I have to admit - i wasn't very involved in the operation of the flea market booth except for the setting up in the beginning and the packing up just a few hours ago.
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Let's rewind to the very beginning - 2pm; an hour before the start of event with the designated void deck for the community flea market still looking pretty empty.
3.30pm - a hive of activity and working electricity (operating fans were essential to dispel the heat)! It's quite amazing to see experienced vendors who can practically set up their wares in less than twenty minutes!
With around 60 tables, a neighbourhood flea market might not be as bad as it sounds. The inexpensive rent (we paid only S$15) usually translates into reduced prices and the significantly lower purchasing power means you can get really incredible deals!
5 t-shirts for S$10?! Do note that some items could be pre-loved goods (meaning second hand) and it would be best to seek clarification if you are particular about it.
Hair bands - given my fringe and side burns, i am not embarrassed to declare that i am a frequent user of hair bands. I have my limitations; i will use them only at home. :P
Our next door 'neighbour' offered shiny accessories!
Some vendors started their operations in a less than a minute by dumping everything onto their tables! Such untidy layout might actually attract customers as they are aware that the products are free to be rummaged.
Besides drinks and snacks, it is recommended for any vendor to bring along a portable fan!
IT products - Two months ago, i asked for the price of an iPhone5 charging cable and was quoted S$8. Today, it was priced at S$3 and i believe i can bargain for an even cheaper price.
As expected, there were a lot more ladies stuff; nail polishes, cosmetics, accessories, handbags etc etc.
DVDs and VCDs - Alex and I used to buy a lot of these until we found a phone application where we can watch movies and dramas for free without the hassle of converting them as a suitable format!
The things that caught my attention here were the cookie cutters with adorable shapes of hearts and animals. I was supposed to learn how to bake in my semi-retirement, which unfortunately has yet to materialise.
Face masks 'freshly' imported from Korea!
Beads-art and you are free to request for customisation. Honestly, i found them to be visually much more appealing than the acrylic artwork found in pasar malams.
Again, female accessories. Business in general for everyone was frankly not good but in the case of my family, it was the experience that counts.
Notice the CJ7 plushie? I could still remember that for a period of time after the Stephen Chow blockbuster, i had a hard time finding one that looked perfect without costing too much!
Toy figurines for the families with boys! Thought it was quite expensive at S$15 a pack.
Cartoon brollies! If Jovyn was with us, she would insist on getting the Hello Kitty or Disney one!
The assigned table was not big and most vendors made full use of their creativity and resources to enlarge their space. The easiest way was to have plastic sheets on the floor where you can throw anything on them.
A few, including us, brought along easily assembled clothes racks. A veteran took the cake by having two-level clothes racks!
Some used the pillars to hang their products.
Quite a number even pull laundry lines to hang the clothes!
Now, cheap is always good but in the case of the above, you are free to name your own price! Of course, it depends on whether the seller is willing to accept your price, or not.
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Location
Yishun Block 745. Another flea market (likely at the same location) would be scheduled in July.
For Yishunians who could not wait till July to be a flea market vendor can also consider another venue at Block 150 which would take place earlier on 05 May 2013! For more information, call 6853-4272.