Flea Market Sale

I recently introduce you to Etsy's Flea Market Team, a group of almost 100 stores that have teamed up to make great sales together, offering buyers a one spot place to buy pretty much anything. Home decor crafts by Cecrafts, recycled and upcycled gardens by Artcain, hand made Jewelry by Aether, adorable girly bows by Allthingsgirlybows, and much more!!!!



I would like to share with you an interview with Artcain, one of the team leaders, who is currently in charge of these sales.



● Good Morning Art! How are you today?

I am doing very well, thank you. Family is coming in this week, so I am trying to get shipments out, half-finished projects completed, and stored away.

● How did the Flea Market Team started?

Aetherdesigns started the Flea Market Team after going to several Buy aNd Replace sales and Buy aNd Stay sales. That started on a track of wondering why everyone was selling to other shop owners instead of buyers. She thought it was a great idea that could be expanded on. She spoke to many others, including myself, who wanted the same thing but didn't know how to go about it.

Aether, due to previous experience with social media and customer service, knew that a mailing list that was composed of buyers would be one effective way to take the “Treasury Sale” concept and evolve it. Collected information about sales and shops would be another asset to those who browse Etsy for items, but don’t need the incentive of shop promotion to engage in organized Treasury Sales.

I joined the team after finding it browsing Teams to learn more about the BNRs and BNS sales. It was an interesting alternative to paying into Treasury Sales for promotion, as I have just started my shop online with a thin budget. I offered to help curate Treasury Sales, since I am at home most of the day.



● Whats the main purpose of the team?

The main purpose of the team is to get other shops who don’t have the ability to market to “Buy In” audience sales. With everyone out promoting to new buyers, rather than other shop owners, there is a greater chance that someone who buys from one shop might buy from an associated shop. Sharing the free exposure goes a long way!

We offer two Treasury Sales.

The weekday sale is called the Early Bird Special BNR. It features inexpensive supplies, destash “cheap unwanted items,” frugal vintage, and on Sale items. Most products will be $10 or under, but any item for any shop featured is eligible for raffle entries during the sale. This is our only normal BNR aimed to shop owners who already participate in BNRs around Etsy, or are still learning familiarity with the popular concept. We would like to introduce them to the Flea Market Treasury Sale idea and hopefully network with them. We would like shop owners to join the team as they get Featured for a purchase, but it won’t be necessary. Joining the team will have the added advantage of being featured in our weekend Flea Market.

The weekend sale is called the Flea Market Sale. It features items from all our team shops at various prices. (Our base at the moment sells mainly items under $40.) This treasury sale is not the typical BNR or BNS targeted at shop owners. We rotate purchased shops with team member owners so that every member will get featured, and continue to be featured at future events. You don’t have to buy in to get a feature. Being active in our discussions online, donating time or an item for a raffle, and promoting the Email Newsletter and Treasuries will always ensure you with numerous Features. Shop Owners who participate in sales will earn future guaranteed spots as they advance up rotation for promoting and investing in other members. We believe this cuts down on Treasury Sales showcasing the same small group of shops with owners wealthy enough to keep Buying Into features. Funds are not simply rotated between other shop owners without expanding their potential customer base.

● How can sellers sign up?

There are two ways that sellers can sign up. They can join the team on Etsy’s website, which we prefer. This way shop owners have can discuss how the team is run and keep updated. Sellers who wish to be notified via e-mail may sign up for our newsletter by joining the Sellers mailing list.

http://bit.ly/pXV8Fd

● How can buyers sign up?

Buyers can sign up for the mailing list where newsletters go out when we plan an event. We use the same mailing list system that Etsy does to ensure that none of their information is stolen or sold.

http://bit.ly/nP6Yl1

Buyers can also join the team online. There are incentives to buyers and since we want to cater to buyers, we encourage their input on things they'd like to see.

● Whats the benefit to buyers?

We want to offer a lot of incentives to everyday people browsing Etsy for their various needs. We had 24 sales during our first set of Flea Market sales. Some shops offered bonus items with a purchase. Most of the shops offered coupons, and additional savings by using the codes listed in the sale and newsletter. We also are active in Etsy's comment section and use it to chat during the sales. It's a great environment to be in and you can talk to the artisans themselves about their products. We offer games with prizes to randomly drawn winners, based on entries to promoters (no purchase necessary) and for purchases from the sale. Simply by coming to our Flea Market, having a look around, and telling others about us, you could win a prize. It does mean that you have to have an account with Etsy to see the products that are in the Flea Market, but it's a simple and free process.

● Anything else you would like to add?

Flea Market BNR Team on Etsy has just started, and already we have been profitable for both sellers and buyers looking for good deals on great items. We have 63 active members including shops and buyer accounts. We had a very good showing of both at our opening Treasury Sales,and expect it to only get better from here! We enjoyed 1297 views, 484 clicks, and 76 admirers with our first Flea Market Sale Saturday and Sunday in September. During that week, Wednesday and Thursday, we saw 1012 views, 393 clicks, 72 admirers to our Early Bird treasury.

We gave two permanent revolving spots to a guest team during our first Flea Market sale. We would like to continue networking and showcasing other team shops to widen our viewership. There is no need to join the Flea Market team to be a shop showcased through a Guest team at our sales. Guest Team Leaders and Captains can decide which shops to feature and rotate with sales. Guest teams are listed in the Title of the Treasury and listed when our sales are promoted on social media. We are also looking to promote sponsors, since we are a new venture.

Anyone can contact us on etsy.com in the Community section: http://etsy.me/nw1en7

Email the Captain and Leaders at fleaMteam@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/ql1RWZ

Tweet with us on Twitter: @etsyFleaMarket

Thank you Art for sharing this with us!

So there you have it, a great variety of stores, great discounts, raffles, fun chat and the best part, all from the comfort of your home! This is a perfect opportunity to get all your Holiday shopping done, without leaving your house, at affordable prices.

Next sale is this Sunday. Join the mailing list to get the info! I will be posting the link for the sale as well on Saturday so make sure you don't miss it!