How to Become a Flea Market Vendor



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Flea Market Vendor
Selling in A Flea Market

Breaking Into and Succeeding as A Flea Market Vendor
How to Start A Flea Market Vendor
Starting A Flea Market Booth Business

Although the history of the flea market is somewhat of a mystery, many believe that the term is a is a literal translation of the French marche aux puces, an outdoor bazaar in Paris, France that was appropriately named after the fleas that infested the upholstery that was left out for sale.

Another story about the origins of the flea market is a bit more dramatic. During the reign of the Emperor Napoleon III, the imperial architect planned to re-design the boulevards of Paris, so that the military could march through its streets. As a result, the dealers of second hand goods had to abandon their storefronts. They were, however, allowed to sell their wares in the north of Paris. The first stalls were installed in the year 1860, and the gathering of the exiled merchants became known as the Flea Market.

Today, flea markets have become a popular form of commerce throughout the entire world. Going by the adage, "one man's or woman's junk is another man's or woman's treasure,' each year, millions of people attend flea markets in search of that perfect item at that perfect price.

Aside from the "shop till you drop" attitude that often prevails at flea markets, these events have become important in their function as community gatherings, where people meet friends, enjoy the entertainment and share a few laughs. Unlike a shopping mall, it's an extremely positive environment, and a savvy vendor can take of these "good vibes" and use them to create a lucrative business.

Flea market shopping attracts consumers from all walks of life. There is no typical flea market shopper, just as there are no typical flea markets. Yet whatever their economic background, flea market shoppers are united in their excitement at the prospect of finding a treasure and saving money.

Savvy shoppers know how to take advantage of the opportunity flea markets offer to save money on apparel, furniture and other consumer goods. These savings are capable of adding quality to their lives when they are used for funding vacations, entertainment, college and retirement accounts, and family activities.

Flea markets, as well as the rest of the resale industry, are flourishing because of a growing number of value-conscious consumers, as well as an increasing awareness of the importance of reducing pointless waste. As we continue to progress from a disposable society to a recycling society, there is an unlimited market potential for the entire resale industry, As such, flea markets might just be the ultimate form of recycling.

Are people still going to flea markets? Don’t they buy stuff at eBay now?

eBay is great, but it does not supply the "browsing instincts" of most people. eBay is for practical purchasing. Flea Markets are a buying experience. If you have any doubt, attend one and see the throbs of people who visit flea markets each year.

There are still people who want to get "up close and personal" with the products that they wish to buy. This implies that there are many people that want to have the ability to touch, smell or even taste the product if it is a food item.

Furthermore, outdoors and indoors flea markets provide a sense of community spirit that is just not present online. People go to flea markets to meet up with friends and enjoy the entertainment. A visitor who is traveling to a specific place might want to bring home items that were purchased in that area.

Many "conservative" people are not that comfortable purchasing stuff from individuals online. Additionally, although it may be hard to believe, there are some people who have no Internet or computer skills. This is especially true of senior citizens, who may well be potential customers of your flea market!

Keep in mind that if you, yourself are savvy at eBay auctions, you can resell your purchases at flea markets. It can also work both ways. If you have merchandise that did not sell at your flea market booth, you can try to sell it on eBay.

I’m not familiar with how a flea market works. Can you explain it to me?

A flea market is a facility that rents space to who wishes to sell various types of merchandise to the general public. The merchandise can either be new or used. Some people even sell food products. The selling spaces at the flea markets are known stalls, and the people who rent the space to sell their products are known as vendors. Flea markets can either be indoor or outdoor events. Some of them take place for a few specific days each year; others are ongoing throughout the entire year.

I don’t have any business experience. Can I still be a flea market vendor?

If you have a passion for the merchandise you are going to sell, and can convey this enthusiasm to others, you have won half of the battle. However, it can be helpful to take a few business courses, such as small business accounting, record keeping, etc. If you are shy about doing anything that involves number crunching, there is no need to worry. Today, there are computer programs that can handle most types of accounting.

You can also set up a "flea market rehearsal" by experimenting with a yard sale. Since you will not need a vendor's license to do this, a yard sale is a risk-free business venture. It will also give you a better idea of the type of items that people in your area are interested in buying.

Additionally, a yard sale is a great way to develop your marketing skills. Make up a series of flyers, and put them up around your community. Make note of where you put the different signs. When someone comes to your yard sale, ask him or her where he or she saw your sign. This will allow you to determine which sign will most likely attract attention, and which location is the best for your sign.

Another option is to volunteer your services to a friend or relative that works as a flea market vendor. This is a good way to learn the ropes.
I don’t know what to sell as a flea market vendor.

The possibilities are endless! Needless to say, you should sell things that you yourself are enthusiastic about. However, you should also be sure to visit a flea market and see what type of booths are getting a significant amount attention.

Which products seem to have a good sales volume? What types of merchandise is popular in your area? How high is the demand for this type of product? When you are first starting out, you will want to avoid spending too much money on inventory that might not sell. Start with things that you can either get for little or no charge.

For example, do you have some old furniture that won't fit in your new home? Do your friends or family have things they don't want, but would be willing to let you sell on consignment? Are there any local artists or craftsman who would let you sell their work on commission? How about that collection of books that you keep meaning to throw away or give to Goodwill?

When considering merchandise to sell, you should also take into account the culture of area where you will be selling. For example, in Frisco, Colorado, a popular company sells chairs and shelves that are made out of vintage skis and ski poles. Would that type of item sell in Miami Florida? Probably not!

Here is a list of some of the most common items sold at flea markets:

· Appliances - large and small: How many blenders did you get for your anniversary? Here's a chance to unload them!

· Books - paperback and hard cover: Are you bookshelves exploding? Are your really going to read that Harlequin Romance again? Get rid of it!

· Costume jewelry: Particularly that grotesque green necklace that Grandma Tillie bought you for Christmas.

· Sports equipment: So you tried skiing and hated it. Why not sell the skis? Better yet, you tried skiing and got good at it. Now you have become too good for the bunny slope skis. If you sell your old ones, you can justify spending money on the new ones.

· Plants: Always a good seller.

· Linens / bedding: You had a twin bed, but you switched to a queen. Sell those old linens!

· Children's toys: They've outgrown them. Get rid of them!

· Flatware - silver and stainless steel: How many silverware sets did you get when you got married?

· Baby equipment: Unless you plan to have another kid, why not make a profit?

· Records / tape: Some people still have turntables, believe it or not.

· Shoes / boot: As long as they are clean.

· Patio equipment.

· Garden tools: Especially if you are moving from the suburbs to a city apartment.

· Kitchen utensils / gadgets: When you got married, how many of these "his and her" gadgets became duplicates?

· China / bric-a-brac: If it's been in storage for more than a year, you are probably not going to use it.

· Clothing, especially children's: Why keep them?

· Pictures / frames: Some things just don't go with your wall space or color scheme.

· Baseball Cards: Have the kids outgrown their collection? Why not sell?

Now, how much money can you make?

It really depends on the volume, type of merchandise, and how often you open your booth. In a good day, it is not impossible to earn $100 to $500. Multiply that amount with the number of days you do business, so it is not impossible to earn at least a few good thousands of dollars per month from selling goods in a flea market.

Need we say more?
This eGuide provides insightful information, advices and tips for anyone who is contemplating to start a skiing class. Numerous hard-to-find resources are included to help you locate pertinent information.

About the Authors

Jennie S. Bev is THE fashion, image and fun careers expert, whose reputation has been acknowledged by prestigious media internationally. She has been profiled and mentioned in Entrepreneur, Teen People, Canadian Business, Home Business, Dong (France), San Francisco Chronicle, The Independent, Daily Southtown, The Arizona Republic, Femina (Asia) and Dewi (Asia).

Editor-in-Chief Jennie S. Bev was named an EPPIE Award finalist in Non-Fiction How To category for excellence in electronic publishing. She has published over 40 books and 900 articles in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Southeast Asia. She is also a college professor based in San Francisco Bay Area.

Lisa Mercer is the co-author of multiple StyleCareer.com eGuides and the author of Open Your Heart With Winter Fitness: Mastering Life Through Love of the Slopes. In addition to loving the outdoors, she is also an avid flea market shopper and enthusiast.

This 81-page instantly downloadable StyleCareer.com eGuide Breaking Into and Succeeding as A Flea Market Vendor brings you valuable insider tips, advice and suggestions not available elsewhere to help you embark on this highly lucrative career path.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Myths, the Realities, and the Basics
I’m not familiar with how a flea market works. Can you explain it to me?
I don’t know any flea market’s management. Where can I find information?
I don’t have any business experience. Can I still be a flea market vendor?
I don’t know what to sell as a flea market vendor.
I only have weekends to work in a flea market.
Are people still going to flea markets? Don’t they buy stuff at eBay now?
Do I Have the Right Personality to be a Flea Market Vendor.

Flea Market Business in a Nutshell
Statistics: Crunching the Numbers of Flea Markets
What to Sell
Impulse Buying
Pre-Planned Products

Becoming A Flea Market Vendor
Product Sourcing for Your Flea Market
Suppliers of Popular Flea Market Merchandise
How to Negotiate with A Wholesaler
How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Research: What to Sell?
Pricing Merchandise
Storing Merchandise
Approaching Flea Market Management
The World's Best Flea Markets
Overseas Flea Markets
Canada
The United Kingdom
Australia
The United States
New Mexico
Tennessee and Alabama
Massachusetts
Florida
Texas
Pennsylvania
Ohio
New York State
Connecticut
New Orleans
Washington
New York
California
Colorado
Illinois
Texas

Being A Vendor Plus
Pros and Cons of Popular Flea Market Items
Feed Me, I'm Hungry!
Show Me the Money
How Much to Expect
Preparing for the Booth
Promoting Your Vendor Booth
Effective Website Design For Flea Market Vendors
Complaints and Issues
Unsold Merchandise
Proof of Ownership Laws
Hagglers
Kids and Fragile Merchandise
Recalls
Counterfeit Designer Clothes and Bags
Pirated CDs
Time Commitments
Consignment Agreements
Other Agreements and Arrangements With Management and Other Parties

Being Successful
Publications and Resources
Associations and Organizations to Join
The National Flea Market Association (NFMA)
Upgrading Business Skills
Success Profiles

This eGuide literally saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars spent on professional workshops and training and hundreds of hours of research. It will help you break into the career of your dream faster without having to repeat the same mistakes that most newcomers do.

We have also included resources on the following:

Trade and networking associations
Pricing, selecting, and purchasing of merchandise resources

You can have this exclusive eGuide right away by instant download for only $19.95, which you will earn many times over with your first paid job. This special low discount price is reserved for today, Saturday, 13-Mar-2010 18:20:01 PST only. (Regular price: $29.95)

Breaking Into and Succeeding
as A Flea Market Vendor
81 Pages
Regular Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $19.95

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