1Getting Started as a Flea Market Vendor

To make money as a flea market vendor you first have to identify the perfect flea market to be a part of.

You need to identify the flea market which has the best chance of selling the items you have.

Visit the Flea Markets

Visit the flea markets in your area and identify the various items that. Also look at the typical customers that go to the flea market. You should also talk to some of the vendors to get any insights they have from their experience.

Get a Work Permit

After you identify the flea market you want to join, the next step is to obtain the legal permission to work there. The requirements may vary from one market to the next but generally you need to have a sales tax identification number and a vendor license.

The manager of the flea market can also give you guidance on how to obtain the necessary permits.

2Traits of a Desirable Flea Market

Your chances of doing well as a flea market vendor will depend on the market you are based in as much as what items you will sell.

These are some items to consider:

• Choose a flea market that is open year round, regardless of the weather
• Flea markets that have more than 100 vendors are usually better
• Larger flea markets get more customers who are ready to spend money
• You should also consider the table rate.
• A table rate that is between ten and twenty dollars is pretty typical
• New markets may not charge a table rate, but well known markets will be much higher
• Make sure the market has clean and functional restrooms

3The Best Flea Market Items You Can Sell

There are many different types of items you can sell at a flea market. However, there are specific items that have proven to give the seller consistent success.

Household Items

These are very popular because people are always moving into new neighborhoods. Since people are always moving into new neighborhoods (including college kids), the demand for these items is usually sustained all year round. Stocking up on dishes, coffee pots, kitchen utensils, microwaves, cups and mugs, etc. is a great idea for a flea market.

Electronics

Electronics are also popular flea market items. This is true even when they are obsolete and old, as long as they still function. Your chances of making good returns are always respectable when it comes to electronics.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments also do quite well, as long as the instrument functions correctly and that your price is reasonable and firm.

Many people who have a desire to own a musical instrument won’t pay for a new instrument for their hobby. However, they will jump at the opportunity to buy an instrument in reasonable condition at a fraction of the cost.

You can make money as the flea market vendor known for having a collection of flutes, trumpets, guitars, oboes, and even accessories like guitar strings and straps.

Books

Books can really make good money for a flea market vendor. This is especially true because you in many cases, you can get your supply for free or at really low prices.

Hardbacks are generally preferred to paperbacks and will therefore earn better money. However, you still have to ensure that whatever you sell is in good shape – no missing pages or torn covers.

Children’s Items

Flea market items for children and babies like toys, playpens, high chairs, and clothing also tend to do quite well in terms of sales. Most people don’t want to buy all new items for their child because they will only be used for a short time.

Other Items

The following items are also known to have a successful history of selling in the flea market world:

• Hobby stuff, music, games, and movies are also all quite popular flea market items
• Find interesting things that are quite difficult to come across in conventional sources
• Items from yesteryear including matchbox cars, key chains, assorted craft supplies, costume jewelry, video and computer games, model trains etc
• Selling your own handmade items also usually works well

4Strategies for Success at Flea Markets

To make money as a flea market vendor your items have to look the part. You should make it as easy as possible for your potential customers to make the decision to buy what you are offering.

Keep It Clean and Functional

Everything that you have to sell should be extremely clean and every one of its components should be in place. If the customer sees items that are dirty or appear to be missing components, they will assume everything you have for sale is of poor quality.

Keep Everything Neat and Visible

The items you are selling should be neatly arranged and in a way that makes them all clearly visible. It is much better to display your items on a table rather than having them stuffed in boxes.

Keep the Price Flexible

You should have a starting price for every item in your head, not on a list. People come to flea markets to haggle, not to pay high, fixed prices.

To make money as a flea market vendor you must develop a skill of quoting the right price for each customer. You have to guess whether the target customer can pay a higher price or a slightly lower one. However, you have to be discreet as possible so as not to appear to discriminate. In most cases, the way the customer is dressed can give you a good reading on the price they might be willing to pay.

If your price is too high for them, they will walk away. If your price is too low, you might be losing out on the higher price they would have been willing to pay.

Keep It Easy For the Customer

Give your customers a lot of convenience so their shopping experience is as easy as possible. Come prepared with loose change, grocery bags to help them carry their purchases, umbrellas or a parasol to guard against the rain and hot sun, etc.

What Do You Think?

Do you have any experience selling at flea markets that you would like to share?