Yet Another Flea Update...

Saturday sales (9 AM - 1 PM only): $18.55 plus $75 for clearing out all the junk jewelry- two overflowing boxes, two spin racks, and odds and ends.

And when I left, traffic was -picking up.- I went to the post office before going to the political event, and driving back by the flea market I saw the market's tiny parking lot FILLED.

If I'd had more startup, didn't have the urgent need to recoup investment, and didn't have a grandmother in doubtful health, maybe I -could- make it go. I was on pace for the $33 required to cover basic daily costs, even not counting the wholesale.

But I've already given notice- next weekend will be my last. Wednesday I take the grand for gastroscopy and endoscopy, and we'll find out just what's wrong with her throat. I will need most of the weekend to carefully tear down the setup and sort out which auction I'll sell which items at. (I'll likely also pick up one or two items at the flea market to take to a particular auction.)

But the past couple days have brought it home to me- there needs to be -someone- on call, with no regular schedule, to take care of my grandmother's occasional emergencies. I'm the most qualified (read: least tied-up) member of the family for the job. When I go to a convention, Aunt Diane will come up to check on my grandmother, but a regular job or flea-marketing is just plain out.

And I have the sneaking suspicion that tomorrow and next weekend, after I make this decision, sales will suddenly meet or surpass the $100/weekend I'd set as the benchmark for success... grr...

I really hope I get a refund for the unused weekend, but I doubt I will.

Yet Another Flea Update...

Saturday sales (9 AM - 1 PM only): $18.55 plus $75 for clearing out all the junk jewelry- two overflowing boxes, two spin racks, and odds and ends.

And when I left, traffic was -picking up.- I went to the post office before going to the political event, and driving back by the flea market I saw the market's tiny parking lot FILLED.

If I'd had more startup, didn't have the urgent need to recoup investment, and didn't have a grandmother in doubtful health, maybe I -could- make it go. I was on pace for the $33 required to cover basic daily costs, even not counting the wholesale.

But I've already given notice- next weekend will be my last. Wednesday I take the grand for gastroscopy and endoscopy, and we'll find out just what's wrong with her throat. I will need most of the weekend to carefully tear down the setup and sort out which auction I'll sell which items at. (I'll likely also pick up one or two items at the flea market to take to a particular auction.)

But the past couple days have brought it home to me- there needs to be -someone- on call, with no regular schedule, to take care of my grandmother's occasional emergencies. I'm the most qualified (read: least tied-up) member of the family for the job. When I go to a convention, Aunt Diane will come up to check on my grandmother, but a regular job or flea-marketing is just plain out.

And I have the sneaking suspicion that tomorrow and next weekend, after I make this decision, sales will suddenly meet or surpass the $100/weekend I'd set as the benchmark for success... grr...

I really hope I get a refund for the unused weekend, but I doubt I will.

Oh, Forgot the Campaign Event Report

Didn't collect any donations immediately, but spoke before about 60 people, to generally positive response. Got several firm "I'll vote for you" responses, and one registered Republican said, "I might change my mind." Gave out about 20-30 home-printed campaign cards and maybe 5 fundraiser letters by hand, plus the 25 mailed out today.

Also got a phone number and name to contact as a possible entry to speaking before the Alabama & Coushatta Tribal Council. At most that's 300 voters, maybe 150 votes in a really good turnout, but it could lead to campaign donations... and it's a voter box that at least one Libertarian candidate has won in both 2002 and 2004.

Next scheduled event is Feb. 8 at the Escapees RV club, where I've spoken on behalf of other Libertarian candidates before. Really need some flyers and other publications between now and then- signs would be great, if a bunch of campaign money comes in.

Oh, Forgot the Campaign Event Report

Didn't collect any donations immediately, but spoke before about 60 people, to generally positive response. Got several firm "I'll vote for you" responses, and one registered Republican said, "I might change my mind." Gave out about 20-30 home-printed campaign cards and maybe 5 fundraiser letters by hand, plus the 25 mailed out today.

Also got a phone number and name to contact as a possible entry to speaking before the Alabama & Coushatta Tribal Council. At most that's 300 voters, maybe 150 votes in a really good turnout, but it could lead to campaign donations... and it's a voter box that at least one Libertarian candidate has won in both 2002 and 2004.

Next scheduled event is Feb. 8 at the Escapees RV club, where I've spoken on behalf of other Libertarian candidates before. Really need some flyers and other publications between now and then- signs would be great, if a bunch of campaign money comes in.