If you want to make some extra cash, investigate spring and summer flea markets. Whether it’s a one-time thing (perhaps to de-clutter) or as a potential source of ongoing income, flea markets have one thing that yard sales don’t: You’re likely to have many more people wandering through.
There’s quite a variety of flea-market venues. Some are run every weekend, others once a month. The size of spaces vary. Tables are frequently provided (for as little as $10 a day), and you bring a canopy, should you want one. Indoor locked venues often let you leave your merchandise there overnight.
Here’s what to do in advance:
• If you have a choice of locations for your table, check the traffic patterns of people walking through. Where will you get the most passersby?
• Ask about setup and takedown times, limits on items that can be sold and any discounts for paying in advance for multiple weekends.
• Note what the other vendors are selling and at what price. You’ll need to be competitive. Your pricing depends on what your intentions are: Do you want to de-clutter and make fast cash? Or do you want to set up a regular business?
• Decide whether you want to stick to one type of merchandise or put out a variety. You’ll find anything and everything at a flea market.
• Arrange for help. Have at least one other person at your booth or table to keep an eye on the cashbox, make transactions and relieve you when needed.
Gather your supplies:
• Plastic bags, so your buyers can carry away their purchases
• Pricing stickers
• Pen and paper
• Tape to hang any posters
• Scissors
• A table cover — a plastic or paper picnic table cover will be perfect
• A canopy, if it’s allowed at that venue (ask around and see if you can borrow one)
• A chair
• Portable shelving — for smaller items you don’t want on the table
• Change and small bills
If you make enough money on a trial weekend, consider doing it on a regular basis. You’ll learn over time what will sell. Scout yard sales and businesses that are closing for items you can sell at a profit, or decide on an unfilled niche.
Uffington does not personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.
There’s quite a variety of flea-market venues. Some are run every weekend, others once a month. The size of spaces vary. Tables are frequently provided (for as little as $10 a day), and you bring a canopy, should you want one. Indoor locked venues often let you leave your merchandise there overnight.
Here’s what to do in advance:
• If you have a choice of locations for your table, check the traffic patterns of people walking through. Where will you get the most passersby?
• Ask about setup and takedown times, limits on items that can be sold and any discounts for paying in advance for multiple weekends.
• Note what the other vendors are selling and at what price. You’ll need to be competitive. Your pricing depends on what your intentions are: Do you want to de-clutter and make fast cash? Or do you want to set up a regular business?
• Decide whether you want to stick to one type of merchandise or put out a variety. You’ll find anything and everything at a flea market.
• Arrange for help. Have at least one other person at your booth or table to keep an eye on the cashbox, make transactions and relieve you when needed.
Gather your supplies:
• Plastic bags, so your buyers can carry away their purchases
• Pricing stickers
• Pen and paper
• Tape to hang any posters
• Scissors
• A table cover — a plastic or paper picnic table cover will be perfect
• A canopy, if it’s allowed at that venue (ask around and see if you can borrow one)
• A chair
• Portable shelving — for smaller items you don’t want on the table
• Change and small bills
If you make enough money on a trial weekend, consider doing it on a regular basis. You’ll learn over time what will sell. Scout yard sales and businesses that are closing for items you can sell at a profit, or decide on an unfilled niche.
Uffington does not personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.