Here in St. Louis we are covered up with what seems like a mountain of snow. Oh well the Groundhog is coming and then it will be spring and the good sales will flow. Seems like the country is going broke faster than the government can give out money to the Bankers and other assorted swindlers.

I for one do not believe that any company that can’t make it on its own has any God given right to exist. Nor do I believe that executives of a failed company are worth getting any kind of Bonus. If they were any good the company would not be failing.

It seems to me that the Government has this Stimulus for the economy all backward. Although you can’t expect them to know very much about the reality of life as the majority of the Government people has never worked a single day in their life. They have not had jobs, not even the President has ever actually worked. So they would believe that this horde of banks that we have with one on every corner is somehow indispensable to our economy.

Banks, lawyers, politicians, stock brokers, brokerage houses, these are all things and professions that not only do we have far and away too many these are things and people that would not be missed were they for the most part to disappear. These people and professions do not add any value to our society in fact each one of them is a negative drain on the economy and must be supported by the working society. I would like to know whatever happened to Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

I do hope that the President can overcome his problems with Association. Now it seems like his thing is to bring in Tax Cheats to help out. Now isn’t this a hoot having a Tax Cheat run the IRS. Well I guess now they won’t be fining or penalizing anyone owing back taxes now.

With spring just around the corner and the economy in a shambles now will be the time to get out and locate lots of good selling and well priced merchandise for the upcoming spring season. Sales will be real great at the flea markets for those dealers who are well prepared.

Don’t overlook going to a few wholesale trade shows where you can stock up on some good merchandise. Go prepared to deal and do business. Granted they will tell you that these are shows for writing orders only, but if at all possible take cash with you and you can make some great deals. Always remember that if money talks then "Cash Screams".

What with salaried workers by the dozens being laid off and others working at less wages and still others worried about keeping their jobs. Shoppers are going to be very thrift and value conscious this coming spring. If you can offer up good merchandise at a bargain you will be selling a lot of items. Keep in mind this season "Stack it deep and sell it cheap".

Also be a little bit careful about booking into over expensive events. You might want to stay in home based events that are fairly local in nature and won’t be getting too deep into your pocket to do.

I feel like the big commercial markets will be the best bet this spring, especially the ones near or in the big cities. A good example of markets that should be great this spring and summer are the markets produced by Stewart Promotions in Kentucky and Indiana. This type of market is going to draw the shoppers out and give you a great opportunity to sell your goods.

The best investment that you can make this spring is to buy good selling merchandise at some very cheap prices as this will give you a great income for the coming year. Remember that you have to purchase the goods at a price that will allow you to sell it and make money in todays economy. Pay attention to prices of items that you carry and sell. Check out the local stores and see what they are selling the items that you carry for. Do your homework. We all hear about informed shoppers, well you want to be an informed seller. Also always keep in mind that you have to make a profit on the items that you are selling. Trading money is not making money.

When you close up an event and roll out for home you have to have "cleared" money not just sold items to get back your money. There has to be money to re-invest in stock, buy groceries, pay the rent and buy shoes for the kids. All this is possible if you just pay attention and get good merchandise, set a nice booth that is attractive and appealing and work the booth to make sales.

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

Jim and Georgia Goodridge