Canton First Monday Trade Days(Huge Flea Market)?

[HOPE FOR GOOD.]

For those who don't know what "Canton" means to a Texas, click here: http://www.firstmondaycanton.com/

This is a HUMONGOUS flea market, with literally everything you could imagine available for sale or trade. It is open the weekend before the first Monday of every month, year-round. Canton is about 2 hours from us, and only 30 minutes away from some very good friends of mine, who I am certain would love to host us on First Monday weekends.

DH and I are considering seeing what it would take to "do First Mondays". It would likely end up being a huge moneymaker, because there are thousands and thousands of people who visit First Monday each month-- and I think it's a safe bet that ALL of those people have sore feet! I looked on one "vendor search" site, and learned that (at least as far as that site is concerned) there is ONE massage business that has a permanent setup anywhere in the event. That means three things to me: 1) massage vendors ARE allowed there, at least in certain parts, and 2) that a massage business finds to worthwhile to take on Canton, and 3) that there would be room for us, too, because one practice could not POSSIBLY take care of all the thousands of visitors.

I'm considering the possibility of getting one of those kinds of chairs that reflexologists use (Dragonflies? Help? Portability?), and advertising a special foot and lower leg deal; possibly even some retail stuff too. We'd set specific prices for specific services, rather than going with the "dollar a minute" model. We have several teens who could take turns going with us to help with talking to customers, taking money, selling products, etc. (it would be very good practice for them!). It could also get us exposed to horse owners in the north/east Texas area who might turn into equine massage clients.

It would also *definitely* be a huge undertaking. We'd have to schedule accordingly, basically being closed in our office for half a week. We'd have to be organized. I think taking our "kuncklebuster" for cc sales would be a good idea (but also running the cards through on the spot rather than waiting to "batch" call them in later). The time and effort involved with dealing with such huge crowds (we'd *definitely* have to set a strict work/break/meals schedule!) Dealing with the traveling, staying on an unfamiliar bed (our friends also have an RV we might ask to borrow or rent, if it seems it would be better to stay on the grounds. We've even considered seeing, if they WOULD let us use it, if we could set it up as a "mobile office" like I posted about the other day. That way we wouldn't even have to worry about climate control during the summers and winters!

Anyway... am I crazy, or does this seem like it could be worthwhile?

 

[PRELUDE]

Canton First Monday Trade Days(Huge Flea Market)?

I don't really know much about it, but I know someone from Dallas who may have a regular booth there (a year or so ago, it was mentioned). If you like, I can check and see if she knows anyone who may be interested in hosting you in their space.....

 

[msjinx39]

Canton First Monday Trade Days(Huge Flea Market)?

Thanks, pueppi. I figured you'd chime in with something sooner or later.

After talking with DH more about it this morning, we've come to the conclusion that, while it is probably still an idea we ought to keep on the "middle" burner, we need to wait until we are settled into our new place and have various other options sorted out. This would be a BIG undertaking, and could throw a monkey-wrench into other things if we went off half-cocked.

I sometimes worry that y'all might think us "half cocked" ourselves, since I keep mentioning things we end up not doing; however, I do better when I can "think out loud" and I have found MassagePlanetL to be a good place to do that "safely" and with good honest feedback.

 

[Lady Candy]

Canton First Monday Trade Days(Huge Flea Market)?

Well, you think out load, I'll chime in, everyone else can look at us like we're odd ducks and everything will be peachy keen!

 

[Vina]

Canton First Monday Trade Days(Huge Flea Market)?

: Okay!