I started the morning (at 3.30am!!!) tired and grumpy. When my cousin arrived (at 4.00am) we laughed at how ridiculous it was being up so early (I would usually only ever be up at this time on a Sunday morning if I was on my way home). We arrived at the car park and I was amazed at how many people could be bothered to get up at this hour (The swap meet actually only starts at 6.00am). I got bored and impatient (no offence Annie-Rose, you and your CD made it so much better (I still want a copy!)) waiting to enter the swap meet.
Rage took over when we had to fight for a parking spot, but were relieved when a kind lady offered us the space next to her. We set up our clothes, (working in retail we both had lots to sell and ashamedly we both still had items with the tags on) and felt excited as customers started to rummage through our racks.
After a little while we got really hungry and my auntie saved the day with hash browns and apple juice. The day continued smoothly until more and more customers come over to our stall. Suddenly it was a frenzy with clothes being tossed on the floor, women bartering with us to drop the price, a lady picking out faults in a silk dress I was asking $8.00 for, others wanting me to give them brand new hats for free, clothes from our stall ending up on the rack of the lady at the next bay and being told we were asking too much for a 'swappo' (apparently the nickname for swap-meet among the regulars).
All the joy and happiness of making some good money from my pre-loved clothes turned to sadness. I couldn't believe I let a woman talk me into selling her two of my Witchery tops for $15.00, I felt bad that I was selling items that had been brought for me by my mum and I was in disbelief that people wouldn't pay more than $3.00 for items that cost me over $150.00 and had, in most cases only been worn once.
In the end Annie-Rose and I made just over $500.00 between us. Not bad for a mornings work, however I still regret some or the pieces I sold. I relate so many outfits to so many good times I've had whilst wearing them. I think I found it hard to sell them for such a small price as my memories held so much more value.
For all its worth, I have agreed to take my left over items, with my cousin, to a car boot sale at an other location (minus some I have decided I would regret if I sold). Ill give it one more chance but after my experience I think id prefer to wonder around a swap-meet rummaging through others peoples goods and just get myself a bigger wardrobe.
After a little while we got really hungry and my auntie saved the day with hash browns and apple juice. The day continued smoothly until more and more customers come over to our stall. Suddenly it was a frenzy with clothes being tossed on the floor, women bartering with us to drop the price, a lady picking out faults in a silk dress I was asking $8.00 for, others wanting me to give them brand new hats for free, clothes from our stall ending up on the rack of the lady at the next bay and being told we were asking too much for a 'swappo' (apparently the nickname for swap-meet among the regulars).
All the joy and happiness of making some good money from my pre-loved clothes turned to sadness. I couldn't believe I let a woman talk me into selling her two of my Witchery tops for $15.00, I felt bad that I was selling items that had been brought for me by my mum and I was in disbelief that people wouldn't pay more than $3.00 for items that cost me over $150.00 and had, in most cases only been worn once.
In the end Annie-Rose and I made just over $500.00 between us. Not bad for a mornings work, however I still regret some or the pieces I sold. I relate so many outfits to so many good times I've had whilst wearing them. I think I found it hard to sell them for such a small price as my memories held so much more value.
For all its worth, I have agreed to take my left over items, with my cousin, to a car boot sale at an other location (minus some I have decided I would regret if I sold). Ill give it one more chance but after my experience I think id prefer to wonder around a swap-meet rummaging through others peoples goods and just get myself a bigger wardrobe.
