The Presidential election is finally over. What a long drawn out procedure this has been. While the candidates are fixing all our problems and making the world safe for us all, the economy keeps on going in the tank. What a mess. Now we are have to carry the "hot shot" bankers and Wall Street Guru's. I don't see them any differently than I see welfare people. I would think that Chapter 7 would take care of a lot of the problems of the financial institutions.

With the economy in the tank, the sharp dealer has a great opportunity to make some good money this Christmas season. "Stack it deep and sell it cheap" and you will have a great season. The markets are going to be a lot busier this season than in the past as everyone is seeking some good deals. There will also be a big fall off for a lot of different types of shows. I have been hearing from some of our die-hard crafter readers that the Craft shows have been impacted recently by changing buyer trends as well as the down-turn in the economy. When money is short the first thing that goes is pretty fru-fru stuff. This year to keep their shows relevant, a few strictly Craft shows opened space up to commercial vendors. This trend wasn't limited to craft shows though. I know first hand of a couple of antique shows that added or will add next year "special" areas for the lower end collectibles and new decorator inspired reproductions. In tough times everyone has to make adjustments, like it or not, for the overall good. Flexibility is going to be your best friend until the economy turns around... And don't worry too much - history shows that it always does - eventually!

One of my pet gripes... I was at a market last weekend and the couple running the booth were so busy reading the morning paper and talking to each other about what was in the paper that I couldn't get waited on nor could other people I watched come by. Why they just didn't stay at home I don't know. Why go to all the trouble to set up and then not "work" your booth. When I was setting up at shows I had one thing on my mind and that is to sell my goods and take home as much cash in my pocket as I could.

Maybe this couple was starved for each others attention - but your business hours are not the time for this kind of carrying on. Not to the exclusion of potential customers. There is a term for this - it is called Work Ethic. You adhere to it or you don't. And if you don't you will stay broke! I should add that I find plenty of opportunity to talk to my wife during the week - or I guess I should be honest and say that I listen to my wife during the week. Ha!

I predict that this is going to be a Christmas season where the standards are going to be the strongest merchandise sellers. Sportswear, T's, casual wear, electronics and of course anything that has to do with wireless telephones and electronic games. Get as good of quality as you can for as little as you can. If you have an in on these lines you'll do great!

You might want to take in a couple of wholesale trade shows this fall to stock up for Christmas. The Trade Show dealers will be cutting their prices to stay afloat this season with the way the economy is.

One thing that we did at the Trade Shows was to buy out the booths (display stock) with cash. When the show closes the dealer does not want to have to ship his wares back to his store and he will make some really good deals to get rid of all his samples in his booth -especially if you are paying with cash. Remember that if money talks... then cash surely screams!

Here's to great sales and may the sun shine on every spot that you set up at.

Jim and Georgia Goodridge