Wow, Wow, has it ever been hot here in St. Louis for the past week. When it gets too hot, you just can't get the public to buy. Seems like their hands just freeze in their pockets. Oh well it looks like some cooler weather is headed our way.

Most of the fairs are reporting lighter attendance than last year's events. Also vendors are reporting that sales are down at the big events. Folks just don't have the same amount of discretionary money that they have had in the past. Most of us vendors live on that discretionary level of money that the public has.

I for one always carried "impulse" items. I never carried things that the customer "needed". If it was in the need category it was not on my table. I liked to work from $5 down to $2 a person will spend up to $5 without thinking, consulting his wife or calling his banker. Once the number passes $5 then thought comes into play. At $20 we get into major decision making.

When you have a thinking customer then salesmanship has to come to the forefront.

The only events holding up are the small local festivals along with the flea markets. Seems like the flea markets sales are growing as everyone is looking for a bargain and to save money.

When ordering merchandise from your wholesaler be sure to tell him about our website as we do need the advertising. That's the only thing that we have for income.

We did a story last month on food vending and I have had several inquiries about the food vending business. Yes, food vending is very profitable. It is the most profitable line in our industry. Yes, it is also very difficult. The money is earned. Long hours, fierce work and lots of competition. Keep in mind that for every available food vendors spot at an event there is at least 10 applications for that spot. I always say to a person to not purchase a food vendor set up unless he is getting a route with it. That is some spots to set up and sell at when he purchases the setup. Don't think that food vending is a walk in the park.

A special note of condolence to the Hartman family of Waterloo, Illinois for the loss of Kenneth Hartman the long time director of the Monroe County Fair at Waterloo, Illinois. Kenneth was born, raised and lived in Waterloo all of his life. He will be missed by the fair industry as well as his family and especially his wife of over 50 years. Kenneth always put on a great County Fair.

If you are selling at flea markets keep in mind how important it is to put forth a clean, attractive and well-stocked booth. It looks to me like the Recession is going to continue into the fall and with the growing popularity of flea markets I think they will be doing quite well this fall. Just remember that it will be up to you to get your share of the business through skillful marketing and good salesmanship.

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

Jim and Georgia Goodridge