by Kathy Mahon

Created on: October 14, 2010   Last Updated: October 15, 2010

The time has come to get on the receiving end in the popular world of flea market sellers.  The first step is too chose a location where you feel comfortable and have enough traffic to turn a profit for your products.

The decision on what type of product line you will carry is major in whether you will be successful.  Most sellers carry a variety of products.  The big question is what do you want to sell.  Crafts always sell well so if you are talented enough to produce crafty items you’ll be successful immediately.   Are you loaded with baby clothes and accessories that you no longer need?  Those are another hot item at the flea markets.  If you are fortunate enough to have tools, fishing poles, electrical supplies or plumbing supplies you have a sure fire way to make money.  The other big ones are collector’s pieces, antiques or conversation pieces, jewelry or coin collections.

Take time to think about what you’re going to sell.  Most people don’t have a large supply of in demand items so you elect to go with the disposable things in your home.

In reality it’s a good idea to start with things you really don’t have any attachment too until you become experienced in setting prices and getting the price you want for your items.  Definitely be prepared for the experienced bargain hunters to try to drive down your price.  The fun of shopping at a flea market is the haggling and getting a bargain.

The time is getting closer for you to open your store.  You chose your location, you paid your rental fee and have gathered the unwanted items in your home that you plan to sell.  Small things make your booth appealing to the public.  Cover your tables with bright plastic table clothes and playing music will help attract people to your booth.  Always make sure everything is displayed in an attractive manner and clean.  Eye appeal is your best selling tool.  Take time to speak to people walking past your booth.  Don’t hesitate to supply your customers with information on your items.  You are now the salesperson so be the best one you possible can be.

Arrive prepared with enough change so you don’t run into problems.  A definite “make sure you have” is a counterfeit pen to check larger bills.   Be aware if your area is having a problem with counterfeit money being used.  A flea market is a perfect place for the bad guys to pass counterfeit bills.  Actually I would recommend you not take anything over a $20.00 bill but that’s up to you.  Absolutely do not take a twenty dollar bill for a $2.00 item if its counterfeit your out $18.00. Be money smart.

One more important point is to be humble.  No one feels they have gotten a bargain from a “no it all”.  The whole success of the sale is that the customer feels they got an item they want at a bargain.

    

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