Vendor Spotlight: Platemates, You’re Party Planning Place

Platemates, located in booth 614 & 615 of the Shipshewana Flea Market, offers plates, napkins, cutlery and so much more each week for all your party planning needs for every occasion, holiday or season.

Shelley got started after deciding to get out of the business world after 23 year. Since her kids were out of school, she wanted to do something she liked and this is what she came up with. It’s a product people use and keep coming back for.

What Does Platemates Offer Flea Market Shoppers?

Platemates carries tons of party planning items that will help you design the perfect gathering (masks not included). Their main offering includes paper plates, napkins and tablecloths for every occasion, but they also carry decorations, cutlery and more!

Seasonal and special occasion items include Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, New Year’s and all occasion summer plates, fun plates, birthday plates and the most popular USA and patriotic styles and colors.

The plates and napkins come in every shape and size you could want. She tells us, “if you’re planning a party, we have a color or style that you will love.”

Bargains & Deals

They carry a variety of misprinted plates that are sold at a really great deal (by the pound) and you can get a big stack of plates for just $5 (that’s about 250 dessert plates to give you an idea). Whether you’re camping or don’t really care if about botched up printing, this is a great place to save money on paper plates.

Party Planning Tips

When sharing how to decide on a direction for your party planning, she suggests getting started by just picking your color. Go with what makes you happy and plan around that.

If you like yellow, start with your plates and napkins. They are probably the most essential items and always have a few extra on hand (approx. 25%) to cover the unexpected guest and for those who make return trips to the party food! Then add to your theme some simple décor and other items of need and voila, party planned!

Tips for New Vendors

• One of her personal key successes is that she carries an item that is consumable. People use it up and need to buy more, and she is right there to lend a hand.
• She suggests going with your passion… something you like yourself. If you like it more than likely your customer is going to like it and that excitement you have for your product will also shine through to your customer, bringing them back time and time again.

Looking for ways to increase your sales in your flea market booth, check out our Vendor Blog today!

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