When it comes to a little extra pocket money, most everyone could use some. While there are a lot of odd jobs and freelance ideas one could pursue to come up with it, selling at flea markets proves to be one that has a great return, so much so, that it is completely possible to earn a full income.
Implementing just a few easy steps and remembering to keep some tips in mind can lead to anyone making a stable income at flea markets.
Location
One of the biggest aspects when it comes to making money at a flea market is making sure the right location is selected. This can mean flea market in general, but also the best location within the market itself. While many cities big and small have flea markets, the best way to ensure sales are going to one in a bigger city.
The San Antonio flea market and markets in new york city are great examples of these. Sales are more projected here, simply because it's a bigger city, meaning there are more people to sell to.
In fact, a San Antonio flea market by the name of Traders Village is a very popular one, and claims to be the number one flea market in America because of how many people turn out, and how many sales are made.
The second part of the location aspect is the area within the flea market. A booth near the entrance of the market, or in the center, is ideal, because this location will allow for more customers to see it and walk past it, generating more sales.
Depending on the flea market, members may have to pay a fee ahead of time to set up within it. If this is the case, doing so early and getting their early as to be able to set up in the area of choice can make all the difference when it comes to making money.
Items and Pricing
Another aspect of making good money at a flea market is making sure the items being sold are not only good, and in demand, but they are priced well, too. What items are in demand may vary depending on the location, so when working around the point mentioned above, it's a good idea to do research on what people in that geographical area mostly desire.
Generally speaking, vintage items like clothes, toys, and old music do well at these things. Additionally, furniture, jewelry, and other antiques are sure to sell quickly as well. If these items aren't obtained personally, it's extremely feasible to buy them somewhere like a thrift store for cheap, and then flip them for more money at a flea market stand.
However, it should be thought out what the new price will be, when it comes to flipping, and just selling in general. While one wants to make a profit, the price also has to be reasonable enough that it will attract customers in the first place.
A great rule of them is to find the general value of the item, and maybe sell it for a bit lower, so that it appears as a desirable deal to people considering purchasing. Taking negotiations can also prove to be profitable.
Aesthetic
Another, and some may say, the most important concept when it comes to selling is making sure the aesthetic of the flea market is not only fitting, but attractive.
Organizing and decorating the stand in a way that looks pretty and neat is a crucial step to attracting customers, because a lot of the time, looks are the first impression people get of anything. Making sure that the items are lined up neatly, and organized by color or category is a great idea.
It should also be concerned in relation to what's being sold. If the focal point of the flea market is vintage items, decorations that give an old school vibe could do wonders when it comes to attracting customers. Even something as simple as playing music that fits the theme and feel of the stand can make a huge difference as well.
Customer Service
And finally, probably the most important part is good customer service, and actually taking the time to connect with customers. It is very rare that people will want to buy from someone who comes off as a greedy person, only concerned about them for the money.
Making sure to hold conversation with the customers can make them feel a personal connection to the seller, and give them more incentive to shop with them!
Conclusion
Overall, making money at a flea market is very easy to do, as long as one plans accordingly, and keeps the major key guidelines in mind when doing so. The biggest component is simply doing research to select the correct location and items, and learning what people in that area are searching for.
Anyone looking for extra income, or just income in general should consider selling at a flea market.
