The monthly flea market at the Drill Hall has a reputation for being pitched nicely in between the carboot and the antiques fair. We have a lovely bright hall, a carefully selected soundtrack and a cafe providing homemade treats & meals, and a perfect place for you to have a seat and revue your purchases.
If you have a pitch on a regular basis or just once in a while here are some tips collected from various websites, market traders and bargain hunters.
- Think about your display. You can request a trestle table but most people like to cover this with a cloth or similar. Put the best items on the table so people can see them clearly and have one or two boxes on the floor for people to rummage through, people like a bargain. Use the walls & the railings to hang stuff - you must stay in the chalk line on the floor but go as high as you like. Bring washing line, rails, hat stands - whatever you wish!
- To label or not to label - I personally prefer labels but whether you want to spend the time doing it is up to you. It does have the advantage that you can ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your stall while you get yourself a cup of tea & cake.
- Have plenty of change - seems obvious but there it is.
- The Drill Hall can get very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. We provide tea and coffee on arrival but after that it’s not a bad idea to have a flask. Now that the weather is getting better it will start to get very warm in there when the sun is shining. So you will be happy to know that in the summer months your pitch fee also includes an ice lolly!
- Remember haggling is fun for customers so be nice about it and be flexible on your prices where you can.
- Watch out for the early traders scouring the market, they may know the value of something that you don’t - it is ok for you to tell them to go away until you are set up - this is up to you but if you are bothered by it let us know and we’ll have a word.
- Keep an eye on your stock & and look out for each other. The flea market has a great, relaxed atmosphere and although it is uncommon, we have had reports of theft so please be aware and again let us know if you do spot anything suspicious and we’ll keep an eye on it.
For Buyers
- Arrive early or late? Earlier you get more choice but near the end of the market is when you can really walk away with some last minute bargains when people are thinking if they really want to take that box of 1950’s kids encyclopedias home again!
- Take a bag for your purchases, this keeps hands free for more rummaging.
- You want something that you think is too much or haven’t enough pennies? Haggle! Its fun and its free. If they say no, at least you tried.
- Try it on! Most of our stall holders won’t mind if you duck behind a door or nip to the loo to try something on and it is much better to know that the beautiful blue velvet skirt or waistcoat fits before you take it home.
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