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| The National Flea Market
Association exists to serve the public interest and
to benefit the flea market industry by fostering high
standards of business conduct which merits public trust. |
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Publications
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| Flea Bytes an E-Mail Newsletter |
| JANUARY 5, 2006 |
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Welcome to our newest
NFMA Members!
Bugeater Flea
Papillion, NE
Crazy Rick’s
Sandusky, OH
Freedom Market
Miami FL
Flea World
Sanford, FL
Southwest Flea
Anderson, NC
Old Mill Market
Canton, TX
Marysville Flea
Marysville, CA
Tabor City
Tabor City, NC
Gibralter Flea
Mt Clemens, MI
Traders Mart
Paducah, KY
Festival Flea
Pompano Beach, FL
Roots Old Country
Manheim, PA
Western Slope Flea Market and Auction
Delta, CO
Escondido Drive-In Swap
Escandido, CA
National Flea
Market Association
10675 E. Northwest
Hiway, Suite 1655-903
214-553-5928
214-553-5981 (fax)
nfma@fleamarkets.org
www.fleamarkets.org |
Survey Results Confirm Industry Health
NFMA has released to members its recent benchmark survey of industry statistics and trends. The results reflect the answers of 30% of NFMA membership who compared the current year to 2004.
What did the recent survey show about our industry?
Of those responding,
50% were showing higher gross revenues in 2005. Gross sales were up for 65% of the respondents. Attendance was up for 43%; down for 34%. Vendors were down for 41%; up for 29% and 30% reported no change. More than 50% of those surveyed indicated little change in new merchandise, used merchandise, and parking revenues. Only 38% reported sales space rental up and 79% say they do not anticipate raising rental rates in the coming year. The projected 2005 attendance per market averaged 617,191 for the year, increased from 609,746 in 2004*. 69% allow concessionaires/subcontractors in their markets with food and beverage being the most numbered area. 7% of gross revenues are allocated to advertising with no dominant choice of media 47% of markets have between 100 and 400 vendors on a normal operating day. Just 6% had more than 1000 vendors. The top three issues challenging owners, in order:
price of gas
Wal-Mart/Dollar stores/internet
bad/cashless economy
Convention Reminds Customer Service is Key
Learning to listen to our customers is tough but it’s the key to successful market operations. That was the lesson that management expert and convention keynote speaker Tom Pearce artfully illustrated for those who attended the 8th annual NFMA Convention in October. Using popular management philosophies, Tom laid out how improved customer service translates into improved profitability. His five essentials of customer service are easy to do in light of the return: welcome your customer, use their name, take care of their needs, thank them, and invite them back. He further showed the return on investment when an owner/operator listens without interrupting, apologizes and shows empathy, solves the problem together with the customer and thanks them for their business.
Convention attendees also chose sessions on Start-Up Markets, presented by veteran marketers Frank Buonauro, Chuck Pretto and Ron Simmons; on Operations, presented by Hartville Marketplace owner Marion Coblentz; on Marketing, presented by A.D.S Advertising representatives Alicia Buescher and Cherry Kutac and on Anti-Counterfeiting Product Identification presented by corporate members of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC).
Founders Award goes to Traders Village
Ron Simmons of Traders Village is the 2005 recipient of the Jerry Stokes Founders Award, NFMA’s most prestigious recognition bestowed for demonstrating exceptional commitment to the flea market industry. Ron serves as President/General Manager of Traders Village’s two markets in Grand Prairie and Houston, TX. He began his flea market career in 1973 as a security guard when the Grand Prairie location opened on the site of a former cotton field. Traders Village GP quickly distinguished itself as the first area flea market to use festivals and special events to spur its growth. Three annual events -- the Pow-Wow, Chili Cook-off and Auto Swap-- have been held for more than 30 years. Located just minutes away from Six Flags Over Texas and the Texas Rangers MLB team, Traders’ Grand Prairie attendance consistently exceeds its tourism partners. More than 3 ½ million will visit in 2005. Houston Traders Village opened in 1981 and expects to host 1.6 million visitors in 2005. Brothers Gary and Joe Pace of the J.C. Pace Co, Fort Worth, own both markets. Ron is a former NFMA president and has served in various leadership capacities within the organization.
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NFMA thanks our sponsors!
Happy Holidays from NFMA!
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New Membership Service Program Debuts
NFMA has added two-way radios and accessories to its list of membership services. Through an agreement with NFMA, BearCom Group, Inc. will offer a 12% discount to NFMA members purchasing its Motorola and other communication products. BearCom offers products from walkie talkies and microphones to surveillance and is the nation’s largest distributor of Motorola and Icom two-way radio equipment. For more information, contact Rich Lankelis at 619-263-3259, ext 129 or email to Richard.lankelis@bearcom.com.
Pepsi Cola Update
Pepsi Cola has created a new activation guide for NFMA members who have yet to partner with the beverage company in taking advantage of deep discounted products. Pepsi is beginning a new push with local bottlers to make them aware of the value of the flea market dollar and the alliance with NFMA members. To request an activation guide, contact nfma@fleamarkets.org. To explore the merits of the Pepsi program, contact Lesley Swartz at lesley.swartz@pepsi.com or call 704-896-9654.
New Chair Announced
Dennis Mineni has been appointed Convention Chair for the 9th Annual NFMA Convention. Dennis is owner of the Merced and Atwood Flea Markets in Southern California. Joining him on the Convention Committee are Chris Kelley, Raynham Flea; Barbara Nelson, Seven Mile Fair; Lynne Parker, Big Pevely Flea and NFMA President Chuck Pretto, Kobey’s Swap Meet. The committee’s primary task is to establish theme and identify program topics for the annual meeting. The committee works through periodic phone conference meetings and invites any member who has an interest to join their planning team. To participate or to suggest a topic for the 2006 convention, email Dennis at dmnono@aol.com.
Did you Know?
SBA Changes Size Standards
In January 2005, the SBA modified its small business size standards, which affects the types of businesses that could qualify for its loans. According to the SBA, "a small business concern is one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its field of operation." The new definition varies by industry to reflect industry differences accurately and lists the small business by either annual revenues or number of employees. For example, a framing contractor making up to $12 million annually is still considered a small business, as is a breakfast cereal manufacturer with 1,000 employees. Check out the SBA website for a complete explanation of the sizing standards.(Source: Wells Fargo Business Banking)
DOL Rules on Restrictions for Teen Workers
The Department of Labor made several changes in regulations governing teen workers this year. The new rules:
Officially implement the Drive for Teen Employment Act which completely bans workers under 17 from driving on public roadways for work. The rules for 17-year-olds driving during the course of their job duties are extensive.
Allow 14- and 15-year-olds to cook only when deep fryers have automated baskets or on electric or gas grills that don’t have open flames. All other cooking or baking tasks are prohibited except for food preparation and operating non-hazardous machines such as coffee makers, milk shake blenders and popcorn poppers. (Source: www.dol.gov/esa/regs/fedreg)
Sign of the times: The Texas A&M School for Retail Studies reports that 72% of all retail industry new hires intend to quit within six months. |
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