How to Make Money Selling Items at a Flea Market

Summer is the perfect time for flea markets, and so you will see them popping up like mushrooms all over town. Flea markets are a great way to pass a lazy Saturday morning, the perfect place to find a deal, and of course the perfect place to make a little extra cash. You may have shopped flea markets in the past, but maybe you are ready to try selling at one. The thought can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Setting up and selling at a flea market is easier than you might think. Plus, it is a great way to put some extra summer cash in your pocket.

If you want to take advantage of the summer flea market season and make some extra dough, take a look below for tips on How to Make Money Selling Items at a Flea Market. In no time, you will find that you too can take advantage of those Saturday morning shoppers looking for a deal!

How to Make Money Selling Items at a Flea Market

1. Decide on your product and prepare it to look presentable. Before you begin, think about what it is you will be selling. Whether it be glassware, collectibles, clothing, electronics, or tools, you will want to be sure everything is clean and in good condition. Nothing will turn a buyer off faster than beat up merchandise.

2. Find local markets in your area.
Flea markets seeking out vendors will be advertised on Craigslist, your local newspaper, and via online venues such as news station chat boards. Check these avenues out to find a market in your area. Or, ask friends about the markets they like to shop. If they like to shop a particular market, chances are you will enjoy selling at it.

3. Secure you spot.
Once you find a market, reserve your spot. This often involves signing a simple contract releasing the market organizer of any liability, promising to pay for the space, and to abide by market terms in regards to set up procedures and hours. In most cases, you can get a space to sell in from $10-$50.

4. Plan your set up.
Will the market be providing tables? If not you will want to bring your own. You don’t want shoppers to have to pick items off the floor. Bring tables, simple displays or racks to show items on, clean table coverings, and other items to create a nice display. Again, people hate to dig, so create a display that is pleasing to the eye and showcases your items nicely.

4. Price your inventory.
A pet peeve of flea market shoppers is shopping in a booth where items are not priced. Go to your local dollar store and get price tags for your items. Use a dark marker and make clear, easy to read price labels. When pricing your items, you may wish to add on a buck or two since most shoppers will want a deal and try to talk you down on your price!

6. Start setting up.
Get to the venue early so you can take your time creating a nice and clean set up. Double check and make sure everything is priced. Have plenty of change on hand, plastic shopping bags, paper to wrap fragile items, and snacks for yourself in case you are unable to get away to buy some. When the market opens, you will be prepared and ready to go.

7. Be ready to bargain.
Negotiating is part of the fun of a flea market. Be willing to come down on your prices around 10%-15%. Be friendly, but firm if an offer is lower than you can accept. Remember, you don’t want to take it all home so try to come to a fair agreement both buyer and seller can enjoy.

8. Call it a day!
At the end of the day, you can mark your inventory down 50% or more to get rid of it. Or, pack it up and return to sell again the next weekend! Clean up your space and thank the market organizer. You may also want to talk to other vendors to find more markets worth selling at in your area.

By following these simple steps, you too can enjoy a successful day at the flea market! Nothing will be more rewarding than getting rid of your clutter and coming home with extra cash in your pocket. Give these tips a try and see how easy it is for you to enjoy flea market success too.