There is no age to … become a flea market (5/5) –
“I like to discover and share the story of these objects”
Passionate about decoration, Patricia Din-Martin embarked on the flea market once retired. An activity that keeps it in shape.
Since her retirement, taken at 69, Patricia Din-Martin has flourished on her stand at the Morges and Carouge markets, as well as to the Nyon chips.
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- For this summer series, we are going to meet people who have undertaken a project or has experienced experience late.
- Patricia Din-Martin, 76, launched himself six years ago in the quest and sale of carefully selected objects.
- The former nurse holds up on the Morges market twice a week.
- The flea market favors social relations for financial benefit and stories behind each object constitute one of the engines of its activity.
With less than a pouring rain that would damage the objects she loves so much, Patricia Din-Martin does not allow herself any day off for her stand at the Morges market, Wednesdays and Saturday mornings. “If you want to be taken seriously, you have to be there every time,” she says.
It has been six years since this training nurse, 76 spring on the clock, plunged body and soul into the microcosm of the flea market. “I retired late and I couldn’t see myself stopping completely. Having this new hobby and this routine, I like it and maintains me, both mentally and physically! ”
Patricia Din-Martin knows her customers very well. “When I bought this vase, I already knew who I was going to sell it to.”
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The flea market, a sacred logistics
On the cobblestones of the Grand-Rue, the resident of Mont-sur-Rolle wishes to install a neat stall-light years from the signs of odds and ends that are sometimes associated with this activity. On the white tablecloths align the porcelain of Nyon, some chinoiseries, paintings and other decorative elements. “I don’t really have a favorite style or period,” explains Patricia Din-Martin. To tell the truth, I work with favorites: mine, and those I think I can give birth to in others. ”
Another criterion, more logistical: “Nothing that does not fit into a banana box!” She laughs. In total, I must have filled around forty in reserve. ” And to emphasize that her husband delivers precious helping hand for handling.
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The quest for reselling objects is, not surprisingly, one of the main drivers of the flea market. “I always liked the decoration. After working and giving health lessons, I had created a company that imported objects from Spain, France or England. ” The case lasted twenty years and hired up to ten people.
This new adventure, however, does not have the livelihood as the main goal. “You don’t become rich with the flea market,” notes Patricia Din-Martin. At the market, people buy their carrots, their cheese, a little fish. And if they have 20 francs, they may spend them at home. ”
Between Morges and Nyon
The situation is slightly different to Nyon chipsin which she participates without fail. But in one case as in the other, the relationship with customers is a great source of joy. “It is an incredibly social activity. People love to come and see what’s new and chat for a few minutes, without necessarily buying something elsewhere. And for me, it’s a bit of a drug! “
The resident of Mont-sur-Rolle particularly likes discussions with passers-by.
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To find nuggets worthy of being exposed, “you have to have a dragging eye” and a certain cultural background. “In my family, we often went to the museum and there were a lot of books at home.” What to forge the gaze … and quickly sort when you find itself in front of a box of objects brought by a faithful wishing to resell them.
It is also not uncommon for Patricia Din-Martin to be invited to the apartment of deceased. “We then enter a certain intimacy and there can be great surprises.” A form of relief, too. “Most people have lived with these objects and do not want to throw them away. I think they like it to know that they are going to have a second life with someone else. And even if I may not pay them for much, buying them attests that they have a value for me too. ”
The flea market makes it a point of honor to know the history of the objects it sells.
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If the object itself takes on an undeniable interest, which surrounds it is not to be outdone, quite the contrary. “I really like to discover its story and share it with customers, because it gives it an additional thickness.”
A priori harmless parts can also be much sought after, like this camera or these old hammers. “One day, I found a plane that had been used by the same person for decades, to the point that the pressure of his hands had slightly distorted him. I found it beautiful! “
As for the competition from other flea markets Or from the Internet, Patricia Din-Martin says he is “sincerely convinced that there is a place for everyone”. Behind her stand, the Vaudoise has undoubtedly found hers.
No day off in sight: you have to be present every Wednesday and Saturday to be taken seriously, according to Patricia Din-Martin.
FLORIAN CELLA
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