Earning money is not at all a big issue in this era of business development all over the world, even when you are thinking of earning from the flea market. Small to very large scale money-yielding business prospects are available in numbers, for anyone to grab the opportunity and face the challenges to earn quick and fast money. FLEA is one of such opportunities open to anyone to take a fair chance and do the business simply to earn quick money.

• What is FLEA business?
• What is Business in Flea Markets?
• Do I need money or big money for doing this business?
• Where to start and what are the Ways to Make Money with FLEA market?
• What Sells Fast at Flea Market?
• Three points for quick earning from flea marketing:
• How and where to get cheaper things for your flea market?
• Can I Make Money at Flea Market?
• How do You Attract Customers to a Flea Market?
• What Crafts Sells Best at Flea Markets?
• How do You Make a Flea Market Booth Stand Out?
• What Are The Best Profitable Handmade Crafts?
• How Much Can You Make Selling at a Flea Market?
• How do You Negotiate at a Flea Market?
• How do I Start a Small Flea Market Business?
• Flea Market Flipping
• Hot Selling Wholesale Flea Market Items
• Top Selling Flea Market Items
• Flea Market Selling Tips
• How to Prepare to Sell at a Flea Market
• Best Profit Items Flea Market
• How to Sell at a Flea Market
• How Much Does a Flea Market Vendor Make?
• Do You Need a Permit to Sell at a Flea Market?

Quick Ways to Make Money with Flea Market. Now the questions before us on how to get light and be well informed are:

What is FLEA business? 

Flea business has the origin from France, historically from the outdoor bazaars in 1880’s. American history says that Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas, is also recalled as FLEA market of 1873. Here basically people gather to buy horses but this later turned into a trade area for selling and buying own goods of the participants.

Read Also: How You Can Make Money with Patchwork

However, the flea market of today is the brain child of Russell Carrell who is from east-coast antique show organizer. He was an auctioneer and his first ever outdoor auction of antiques, in 1956, was the first flea market. This antique auction show was organized in a tent with a high probability of risk and expense. Many people were happy buyers of the market and there was good money as return from this business in those days.

One more trace from the history is that during the Dutch settlement in New York, USA, a market called “Vlaie” or “Vlie”, was started. But the English speakers pronounced this word “Vlaie”, with an upfront “F”, to call these markets as “Flea” markets.

In spite of all these historical explanations, there is no acceptable explanation for the word “Flea” and the reason for calling the outdoor or markets on the street in this name. Some of the exiled markets are known as “Flee” market in the English tradition but nowadays are called Flea markets by everyone all over the world. These kinds of markets exist in most countries of the world but in different names and forms. Business nature remains the same.

What is Business in Flea Markets? 

Basically, it is a market where the vendors make money by selling new as well as second-hand or used goods or articles. It is also called a store front for millions of vendors and a shopping paradise of millions of citizens. It is also a facility that rents space to those sellers offering products, materials and other legal needs of the buyers at large from them.

Renters of this kind are called as vendors of flea market space. The so-called hirers of these market spaces are real entrepreneurs representing the Free Enterprising System. No huge investment is required for doing the selling business in the flea market. With small money one can venture to earn huge profits here in the flea market with a lot of buying and reselling activity.

American flea market today has modernized itself with a new phenomenon and has strongly rooted into the civilized society of today, where people are concentrated more and more for exchange of goods and services.

What are the opportunities? There are large flea markets in USA, particularly in the Ohio State. One of such flea markets called Hartville Flea Market has an area of 20 paved acres and another namely Creek Flea Market which has 159,000 square feet area of market space.

Many more of such markets are there in USA and around the world where millions of buyers flee towards these markets for identifying and buying materials of their choice from these markets. As long as you are customer friendly in your day to day sale with a commitment to satisfy the options of your customers there is no dearth for earning money from these flea markets.

Do I need money or big money for doing this business? 

No big money is required to start a seller’s job in the flea market.

Hiring a shop cost few dollars as rent to the shop. Second hand or new items like old garments taken on lot basis, old plastic containers, computers, CDs and DVDs of popular films, musical players, etc are the popular buyers’ choice in this market. One who procures these items and sell them at marginal profit will attract more customers and buyers.

A regular supply of these selected items at lower prices will ensure the retention of customers and they will wait and continue to buy from you. No doubt guys, please ensure that your talks are convincing the customers’ attitude towards you and your goods.

Rotation of money with minimum profit margin ensures quick return of invested money back to your pouch. When the number of such rollover of money stabilizes one in the market earn more and more. So, do not worry to invest big money but earn well.

Where to start and what are the Ways to Make Money with FLEA market? 

Selling junk to strangers is quite possible in flea market to fetch quick money from the market. It is a great saying that “one man’s trash is treasure of another man”.
·         Try to fix up a small platform or a simple concrete slab on rental from the vendor of flea market for your display of sale items.
·         Pay the rent in advance as per the chosen market conditions and display your items for sale.
·         It is a wise way to display the fast moving items like DVD, CD in the front end to attract more customers.
·         Interact with the buyers at your shop to find out the products of their interest. If available in your stock show them.
·         Give top recommendation to some of the dependable quality items for sale to your regular customers and impress them
·         Keep the costlier and rare items nearer to you and try to recommend these to the buyers after explaining the utility of the items
·         Have a watch around to safe guard your trash items for sale.
·         Many of the shops are rented from morning 9 to evening 5. Standard market vendors, even penalize when you start your business at say 09:15 or 09:30 AM. So be punctual to start and close your business promptly

Scope for expansion:
ð  Supply of junk item to your shop should be increased to create the sale increase, as this would attract buyers of this market to your shop.

ð  It is not enough that the trash item supply is increased, but should be selective to procure and display the items that could go fast on a given day. Stick or write the identity of the items inside the boxes for easy selling to your buyer.
ð  Manage the bursting and swarming crowd of customers who grab at your stuff like mad people. If you manage the sales to this frenzy crowd cleverly, you may earn quick money on this day. Sell off everything and go happy with good profit money.
ð  Haggle and bargain: Price of few items might not have struck you in advance. There may be demand from customers for these items at large. It is better to book minimum profits on bulk sales and finish of the deal with good money. The key to disposing junk on sale is quantity over quality. Even one dollar is better than nothing in return.

What Sells Fast at Flea Market?

1.     Sunglasses: Generally, these are popular summertime bestsellers, but they also sell well during the winter seasons also. You can sell less priced generic sunglasses, or both. By experience you may get better ideas.
2.     Low Cost Toys: During the summer, water pistols and cannons attract good sales. Inexpensive toys that sell from one to two dollars are popular all year.
3.     Tools: Big hit in sales is done by many sellers in this domain always in a year. Hand tools like, hammer, pliers, cutters, wire snipers, etc are popular items that go like hot cakes in the market.
4.     T-Shirts: They are huge volume best-sellers. Buy cheaper in bulk, Mark right price, and build a good sales volume. You purchase very good volume for $300. Do heat press and sell out profitably. Later on you can order for customized printed T-shirts.

5.     Home decors: Colorful decorating stuff with neat finish is liked by women folk at large. Hope to stock these items and enjoy good volume of sales and money.
6.    Baseball Cap is another year-round great seller. Locate a very good supply source for this item. You can earn quick and good income from the sales of popular sports caps and baseballs.
7.    Athletic Footwear: Deck, running shoes, shoes for foot ball, base ball, socks are hot sellers on all seasons. Buyers are there to give you good sales volume and money.
8. Fresh Produce: Buyers love fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables – for a moderate price compared to open markets and shops. You can specialize in this area in harvest time and do a good business.

9.     Jewelry: Hand-crafted and costume jewelry best sellers.
10.   Covers and Cases for Personal Electronics: Attractive cases and covers for e-readers, mobile phones, personal organizers for a few popular brands to get good sales volume and quick money
11.   Movie DVDs, Old Gramophone records: Blockbuster movies of olden days, Kid’s movies and classic movies are best sellers. Ensure to deal with reputed wholesalers to buy movie DVDs.
Items listed above are a few only. Based on your experience and earning volume, many more things can also meet your favorite list for sale in flea market to earn quick money.

Three points for quick earning from flea marketing:

Location: Flea market is all about location, location and only location. The big and well established flea market will do support better business. Browse www.fleamarketguide.com for a crowded flea market around you.                                               

Inventory: Specializing in one type of item is an approach but at the same time a mix of many items also gives a power to do better marketing. Many sell one type of item on which they are knowledgeable about and know their worth. Others sell a variety of stuff from the list of stuff given above…
Price: People with limited budgets throng the flea market. A lot came to just have a look around. Some are pickers and a lot are regulars and looking for good buys. It’s better to visit the mart before hand and study the trend of prices of stuff. Competitive business groups and their number may give you leeway to plan your selling concept and learn how you can make money at the flea market.

How to show case your items for sale:
ð  Spread few folding in the place hired by you. Customers generally see the stuff on the tables first.
ð  Display on tarps is good for bigger stuff.
ð  High turnover and cheap items may be spread in the front table, to attract the people’s traffic to your shop.

ð  Design the given vending space as half circle to accommodate more buyers and visibility for them to see your displayed stuff.
ð  Keep a close watch on the items and the people so as to ensure safety as well good sales also.

How and where to get cheaper things for your flea market? 

Loft, attic, basement, and garage cleaning contract jobs can not only bring you money but also good scrap and recyclable items for your flea market needs. To make 200 to 300% profit through this method is one of the best methods for procuring the stuff.

Never try to ignore other vendors like you, because you may get good items at cheaper rates from them for a fairly good profitable sale price to your customers. Musical CDs/DVDs and players, garden tools, car washing accessories are some tips for procuring from other vendors. Search websites like eBay to find good bids and offers. Try to grab things at cheaper rates through online auctioning.

Clearance sales from departmental stores or book stores can be very good resources for getting valuable items at cheaper rates. In addition to the above, it is possible to get seasonal items and sell them in flea markets.

Books and Children’s items are big sellers as buyers are there to get these items in the flea markets. In general, one can get “A to Z items” old or new are also available for sale in flea market which opens the Quick Ways to Make Money with Flea Market.

Can I Make Money at Flea Market?

Starting your own booth and selling at flea markets does require a little homework, but once you find a spot, things move pretty quickly.

Step 1: Scout Out Your Location

Every flea market is different. It’s best to visit several in your area. They will all charge different rent amounts for booth space. And they will all offer different booth sizes.

Here are some things to consider:

• Location Location Location – See if you can find a flea market situated in the same area as a few others, or with a group of antique or second hand shops. Shoppers tend to visit these kinds of places all in one go. Antique malls and flea markets are also popular stops for senior bus trips. So, if you can get in with a group of shops, do it. Rather than competing with one another, these adjacent shops tend to boost each other’s sales.
• Booth Placement and Security – When scouting for booth space inside the flea market, look for openings near the front. Shoppers tend to do more thorough looking there. This is basic retail merchandising. Talk to other vendors. They will be able to give you the skinny on all aspects of booth set-up: placement, rental fees, what items sell or don’t sell, and even their sales numbers. Ask if the flea market has security cameras or provides locked cases for small or valuable items. The market may even provide display cases for a small rental fee.
• Start Small – Every flea market offers different booth sizes and some booths will be bigger than others in the same market. If the market you’ve chosen offers different booth sizes, think about the items you intend to sell. Will you be starting with mostly knick knacks? Or do you need space for large pieces of furniture. If you’re like most vendors, you’ll have a mix of large and small items. I recommend starting with a smaller to medium-sized space. You can always size up later as your business gets going.

Step 2: Decide What You Will Sell

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start sourcing merchandise and for items to sell at flea markets! This is an ongoing process. It’s something you’ll want to be doing year round if you want to start successfully selling at flea markets.

Here are some possible places to find items to sell in your flea market booth:

• Your house. Scour the attic and basement. Do a real purge and de-clutter. Take your gently used items to your booth.
• Thrift stores. Find out when your local thrift store is having its 50% off day and get there at opening time. After you’ve been selling for a while, you’ll be able to spot deals on the kinds of items that sell well for you.
• Garage sales and estate sales. Here’s where you’ll find rock-bottom pricing because people are just trying to get rid of stuff. It’s also where you’ll have room to do the most negotiating.
• Facebook yard sale groups. I bet your area has one. Just search Facebook for “yard sale” and you’ll find local groups swapping and selling all kinds of stuff, from baby clothes to Blu-Rays to handbags.
• Curbside. See something interesting on the side of the road? Don’t be afraid to slow down and check it out. I have friends who’ve found furniture and other useful items on the curb. One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure.

Here are a few other rules of thumb for selling at flea markets:

• Group like items. Place several vases on the same shelf. Hang vintage baking tins on hooks in a line. Place small toys in a colorful bin ready to be rifled through. Grouping similar things together helps your customers take visual stock of your inventory.
• Banish clutter. You may want every one of your items in your booth at once in an effort show how many things you have. But this makes it difficult for shoppers as they see clutter as “one thing.” Spread things out. You can always switch items out for others if they don’t sell.
• Label and price everything. What is it? How much is it? This is what bargain shoppers want to know. Make the information easy to find by labeling and pricing everything. Your flea market will let you know of their own guidelines for marking things as well.

Once you’re set-up and prepared to make money by selling at flea markets, do some guerrilla marketing. Tell your family and friends about your booth and invite them to check it out in person. Post photos of unique items on your social media feeds. Talk to the flea market owners about doing some grassroots marketing.

How do You Attract Customers to a Flea Market?

If you want to grow your flea market business and sell your goods to as many customers possible, there are important steps you must take every single time a potential shopper enters your booth.

1. Be friendly

A simple smile goes a long way in making a good lasting impression and making sales at your flea market booth. In fact, research has shown that there is a strong correlation between positive business results and smiling.

A genuine and pleasant smile tells a shopper that you love what you do and you are happy to be there. Say hello and welcome them into your storefront. Using warm words and offering assistance is key, but don’t be too pushy or salesy which may turn customers away.

If a customer asks you questions about your product and what you sell, tell them your story! Build a friendship rather than try to just make a sale and it will benefit your flea market business because the shopper will remember you and encourage those they know to shop from you as well.

Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool and you will gain a lifetime customer just from a greeting but potentially gain a whole lot more if they refer friends and family too. When serving customers, you should always remember to treat others as you would want to be treated!

2. Build trust

When engaging with your shoppers, make sure you take the time to answer any questions they have about your product to help them make their decision on whether to purchase or not. If a product is not right for a customer, you won’t gain anything but a one-time sale but if the product is just the right fit, they will return because you helped them with the right choice…building trust and customer loyalty.

3. Listen to your customers

One of the best ways to gain insights and ideas for your business is by listening to your customers. If you hear something over and over that could increase your sales, perhaps you should really think about heeding to that advice and give it a shot.

Just by listening you can increase loyalty and a better overall customer experience. Who knows, that last customer interaction may be the thing that takes your business to the next level!

4. Share your contact information

Another great way to bring more potential customers to your flea market booth is by creating a business card or contact card that displays your name, key contact information (phone, email, website, etc.) and product description.

If a shopper cannot reach back out when they need to buy a replacement or purchase another like item, they won’t be able to if you don’t provide them with the proper way to reach you. There are so many resources for these materials that you don’t have to have a graphic design degree to make a really great looking business card or print materials. Free services like Canva and Vista Print are good resources for you to check out.

Once your business cards or postcards are printed, you can distribute them by:

• Putting one in each customer’s bag as they check out
• Staple or attach them to each product
• Ask your loyal customers if they would share them with family and friends
• Place a stack of them near your register for people to pick up
• Have them handy at any place you meet new people – the grocery, school, events, etc.
• Share them with fellow vendors who may be willing to spread the word of your business as well (and be willing to pay it forward by doing the same for them).

5. Build your email list

A sure-fire way to build and nurture your customer relationships is still the good ‘ole email marketing. Sending out regular e-news to your own customers with updates, new products and sales keeps them in the know. It is less expensive to keep a loyal customer returning than to always be trying to attract new ones.

• You can build your email list by encouraging them to sign up for exclusive deals or even by offering a giveaway. For example, if your booth sells cooking related items, you could offer your customers a chance to win an e-recipe book if they sign up.
• Vendors sending regular customer emails frequently see an increase in business week over week. (Be sure to not send too frequently as there is an art to frequency, but you will know what works for you as you grow this list.)
• Once your list becomes large enough, you may want to look at using Constant Contact or Mail Chimp too as these are great resources that also provide tips and reports that will make you successful with little knowledge needed on your part.

Offering exceptional customer service with a smile, building trust, listening, handing out business cards and sending customer emails are five great ways to sell more of your products and grow your flea market business.

What Crafts Sells Best at Flea Markets?

The best selling wood crafts that sell at flea markets include wooden toys, birdhouses, home decor, furniture, picture frames, and serving dishes. There are plenty of other items that will sell well at flea markets.  When selling your products, try to have a wide selection of products to see what sells well for yourself.

It is important for you to test different products when you first get started selling at flea markets. You want to find products that work for your customers in your specific region. Don’t simply rely on this list because you might find other great selling products.

For example, wooden benches might sell really well in Oregon, but not New York. Oregon is more of an outdoorsy type state and wooden benches do better in Oregon.

You also want to have a wide selection of products so that your customers have a variety to pick from. Having a wide variety allows you to see what products sell the best so you can keep making more of the same.

Wooden toys

Wooden toys are popular for parents or people wanting to give gifts to a newborn. You can make puzzles, blocks, wooden horses, airplanes, cars, and more. There are tons of wooden toy ideas just waiting for you to make them. 

Bird houses

Bird houses are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Who wouldn’t want to watch the birds from their kitchen window as they build a nest. Additionally, you can make different styles of bird feeders or bird baths to sell.

Home decor

Wooden crafts fit well as part of your home decor. Wood can accent and provide a rustic feel for any cabin or home. Think of things like wooden coasters, table centerpieces, decorations, or any other type of artwork.

Furniture

When done right, Furniture can be a good seller for any wood crafting business.The only problem is that furniture tends to be big and bulky. However, people will pay money for the right piece of furniture that fits their house. 

Picture frames

Custom picture frames are another good woodworking project. A lot of people want a picture frame that they just can’t find in stores. You can offer custom picture frames, especially if you are good with wood burning and carving.

Serving dishes

People love to eat, which means that they will always need serving dishes. Are you particularly skilled at creating bowls, plates, and silverware? What about making custom chopsticks or serving trays? 

How do You Make a Flea Market Booth Stand Out?

Flea markets offer an easy outlet for product sellers to reach local customers. But if you want to be a successful flea market seller, you need to do more than just find a product to sell and sign up at a local market.

By using care in setting up your flea market booth, you may be able to make a significant impact on your sales. Here are some flea market setup tips to make your next flea market booth as effective as possible.

Set Up In a High Traffic Area

You already know that location is an important factor in the success of other local businesses. Well, the same is true for flea market booths. If you can set up your booth in a high traffic area, like near the front of the market or at the end of an aisle, you may be able to catch the attention of more potential customers. If possible, try visiting the flea markets you’d like to sell at beforehand and scout out the best locations.

Place Popular Products Front and Center

The location of your actual products is also important. If you have a product that is particularly popular or eye-catching, you want to make sure to highlight it as much as possible. You can do this by placing those items toward the front of your booth, or potentially even on a special platform or in a unique display case.

Utilize Cases to Display and Organize Items

For smaller items or those that are potentially breakable or valuable, display cases can be incredibly useful. Display cases come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can shop around to find ones that fit with your specific products.

Keep Fragile Items Toward the Back

You should also use care when placing any items that may be fragile. Those items probably shouldn’t go right on the front edge of your table, unless you’d be okay with people reaching over them and potentially knocking them off the table. So consider keeping those items closer to the back of your flea market booth so people have to really go out of their way to even get to them.

Consider Using Racks for Clothing

Racks can also be useful for displaying flea market items, especially if you sell clothing or accessories. They allow your customers to easily browse through your offerings without messing up your neatly arranged table.

Create Clear Signage

Having great products only helps you make sales if your customers know what those products are and how much they cost. Of course, flea market customers often love to negotiate prices. But if that’s your policy, you should outline that in some kind of sign as well. Making your process and products clear to customers can make those who aren’t flea market veterans feel more comfortable buying from you.

Keep Your Table Clean and Covered

If you have a bunch of nice products but they are on a dirty old table, it could deter some customers. Instead, make sure that your table is clean and uncluttered. You might also consider using a table cover to make sure it looks nice and clean.

Make Sure Products Are Clean

Your products themselves should also be clean. If you sell clothing or any fabric items, make sure to remove any stains and wash your items. And make sure any other products are free of dust and dirt when you put them out on your table or in your display cases.

Protect Your Products From the Elements

You might also consider including some sort of covering for your flea market booth, especially if it’s particularly sunny or if it’s supposed to rain. This can protect your products from getting wet or damaged but it can also help make your customers more comfortable while they shop.

What Are The Best Profitable Handmade Crafts?

A profitable craft category is one that tends to have lower production costs. The materials to make the products in a particular category don’t cost a lot and they aren’t time-consuming to make. Due to their *typically* lower costs, the following categories of crafts tend to have higher profit margins:

• Jewelry
• Art
• Photography
• Soap
• Candles
• Sewing

Crafts that cater to the following industries / interests tend to be profitable because there is always demand. There will always be people getting married, having kids, moving into homes, taking care of pets, etc. So it creates machines that must always be fed.

• Wedding
• Beauty & Health
• Pets
• Home Decor
• Pregnancy/Baby
• Holiday (e.g. Christmas)

How Much Can You Make Selling at a Flea Market?

Handmade crafts are enjoying a heyday in the U.S. Etsy is seeing $2 billion in sales a year, which may soon be eclipsed by the fast-growing newcomer, Amazon Handmade. And brick-and-mortar markets are seeing a similar rise in interest. More and more consumers want unique handmade or vintage goods that display high-quality workmanship, and offer an alternative to mass-market chain stores.

For most crafts and flea market vendors, the point is more in the passion and enjoyment rather than the cash, but you can bring in new income through your booth or table.

The amount you can expect to bring in per weekend or day depends on your location and the type of merchandise you’re selling. After paying rental fees and other expenses, many flea market vendors make between $200 and $500 per day. Meanwhile, many crafts fair vendors make upwards of $1,000 per day.

How do You Negotiate at a Flea Market?

You can negotiate a better price at most bargain hunting-bastions: flea markets, yard sales, junk stores, antique malls, and thrift stores. Secondhand sellers expect to haggle, so don’t feel shy or embarrassed. Try to think of it as a sport, and then follow these tips to learn how to haggle for huge savings:

Dress Down

Don’t show up in your designer duds and jewels and expect to get a discount. The seller won’t believe you when you say you can only pay so much money. Featured Video

Greet the Seller 

Smile and say hello when you arrive. In France, it’s offensive not to greet the shopkeeper, and you may be ignored when you’re ready for help. It’s rude everywhere else too, especially since you’re about to ask for a favor.

Ask for the Discount

You won’t get a discount if you don’t ask. They might say no, but they can’t kill you for asking. Here’s what you might expect from different types of sales:

• Flea Markets: The vendors expect to haggle. Most allow for some wiggle room when pricing their wares. You may not get the exact price you want, but you should be able to get some sort of discount.
• Yard Sales: Some sellers expect haggling and price accordingly. Others act shocked when you ask. Haggle anyway. To them, that stuff isn’t stock. It’s clutter — and they don’t want to drag it back into the house when the sale ends. Due to this, you may get deeper discounts at yard sales than at any other venue, especially if you’re haggling at the end of the day.
• Junk Stores and Antique Malls: Though the booth owners aren’t usually onsite, many arrange with management to give a discount if someone asks. In my area, it’s often an automatic 10% off just for asking. Unless the tag says firm, take the item to the checkout area and ask. If it’s too big to carry, just take the tag.
• Thrift Stores: It varies from store to store. The clerks rarely have the power to negotiate, so ask for a manager. You might get lucky if they’ve had the item for a while; sometimes you can tell by the tag.

Don’t Offer Too Little

Don’t insult the seller by offering less than half of the tag price. Start at a little more than half and expect to meet somewhere in the middle.

Offer Less Than You Want to Pay

Expect the seller to counter your first offer. If it’s too much, try again. Eventually, you’ll land at a price you both like.

Point Out Flaws

Don’t criticize the merchandise, but politely point out any flaws or damage.

Be Nice

Remember that you are negotiating, not arguing. Rudeness to a seller could cost you more than the current negotiation.

Flea market vendors might remember you the next time. If you get a reputation for rudeness at yard sales, the other regular shoppers — the ones you seem to run into at every other sale — may warn sellers about you when you arrive.

Buy in Bulk

Offer a group price if a seller has several items you want. Selling multiple items is a bigger incentive to deal.

Have Cash in Hand

Make an offer and hold out that amount of cash. That’s harder for the seller to resist than when you ask without showing them the green.

Ask, Then Be Silent 

Once you make an offer, be quiet. In any negotiation, once an offer is on the table, the first person to speak usually loses. If the seller counters, be silent again. The seller may sweeten his own deal.

Be Willing to Walk Away

If you don’t reach an agreement on price, walk away. You can always come back later in the day if the item hasn’t sold. Ask what time they plan to close.

Shop Late

You’ll get better deals at the end of the day. The sellers are tired, and they’d rather sell something for less than pack it.

How do I Start a Small Flea Market Business?

Setting up a business in a flea market is relatively simple as long as you take the time to identify a well-attended, well-run market where you are more likely to have a high volume of business.

1

Walk local flea markets noting the types of merchandise for sale, prices, display methods, vendor behavior and customer interest.

2

Ask vendors how they got started in their flea market business and what tips they might be able to give you with regard to types of products to carry, pricing, dealing with competition, preventing theft, advertising the business, dealing with the organizers and keeping your customers coming back to buy from you.

3

Choose a few flea markets that seem appealing and contact the organizers for information on what you will need to become a vendor in their market, booth fees, booth availability, electrical power availability, parking for vendors and customers and any tips they might have regarding types of products that they would like to see sold in their market, and ways to make a success of your business.

4

Write your business plan describing the products you will carry, sources of inventory, pricing, competitive strategy and marketing plan. Use this to guide the development of your business and serve as documentation for any loan or merchant account applications. You will need a merchant account to accept credit card payments.

5

Acquire any business licenses, tax identification numbers, permits, certifications and insurance you need.

Flea Market Flipping

Flea market flipping is the art of finding items that no one else sees value in and selling them for a profit. Turning someone’s trash into your treasure, if you will.

It’s a simple concept, spend as little as possible and sell at the highest price to earn money. It doesn’t sound like a lucrative business at first glance but do not be deceived by that explanation.

But how much can you realistically expect to make flea market flipping? 

Well, how much you make is really up to you and determined by the item you have and what you’re willing to sell it for. You have the potential to turn your cheap purchase of $5 to $100 or even $1000 depending on what it is.

If you’re just starting out, it’s completely realistic to make an extra $300 to $1,500 a month with flea market flips. You can earn more money as you learn and grow along the way.

Here are a few flea market flip ideas:

• Old furniture = Spruce things up with a new coat of paint or upholstery.
• Silverware = Polish it up and make it sparkle
• Wood furniture = Repurpose or bring it back to life
• Antiques = You never know how valuable these may be.
• Vintage electronics = If you know how to fix it, go ahead but in most cases you can make a pretty penny by selling them for part or as it is (working or not)
• Vintage glass vases, bottles, and jars = paint over them or turn them into chique light fixtures
• Animal horns = You can sell them as is for a great turn around or turn it into a display piece
• Watches and clocks = These can be sold as is for parts or repurposed into home decor
• Vintage toys

Hot Selling Wholesale Flea Market Items

Inexpensive Jewelry

Choosing a high-selling inexpensive jewelry model is not as easy as most people think. There are many different styles and materials you can order. For instance, hipsters and people who are into alternative lifestyles would prefer to wear inexpensive, colorful necklaces, bracelets and other handcrafted jewelry pieces, while other mainstream consumers may choose expensive branded jewelry.

So, before starting your sales, make sure that you have established a big jewelry stock that can target different consumer groups. If you choose to sell only one type of inexpensive jewelry, stick to the locations where your targeted consumers like to hang out.

Baseball Caps

Millennials and Xers enjoy expressing themselves with custom baseball hats. This has drastically improved the production and sale of these sports accessories. If you intend to purchase baseball caps wholesale, try to find a retailer that sells them with custom inscriptions and designs.

You have to make sure you find expressions, graphics, and images that are popular in your area before making an order. Note that the alternative to this approach would be to order a batch of caps branded with logos of the most popular football, basketball, and baseball clubs, or inscribed with the widely known slogans.

Posters and Prints

When choosing posters, it is advisable you stick to the images that spark people’s emotions. You can choose to sell posters of famous singers, actors, athletes and even politicians during an election campaign.

Apart from celebrity photos, you can also print breath-taking nature or city landscapes, and funny or motivational photos or graphics. If you want to earn more money, you can also make a deal with a frame manufacturer and sell your posters and prints together with a custom made frame.

DVD Movies

In flea markets, DVDs are far from being an outdated technology. When searching for wholesale DVD deals, it is advisable you stick to the reputable sellers because that is the only guarantee that you will get top-quality recordings, without picture ad noise interferences.

Although selling the latest blockbusters seems like an easy way to earn lots of cash, don’t sell cinema recordings. Stick to the good old classic movie features and popular series. Since series production is currently at its peak, try to find good wholesale deals for the highly ranked TV shows.

Smartphone and e-reader Covers and Cases

In this age, everyone has a Smartphone and several other easy-breakable gadgets. That is why Smartphone covers and cases count as one of hot selling wholesale flea market items. These rubber frames saved many expensive devices from breakage, and they can be very affordable if purchased wholesale.

Note that you can find hundreds of different Smartphone case designs on Alibaba and other similar platforms. Apart from phone cases, you should also sell glass screen covers and many other popular Smartphone accessories. For instance, special lenses that enhance the work of Smartphone cameras and create DSLR-like images have been very popular recently.

Top Selling Flea Market Items

If you’re interested in flea market selling, your first priority should be finding what to sell. Here are some of the products to consider.

Clothing

You can sell both handmade and vintage or used clothing at flea market booths. It can help you supplement your income from an online handmade clothing shop. Or you can simply use it as a way to make extra money by cleaning out your own closet. Kids’ clothing also tends to be very popular at flea markets, since parents often want to save money on items their kids will grow out of quickly.

Purses

Purses can also be popular with flea market shoppers. You can either sell vintage ones from popular labels or make your own with a unique signature style.

Shoes

Another fashion accessory option, offer vintage designer shoes or clean out your own closet and offer your shoes at a discounted price. Again, kids shoes tend to be very popular at flea markets.

Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, you can offer pretty much any type or style at flea markets. Set up a booth with your own handmade pieces or start collecting vintage pieces to sell.

Upcycled Furniture

If you can get a booth that’s large enough, you can purchase old pieces of furniture like tables or benches and then fix them up and sell them at higher prices.

Vintage Housewares

Housewares like cake pans, window treatments, and clocks can all do well at flea markets. They may be particularly popular if you can find unique vintage pieces.

Artwork

People often scour flea markets for interesting pieces of art for their homes. Sell your own pieces or collect items from other artists to sell. Prints and 2D pieces tend to be particularly popular. But you could also offer sculptures and 3D pieces.

Customized Signs

Wooden, hand-painted signs tend to be very popular with flea market shoppers. You can even offer to add people’s names or details to signs while they shop so they can enjoy a completely customized piece.

Holiday Decorations

If you’re selling at a flea market just before a popular holiday like Halloween or Christmas, you can potentially inspire some impulse purchases by offering trees, signs, lights or other decor.

Garden Supplies

Garden supplies are likely to be especially popular during spring and summer. However, you can still appeal to shoppers by offering non-plant accessories like painted stones or plant markers.

Soap

If you’re able to make bar soaps and other bath products with interesting scents and colors, those items can really appeal to people as gifts or impulse purchases.

Used Books

Books are always a crowd pleasing options. Collect items that are popular with a particular target audience, like crime novels or comic books. Or just offer a full selection of used titles.

Magazines

You can also make a decent profit by offering old magazines, especially if you can find or buy them for cheap. Those that depict historical periods or events, like old Time magazines or National Geographics, tend to be especially popular.

Records

Records are popular with music fans and collectors. If you have an old collection lying around or the time to scour record stores for deals, you can sell them for a profit.

Toys

Kids’ items are popular with budget conscious parents who shop at flea markets. As long as the toys you have are clean and safe, you should be able to sell them at a decent price.

Coins

Collectibles like coins can also be very popular at flea markets. Spend some time at different venues or research the types of items that are available at each one to make sure you find the best place to sell specific collectibles.

Flea Market Selling Tips

Selling at flea markets doesn’t just mean clearing out some junk from your basement and throwing it on a table. You can actually build a business around selling at flea markets. But you’ll need some flea market sales tips to really increase your profits going forward. Here are some flea market selling tips to make your next flea market sale a huge success.

Sell More by Providing Many Payment Options

Flea market customers have a huge variety of different payment preferences. Some want to pay with credit cards, some with checks, some with cash. If you can give customers options, you’ll be more likely to increase your sales over the course of each day.

That means using a Square or similar credit card reader, allowing customers to pay with checks, and having enough change for people who just want to pay in cash. In addition, if you can offer layaway options, it can help your ability to sell some larger items that people might need time to gather the funds for.

Sell More by Creating a Facebook Page

Your business is likely to sell more if you actually treat it like a business. Today, that means having some kind of an online presence. And since so many consumers use Facebook already, that’s a natural place for flea market vendors to connect with potential customers. So give yourself a professional business name, add some photos and use Facebook to share information and connect with potential customers.

Sell More by Advertising in Advance

Social media and similar online platforms can also be helpful when it comes to advertising your offerings. For instance, if you go to different markets or locations each week or month, you can post on Facebook where you’re going to be each week and what types of new products you’ll have available. You can even pay to boost your posts so that you can reach even more people.

Sell More by Accepting Reasonable Offers

Bargaining is a huge part of running a flea market business. While you don’t have to accept every single offer that comes your way, at least being open to reasonable offers can help you increase sales and clear up space for new inventory. The longer you hold onto things, the less space/money you have to acquire new things to offer for sale, and the more your money is tied up in inventory that isn’t selling.

Sell More by Conveying Approachable Body Language

At a flea market, you are the literal face of your business. People will be more likely to stop and look at your products if you look friendly and approachable. And if they stop and look at your products, they’re more likely to buy. If you are sitting and do not smile or attempt to engage passers by, they will actually pass you by.

Sell More by Standing Out in the Crowd

Your booth can also be a selling point for potential customers. So don’t make it just look the same as everyone else’s. Choose that orange canopy instead of that gray one, and spend the money to have some large signage that you can prop up on top of it. Making your booth look nice and eye-catching can cause shoppers multiple rows away to notice your booth and make a point to stop by.

Sell More by Using Professional Signage to Convey Trust

A professional looking shop sign can also convey a sense of trust to your customers. Instead of just seeing a bunch of random items strewn across a table, they are more likely to see an actual business with products that are high-quality and valuable.

Have Business Cards Easily Accessible

Some customers at flea markets might not be ready to buy from you even if your booth looks great and your products are awesome. So you should give them an easy way to connect with you later. Provide business cards to passers by so that if they see something they like, don’t buy it, but return home and decide they want it, they can reach you and make the purchase.

You can also offer shipping as an option so that those customers don’t have to make a return trip. In addition, provide your social media accounts so they can follow you from market to market each week.

How to Prepare to Sell at a Flea Market

Whether your goal is to get rid of the unwanted items around your home or make some extra money on a regular basis, a flea market can be an excellent venue. Flea markets bring in eager customers who want what you have to sell. You can increase your sales and even gain repeat customers by displaying your wares in an attractive manner and making it easy for your customers to find exactly what they are looking for.

1

Label each item with a price. Flea market shoppers may be reluctant to ask you about prices, so make it easier for those potential buyers to find the items they want. You can find colorful labels printed with prices, or you can simply create your own.

2

Ask the owner of the flea market if your spot rental includes the display tables. If not, you will need to supply your own tables to show off your merchandise.

3

Visit your bank a few days before the flea market and withdraw money in small bills and coins. You will need to provide change for your customers, and you do not want to run short. Keep your change in a cash box when you arrive at the flea market.

4

Arrive at least an hour or two before the flea market is officially scheduled to start. Many flea market shoppers like to browse early.

5

Set up your merchandise as soon as you arrive at the flea market. Set up your tables, then arrange the items attractively on the table. Make sure the price tags are prominently displayed.

6

Use signs to draw the attention of shoppers to your flea market space. Make your signs colorful and eye-catching to get people to stop and see what you have to offer.

Best Profit Items Flea Market

You can make some generous profits at a flea market, but you have to understand what people are going to be willing to pay for. To help with this, let us now take a look at some unique and popular items that are sure to make your next flea market sale a hit. 

1. Soaps

Despite how simple soap may seem, there has been a recent surge in the desire for artisan and homemade soaps. Many younger buyers are rushing to local markets and stores to purchase homemade soap as they view it as more ecologically friendly and ethically derived. Because of this surge in demand, you can make your own soaps at home with relative ease for a nice profit.

Mixing together various ingredients and scents can yield soap varieties that get people coming back for more and wanting to become customers of your stall. With different types of soap, scented bath products, and any other number of niche fragrance goods, you can create a stall and even brand around products that are surging in popularity. 

2. Antiques 

Similar to the idea of soap, many younger buyers are looking at older goods for a refreshing look or finish in their homes. That old lamp you haven’t used in years could be just what a young couple is looking for to add character to their home. The antique section of flea markets is always popular as many people are looking for unique items to add some variety to their homes.

There is also some potential for you to sell something that is worth much more than you thought. Vintage watches, clocks, and even furniture can have a rich history that will have buyers paying top dollar for a slice of history. Knowing what you have and what it is worth could bring some attention and interest to your booth. 

3. Electronics/ Appliances

Most flea markets are designed with families in mind, so selling electronics could be a gold mine. Young kids are always looking for new video games and tech to get their curious hands on so they can play and tinker all day. What this means for you is that any technology you or your family is no longer using is what could make some young kids’ day.

College students are also a great market to sell to as they are looking to get their hands on whatever they can afford. Lightly used appliances for the kitchen, living room, or man cave can all be great selling items for the tech loving buyer. 

4. Vintage Clothing

Yet again, younger buyers are rushing to thrift stores and flea markets to get a taste of older times and fashions. If you have been holding onto older clothes that you haven’t worn in years, a flea market may be the best way to get rid of them for a profit. Even if you loved the clothing and got lots out of it, it is likely younger generations will do the same. 

5. Unique Food

Among the wholesale items to sell at flea markets, selling food can be a surprisingly popular option. Things like homemade honey, pickles, and baked goods are often a great way for people to end the day and go home with something to enjoy. If you like to bake or create foods of your own, a flea market could be a great way to turn your hobby or passion into a high-ticket item at flea markets. 

How to Sell at a Flea Market

The best way to take part in a flea market is to understand how you can set yourself up for success before even setting up your stall. 

1. Finding Your Gems

If you want to wow your customers and make some big sales, you need to find your items that will sell easily and for a good price. If you think it’s time to clear out your home and want to make some money, look around your home for some items that you think have some value.

While we will look more in depth as to what you want to sell later, look around your home for things that you would want to buy at a flea market. It is better to go to a flea market with a few great items than to show up with a pile of junk. 

2. Determining Reasonable Prices

It is best to have a general idea of what prices you want to charge for your goods before going to the market. While it is fun to haggle a bit with customers for a better deal, you need to understand what your minimum selling price has to be.

Do some research as to what you have and what it is worth so you are not blindly guessing at what you could get for your items. For all you know, you could be selling something for pennies that could actually be worth much more. 

3. Organizing Your Stall

Just like a well-organized retail store, you can either make or break your sales by the way your stall looks. Even if you just have a few items to sell, the way you organize and display your items can play a key role in how people perceive their value.

People are looking for value in the products they buy from a flea market and that all starts with how they perceive your stall. It may not seem like a big deal but the way your stall looks can either catch attention or turn away potential customers. 

How Much Does a Flea Market Vendor Make?

For most crafts and flea market vendors, the point is more in the passion and enjoyment rather than the cash, but you can bring in new income through your booth or table. The amount you can expect to bring in per weekend or day depends on your location and the type of merchandise you’re selling.

After paying rental fees and other expenses, many flea market vendors make between $200 and $500 per day. Meanwhile, many crafts fair vendors make upwards of $1,000 per day.

Do You Need a Permit to Sell at a Flea Market?

Selling goods at a flea market requires you to comply with all applicable laws. Flea market vendors must get a federal tax ID. In addition, many states and local governments require flea market vendors to obtain a permit to sell their goods.

Read Also: Make Money With Film Distribution

States often require vendors to apply for a state sales tax permit as well so that the state can receive the taxes you collect on the goods that you sell. Different states have different registration procedures, so it’s important to find out the requirements of the state where you want to sell your goods.

Step 1

Apply for an employee identification number through the Internal Revenue Service. You need an EIN because the federal government classifies flea market vendors as small business owners. You will also need to provide an EIN to complete the paperwork for a flea market permit.

Step 2

Navigate to your state’s business or tax portal to find out if you need a permit to sell at a flea market. These permits might have names such as Use and Sales Tax License or Permit, Reseller Certificate, Reseller Permit or Certificate of Resale.

Step 3

Fill out the paperwork to apply for the permit you need. Required information includes your name and EIN. Some states offer online applications for permits. You might also need to pay a fee to receive the permit.

Bottom Line

A flea market can be one of the best ways to get rid of some goods you no longer find a use for, but there are other unique ways to use these events. A rising trend at flea markets is to become a flea market flipper.

What this means is that you go to the markets and look for goods you could sell elsewhere for a higher price. While it may take some digging, you could potentially score big if you know what you are looking for and what sells well. 

Whether you are looking to sell your homemade jams or a television, flea markets offer bold sales potential for the invested seller. The best way to do well at a flea market is to show up with value to give and a smile on your face.