Spotlight on Rubber Necker’s Market

Rubber Necker’s Market

Location: 913 Georgia Highway 96. Warner Robins – 478-230-1475

Q: Can you tell us a little about your history?

A: “When we came to Warner Robins we started out on 247.

“For years we’ve been joking about Rubber Necker’s, because we would do sales outside and auctions out by the road. We would have flea markets outside so that people could see us. Everybody that came by, their head would just spin around when they’d see us. We’d make jokes like: “I wish those rubber neckers would come in here. Would you just look at that rubber necker.’

“So, when we moved up here in 2008 and we were cleaning up the lot, I can’t tell you how many times people almost wrecked out there. We had several different people who did complete U-turns to come back and see what was going on. We generate a lot of interest. By then it was down to just me and my husband. I looked at him and said, ‘You know what? It’s time.’ So we changed everything. Not the product but the name, Rubber Necker’s Market, and I commissioned an artist down in Hawkinsville to do our logos. “People relate to that, because they recognize themselves in it.”

Q: What was the vision when you first opened?

A: “It was building a future for my kids. Now they’ve all grown up and gone, so it’s not so much for my kids anymore, but I do believe we’re building something healthy for the community. Because we are a family. I don’t care if you’re 2 or 92 you’re comfortable when you come to my place. I don’t allow smoking. I don’t put up with bad language. I don’t put up with disrespect for us or other people on the property. People respond to that.”

Q: What types of products do you sell?

A: “Originally founded in 1999, we started out as a mini-flea market with auction sales. I’ve sold everything from diamonds to toothpaste. The only thing I don’t sell is anything illegal, immoral or unethical. As long as it’s family friendly, we’re apt to offer it, so you never know what you’re going to find at one of our places.”

Q: Tell us about your

employees.

A: “I’ve got one lady who works for me. She makes beautiful woodwork, baskets and toys. She makes beautiful wind chimes. She’s been with us about five or six years.

We have space for other crafters if they would like to come and sell with us”

Q: What makes your products the best?

A: “I guarantee them. Let’s take pinestraw for instance. We guarantee our product to be clean. If it’s not we will replace it. But we go in the field and we look at our straw before it ever comes here, so we know what we’re getting. If it’s a little bit less than my standards will allow, then we’ll discount it. But over the last 16 years, people have come to trust the fact I’m going to do what I say I’m going to do.

“The only thing I don’t guarantee is that your wife won’t be mad at you if you spend too much money. If it was red when you bought it, it’s going to be red when you get it home. Beyond that we take care of our merchandise and we take care of our customers. I don’t know any other way to do things.”

Q: What makes your customers the best?

A: “They’re fun. I mean they’re generally very open, but I think that’s because that’s the atmosphere they walk into. Any reservations people have when they come onto the lot, I get rid of those real quick. Just by being who I’ve always been.

“I live to see somebody come on that lot.”

Q: What do you say going into the future is your top priority?

A: “Living long enough to enjoy all of this. What I do is to help match you up with what you want or need.

“Part of my job is education. Know what you’re getting and be comfortable with that. If you’re comfortable with the idea: ‘It’s (a bench for example) only going to be here for a year,’ and you’re comfortable with that, I’m fine with you buying a cheaper quality elsewhere. If you want something that’s going to be here year after year, decade after decade, then buy a well-made, American-made product. And that’s what we will continue to sell. American made, local-made products.”

To see our products, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RubberNeckers Market

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