A Profitable Pop Up Shop

I went to bed on Thursday with all my stock boxed up and on the sofa. Then Friday morning we set up shop.

It was not the warmest of days although the sun was bright and the weather dry. Our first visitor was a neighbour who had just gone through the alley to the bus stop and noticed that our sign was pointing in the wrong direction - he'd kindly walked back to the Close to tell us!

I had three tables - the first was covered with sewing bits, and an explanation about our crafts - plus a vintage sewing machine [partly 'window dressing ' but also I'm trying to sell it for a friend] Next table all the items at assorted prices. Finally a large table where everything was £3.50 or mix&match "three for a tenner"

I had made around 200 items as follows

Handwarmers, apple chutney, mini sweaters, tissue holders, notebooks, candle holders, pincushions, little pots, wax wraps, pencil rolls, bird brooches, three sizes of bags, and juggling bags. 

I had a slow and steady stream of customers both days, and the average spend was around £5. 

I sold at least one item from every category. What did I learn? 

• Wax wraps, mini sweaters and juggling bags proved most popular - but although almost every visitor said how beautiful the bird brooches were, I only sold three.
• Despite multiple layers of clothing, a heater, and frequent deliveries of hot drinks, I was still very cold by the time I packed up.
• Putting garden chairs out was a good idea, as many people who came on their own sat down for a proper chat. Bob said afterwards that there had been a lot of pastoral work done! 
• Planning to have a fish and chip supper on Friday, and slocooker curry on Saturday was a good idea, it meant we could sit down and relax, no cooking to organise
• The carriage house is a good venue - the ramp made it easily accessible for buggies and a wheelchair. One neighbour was talking to Bob about a charity sale he's hoping to do in the new year. We've offered him our space if it will help. 

I have lots of stock left, but I'm pleased with what I achieved, and money earned. I have got a long way towards the cost of new specs. I'm considering to how to deal with the remaining stock - maybe a table at a local Christmas Fair, or perhaps an online outlet...