minutes of the market. I didn’t want to take it home! Of course be reasonable with your offers. For many of us, these are our pieces of work, and a lowball offer is insulting. And trust me, I remember the people who offer me less than half of what I am asking and I am much less likely to bargain with them in the future.
6. Dress comfortably, and bring an umbrella or rain jacket. It has rained once every year. And with the weather this week, there is a good chance the fields will be muddy, so don’t wear your expensive stiletto sandals. Rain boots, hiking shoes, sneakers… those are the safest bets. And of course, check the forecast before you leave your home.
7. Be prepared to haul home what you buy that day. Many vendors travel to get the the market, so you will have to take home what you buy by Sunday afternoon. In a couple of cases I have taken home items for people who live within 15 minutes of me and can pick up, but I seriously prefer not to haul things home. It’s extra labor! And some vendors come from Texas, Georgia, etc, and can’t even give you that option. So if you want furniture, bring a truck or SUV!
That is all I can think of for now, but if you have any questions, feel free to let me know! If you ask a question in the comment section I will ammend this post to add the answer.
Please if you do come, and are a reader, introduce yourself! I love to meet readers! Last year I formed a wonderful friendship with Sharon from Elizabeth and Co who had purchased from me in years past and was so friendly! Right after the fair last year, she started her blog, and we have been able to stay in touch! It’s wonderful!
Here are a couple of pics from our booth last year to wet your pallette…
