How does a vendor make money at a flea market? By knowing what customers want by doing research into which items sell best at that venue. In a bad economy, people are looking for bargains. Low priced items will attract interest, but choosing the right items to sell is a huge factor in making money at a flea market. Below are a few categories of goods to offer for sale to maximize the amount of money made at a flea market.

Make money at a flea market by offering bargain books for sale

In a tight economy, consumers look for cheap entertainment. Offering used books books for sale, particularly paperbacks, is a good way to lure in customers. Price the books at yard sale prices, not asking more than $1.00 for a paperback or more than $3-$5 for a hardback book. Romance novels, such as those put out by Harlequin, should not be priced more than a quarter or fifty cents. How does one acquire a large selection of books without purchasing them? Post an ad on Craigslist asking for donations and ask friends and family members to pass on their used books as well. New books at book stores cost a mint, but used books allow customers to purchase several books for the price of one.

Sell brand name, gently used clothing at flea markets to make money

Selling brand name, but gently used clothing at flea markets can net a vendor a nice sum of money. Bargain hunters are always on the lookout to save money where possible and picking up a pair of brand name, high quality jeans at a flea market can mean significant savings. For many parents in particular, clothing is a discretionary expenditure that can easily be scaled back or temporarily cut from a budget when money is tight. Offering brand name clothing in current styles will make a vendor money at a flea market.

Be prepared to negotiate to make money

Haggling over prices is not uncommon at a flea market. However, to make money at a flea market, a vendor needs to be somewhat flexible with prices. If a customer offers less than an item’s sticker price, be prepared to negotiate. The offered price may not be the most that a customer is willing to pay, and a little bit of haggling can reap a slightly higher offer on an item.

Don’t forget snacks and drinks as a way to make money at a flea market

A large flea market held on a hot day will surely lead to hungry and thirsty customers. Buy soda, water and light snacks in bulk at warehouse clubs and offer them for sale at a modest mark up. Be sure to check into any local regulations with regard to offering food items for sale. However, if a 12-pack of Pepsi can be purchased on sale for $3, offering each can for fifty cents means net sales of $6. Ice is inexpensive and offering customers a cool drink on a hot day may just get them to browse around a bit longer while they drink.

Making money at a flea market is easy to do if a vendor chooses the right items to sell and prices them competitively compared to vendors selling the same type of items. Do research before opening a booth by visiting several local flea markets. Note which items are popular and what the various vendors charge for them. Using that knowledge, set prices accordingly. Offering extras services, such as snacks and drinks, can be a huge draw as well.

Sources:

• Making the Most Money at Flea Markets
• How to Make Big Money at Garage Sales, Flea Markets & Swap Meets