Looking for a way to make some extra money, meet lots of interesting people or maybe looking for a way to launch your new business? Perhaps your goal is just to work on a part-time basis two or three days out of a week. Consider a swap meet, flea market, or craft show. These opportunities are loads of fun attracting lots of bargain shoppers who are willing to support you. Every city has them. It’s only a matter of locating them. I guarantee you that you will not have to look long or hard before you are able to find several within a short distance from your home. Chances are you probably have been to a flea market or swap meet. Have you never considered that this would be something you could do and enjoy? There are several opportunities to pursue.
Types of Vendor Opportunities:
Outdoor Swap Meets/Flea Markets-These usually have large variety of merchandise. Here you can find high end items like TV’s and appliances to small items like fashion jewelry. You may also find used merchandise. People who attend these are usually are looking for big discounts.
Indoor Malls-These attract the more professional class and savvy shopper. The displays are more organized in appearance. You will see booths and each vendor will more than likely specialize in a line of product.
Craft Fairs-These maybe held inside or outside. You’ll find them in parking lots, schools, churches, parks, etc. Sometimes they are fundraisers. Merchandise will range from homemade to high ticket items.
Benefits
Fun way to make extra money on weekends.
Meet lots of interesting people.
Can be a great launching pad for your business.
Simple Steps to Getting Started
Check out local newspapers, magazines, word of mouth.
Make contact with the group or organization.
Reserve a table or booth-a fee may be involved.
Get a list of rules and regulations and become familiar with them.
Select your merchandise.
Supplies
One folding table
A cash box, with small bills and change
A clean tablecloth
A calculator
Your price list
An order book to write receipts
Plenty of business cards
The Big Day Arrives
You want to be prepared when the day arrives. If you have done your homework ahead of time the day will go rather smoothly without encountering too many problems. Here are some things you will want to accomplish.
Find your space and set up.
Decide on your bottom line price. This would be your lowest price you would be willing to take.
Be prepared to take checks.
Record the name, address, and phone number of customers
It is always a good idea to take someone with you to handle the cashbox while you deal with the sales.
Rehearse your set up at home. Set up your display and plan the most attractive arrangement before the show.
While you are counting your money reorder merchandise especially those items that have sold well, build your mailing list and send out follow-ups and thank yous. The main thing that I want to get across is while this is work, also have a good time. Enjoy the interesting people you meet. Once you establish your customer base, they will become your repeat customers.
My name is Marjorie Malone. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and over the years I have been involved in many MLM networks. I enjoy people and selling quality products and services. I am currently the founder and owner of an e-commerce speciality store called Blue Angel Boutique. You will find a variety of products and services to meet your gift buying needs. You will discover unique giftwares, inspirational items, home accessories, jewelry, and other resources. We are the Home of Universal Treasures because the products and services are universal to all. There is something here for everyone. Please stop by and visit at http://www.blueangelboutique.com
A small handful of "in-the-know" business owners are
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What do they know, that YOU don't?
Find Out How To Profit From Storage Unit Auctions. Storage Units Are All Over The Place, And They Are Filled With Products You Can Resell At Flea Markets Or Online Auctions.
How To Set Up Wholesale Accounts With Wholesale Suppliers
Every retail business needs strong selling merchandise to make money. The merchandise must be of high quality, and must provide clear benefits for the customers.
The merchandise must also be priced at or below the prices of the competition.
Whether a seller is on eBay, or at a local flea market, he will be faced with other sellers who are selling the same, or similar merchandise.
If his prices are not the same, or lower, than those of his competitor’s, he will have a difficult time making any sales.
For this reason every retailer needs to have a strong relationship with a good wholesale business.
Another reason why a retailer should have a solid relationship with a wholesaler is because it needs a steady supply of wholesale merchandise.
Since retailers want to enjoy ongoing sales, they need to have an ongoing source for their wholesale merchandise.
A good wholesaler will have a steady supply of wholesale merchandise, and at low prices, which makes the relationship that much valuable.
But surprisingly, wholesalers do not want to deal with every customer who is out there.
The real wholesalers only want to conduct business with retailers, flea market vendors, and eBay sellers who they feel they can build up a long term business relationship with.
The reason for this is because a real wholesaler that has real wholesale prices is working a small profit margin.
He will only start making money on a retail account when the level of volume builds up.
This does not mean that this type of a wholesaler will not deal with small accounts. But it does mean that the wholesaler will only deal with a small account if he feels that there is a mutually beneficial future in this relationship.
So if you are looking to buy from a real wholesaler you need to make sure that you present yourself as a serious business person.
The size of your budget is not important. What is important is the seriousness and dedication to your business that you will convey to the wholesaler.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of [http://www.closeoutexplosion.com]http://www.closeoutexplosion.com, an online wholesale and closeout business.
Closeoutexplosion.com supplies brand name wholesale and closeout merchandise to dollar stores, flea market vendors, and eBay sellers.
The merchandise must also be priced at or below the prices of the competition.
Whether a seller is on eBay, or at a local flea market, he will be faced with other sellers who are selling the same, or similar merchandise.
If his prices are not the same, or lower, than those of his competitor’s, he will have a difficult time making any sales.
For this reason every retailer needs to have a strong relationship with a good wholesale business.
Another reason why a retailer should have a solid relationship with a wholesaler is because it needs a steady supply of wholesale merchandise.
Since retailers want to enjoy ongoing sales, they need to have an ongoing source for their wholesale merchandise.
A good wholesaler will have a steady supply of wholesale merchandise, and at low prices, which makes the relationship that much valuable.
But surprisingly, wholesalers do not want to deal with every customer who is out there.
The real wholesalers only want to conduct business with retailers, flea market vendors, and eBay sellers who they feel they can build up a long term business relationship with.
The reason for this is because a real wholesaler that has real wholesale prices is working a small profit margin.
He will only start making money on a retail account when the level of volume builds up.
This does not mean that this type of a wholesaler will not deal with small accounts. But it does mean that the wholesaler will only deal with a small account if he feels that there is a mutually beneficial future in this relationship.
So if you are looking to buy from a real wholesaler you need to make sure that you present yourself as a serious business person.
The size of your budget is not important. What is important is the seriousness and dedication to your business that you will convey to the wholesaler.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of [http://www.closeoutexplosion.com]http://www.closeoutexplosion.com, an online wholesale and closeout business.
Closeoutexplosion.com supplies brand name wholesale and closeout merchandise to dollar stores, flea market vendors, and eBay sellers.
How to Process Credit Cards at a Flea Market
If your business operates at flea markets, you may not realize that you still have the ability to accept credit cards from your customers. It's no secret that shoppers spend more money when they use their credit card, so you definitely want to offer your flea market customers a way to swipe those cards to increase your sales volume.
If you're just starting out, or are a small-time business that occasionally rents booths at flea markets, it may not be in your best interest to sign up for a merchant account with a bank and then purchase the somewhat expensive equipment that would let you physically swipe a card at your flea market booth. On the other hand, if you are a thriving flea market business, you may be able to do just that- and use a satellite internet connection to send the credit card details to the processor.
Using A Telephone to Process Credit Card Payments From Customers
Most of the small and medium sized businesses with flea market or vendor fair booths can't justify the expense of the merchant account equipment. Fortunately, that doesn't mean there is no way to accept credit cards on-site! One of the easiest methods of accepting credit cards from customers in a flea market situation is to use a phone-in method.
Some merchant accounts actually let you call a toll free number, enter in your personal account number to verify your business, and then using your cell phone's keypad, you would enter in the credit card details. The automated system can tell you whether or not the credit card has funds available for their purchase and you can proceed with the sale. This is a superior method to simply writing down the customers card details on an order form, because you never know if the credit card will go through until you've returned home or to the office and entered the details- long after the customer has already received his or her merchandise from your flea market booth!
The fees for an accept-by-telephone credit card processing method are often much less than a traditional merchant account as well. Not only do you not have to purchase the equipment to process the card, but your monthly fees are usually lower. You can expect to pay a one-time fee to join the program, around $100 or so; and then an affordable monthly fee around $5. When you process credit cards by phone, each transaction will be discounted by the discount rate (typically around 3-4% of the transaction price).
Using Your Laptop and Internet Connection to Process Credit Card Payments
If you have a laptop with a wireless connection that works pretty much everywhere you go for flea markets or vendor fairs, your other option is to use a credit card processing system that allows you to accept credit cards via a web form.
For each customer, you would type in their payment details including their name, address, card type and number, expiration date, and even the three or four digit security code found on the back of the card. The web form would send the information through a secure server and return a response to let you know whether or not the card is valid- at which time you can continue processing the sale for the customer or tell them the card was declined.
Using these alternative methods of credit card processing makes it possible for small and medium sized businesses operating booths at vendor fairs and flea markets to increase their sales volume by accepting credit cards as payment.
Read reviews for [http://www.creditorweb.com/issuers/capital-one.html ]Capital One credit cards and cards from all other major issuers at CreditorWeb.
If you're just starting out, or are a small-time business that occasionally rents booths at flea markets, it may not be in your best interest to sign up for a merchant account with a bank and then purchase the somewhat expensive equipment that would let you physically swipe a card at your flea market booth. On the other hand, if you are a thriving flea market business, you may be able to do just that- and use a satellite internet connection to send the credit card details to the processor.
Using A Telephone to Process Credit Card Payments From Customers
Most of the small and medium sized businesses with flea market or vendor fair booths can't justify the expense of the merchant account equipment. Fortunately, that doesn't mean there is no way to accept credit cards on-site! One of the easiest methods of accepting credit cards from customers in a flea market situation is to use a phone-in method.
Some merchant accounts actually let you call a toll free number, enter in your personal account number to verify your business, and then using your cell phone's keypad, you would enter in the credit card details. The automated system can tell you whether or not the credit card has funds available for their purchase and you can proceed with the sale. This is a superior method to simply writing down the customers card details on an order form, because you never know if the credit card will go through until you've returned home or to the office and entered the details- long after the customer has already received his or her merchandise from your flea market booth!
The fees for an accept-by-telephone credit card processing method are often much less than a traditional merchant account as well. Not only do you not have to purchase the equipment to process the card, but your monthly fees are usually lower. You can expect to pay a one-time fee to join the program, around $100 or so; and then an affordable monthly fee around $5. When you process credit cards by phone, each transaction will be discounted by the discount rate (typically around 3-4% of the transaction price).
Using Your Laptop and Internet Connection to Process Credit Card Payments
If you have a laptop with a wireless connection that works pretty much everywhere you go for flea markets or vendor fairs, your other option is to use a credit card processing system that allows you to accept credit cards via a web form.
For each customer, you would type in their payment details including their name, address, card type and number, expiration date, and even the three or four digit security code found on the back of the card. The web form would send the information through a secure server and return a response to let you know whether or not the card is valid- at which time you can continue processing the sale for the customer or tell them the card was declined.
Using these alternative methods of credit card processing makes it possible for small and medium sized businesses operating booths at vendor fairs and flea markets to increase their sales volume by accepting credit cards as payment.
Read reviews for [http://www.creditorweb.com/issuers/capital-one.html ]Capital One credit cards and cards from all other major issuers at CreditorWeb.
Wholesale Clothing Tips For Flea Market Vendors
Wholesale brand name clothing is the product category that most flea market vendors make their money with.
While this means that having access to wholesale clothing can help a flea market vendor make money, it also means that there will be plenty of competition in the flea market for it.
Here are tips specifically geared for flea market vendors that sell brand name clothing.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #1
Separate according to price point. Have your booth set up so that you distinguish between your higher and lower priced brand name clothing. This way a customer will not be turned off by high or low prices.
You can always direct your customer to the price point that he or she is comfortable with.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #2
Prominently display the tags and labels. By prominently displaying the tags and labels you are showing your customers the brand names you are selling.
Customers have been known to buy clothing simply because of the brand name, so it is important that they see the brands you have for sale.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #3
Let them know your clothing is genuine. Customers know that genuine brand name clothing is of a higher value than the brand name knock offs. And even when the quality is similar most customers prefer to buy genuine and original brand name clothing. Have a large display sign announcing that your brand name clothing is real.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #4
Don’t price your brand name clothing below a realistic price. If your prices are too low for brand name clothing customers will assume that they are fakes. By having a realistic price you are telling your customers that your merchandise is real, and that is why you are charging a low but fair price.
Donny Lowy runs http://www.nauticawholesale.com an online wholesale and closeout business that supplies eBay sellers, retailers, and flea market vendors.
He also manages http://www.seanjohwholesaleclothing.com and http://www.tommywholesaleclothing.com
Donny can be reached at 718-389-5502
While this means that having access to wholesale clothing can help a flea market vendor make money, it also means that there will be plenty of competition in the flea market for it.
Here are tips specifically geared for flea market vendors that sell brand name clothing.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #1
Separate according to price point. Have your booth set up so that you distinguish between your higher and lower priced brand name clothing. This way a customer will not be turned off by high or low prices.
You can always direct your customer to the price point that he or she is comfortable with.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #2
Prominently display the tags and labels. By prominently displaying the tags and labels you are showing your customers the brand names you are selling.
Customers have been known to buy clothing simply because of the brand name, so it is important that they see the brands you have for sale.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #3
Let them know your clothing is genuine. Customers know that genuine brand name clothing is of a higher value than the brand name knock offs. And even when the quality is similar most customers prefer to buy genuine and original brand name clothing. Have a large display sign announcing that your brand name clothing is real.
Flea Market Brand Name Clothing Sales Tip #4
Don’t price your brand name clothing below a realistic price. If your prices are too low for brand name clothing customers will assume that they are fakes. By having a realistic price you are telling your customers that your merchandise is real, and that is why you are charging a low but fair price.
Donny Lowy runs http://www.nauticawholesale.com an online wholesale and closeout business that supplies eBay sellers, retailers, and flea market vendors.
He also manages http://www.seanjohwholesaleclothing.com and http://www.tommywholesaleclothing.com
Donny can be reached at 718-389-5502
Flea Markets - Make Your Efforts As A Vendor Pay Off Everyday
Ok, it Saturday morning and you are getting ready to go to the flea market and set up your table for the day. You get to the market and they assign you a table then you go and unload your vehicle and hope for a profitable day. You notice that there are a lot of people around just looking but there are few buyers. Last weekend, as you recall, was a very productive weekend it seemed that everyone that came over to your table bought something. Not this weekend though.
I have been working flea markets for a while now and I have found that it is a good idea if you can find a product that you can initially sell to a customer and once they consume it they can re-order the product and you get credit for the sale. That way the time that you spend working the flea market can be benefiting you even if you are having a slow day at the market on a particular day. The good days when you were very busy will help you sow seeds (products) that will pay you quite possibly for years to come and you don't have to search for new products to sell the company that you are dealing with will sell them to you wholesale. For example, you could join an inexpensive network marketing company for as little as twelve dollars per month and have access to buy from them wholesale.
When you sell your wholesale products at the flea market the product would have your label on them where your customer could re-order from your website that the network marketing company provided for you. So you could be making money from the same sale again and again even when the flea market is closed.
Not all network-marketing companies offer products that are right for a flea market. People go to flea markets looking for a bargain not to pay for a real high dollar item so chose the product carefully. You should look for a product that you can buy wholesale and sell for between $5 and $5.50 and make a profit. Keeping your prices in that range won't scare anyone off. I was able to sell my product all day for $5 and rarely ever brought any back at the end of the day.
I have been working flea markets for a while now and I have found that it is a good idea if you can find a product that you can initially sell to a customer and once they consume it they can re-order the product and you get credit for the sale. That way the time that you spend working the flea market can be benefiting you even if you are having a slow day at the market on a particular day. The good days when you were very busy will help you sow seeds (products) that will pay you quite possibly for years to come and you don't have to search for new products to sell the company that you are dealing with will sell them to you wholesale. For example, you could join an inexpensive network marketing company for as little as twelve dollars per month and have access to buy from them wholesale.
When you sell your wholesale products at the flea market the product would have your label on them where your customer could re-order from your website that the network marketing company provided for you. So you could be making money from the same sale again and again even when the flea market is closed.
Not all network-marketing companies offer products that are right for a flea market. People go to flea markets looking for a bargain not to pay for a real high dollar item so chose the product carefully. You should look for a product that you can buy wholesale and sell for between $5 and $5.50 and make a profit. Keeping your prices in that range won't scare anyone off. I was able to sell my product all day for $5 and rarely ever brought any back at the end of the day.
Strategies For Making Money At Flea Markets
Flea markets are great places to make some extra money on the weekends, or to even make enough money to supplement a lost job.
As part of my wholesale business I once sold at flea markets, and now supply flea market vendors with wholesale products.
Based on my experience, and feedback from flea market vendors, I have come up with a list of strategies for making money at flea markets.
These strategies require you to apply them to the flea markets that you sell at. You might want to make modifications based on the shoppers at your flea market, and the products which you sell.
Strategy #1
Always have a large quantity of merchandise at your booth. People are attracted to quantity, so if you want customers to come to your booth, make sure your booth looks fully stocked up.
Strategy #2
Variety is the key for your flea market business. Your customers are looking for more than one item. The more products you offer them, the more that they can buy from you.
Strategy #3
Always price your items so that multiple purchases receive a discount. Your goal should be to sell out your merchandise at the end of the day. You can always reorder, so why not sell out?
As long as you make a profit on the sale, always encourage your customers to buy more by giving them a lower price.
Strategy #4
Set up your flea market merchandise so that your booth looks like a professional business. If you treat your booth like it’s a real store, so will your customers.
Strategy #5
Have a flyer printed up with your business name, booth number, and merchandise offered. Enclose a flyer in each customer’s bag, this way they will remember you and come back next week.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of the following wholesale and closeout businesses. http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
As part of my wholesale business I once sold at flea markets, and now supply flea market vendors with wholesale products.
Based on my experience, and feedback from flea market vendors, I have come up with a list of strategies for making money at flea markets.
These strategies require you to apply them to the flea markets that you sell at. You might want to make modifications based on the shoppers at your flea market, and the products which you sell.
Strategy #1
Always have a large quantity of merchandise at your booth. People are attracted to quantity, so if you want customers to come to your booth, make sure your booth looks fully stocked up.
Strategy #2
Variety is the key for your flea market business. Your customers are looking for more than one item. The more products you offer them, the more that they can buy from you.
Strategy #3
Always price your items so that multiple purchases receive a discount. Your goal should be to sell out your merchandise at the end of the day. You can always reorder, so why not sell out?
As long as you make a profit on the sale, always encourage your customers to buy more by giving them a lower price.
Strategy #4
Set up your flea market merchandise so that your booth looks like a professional business. If you treat your booth like it’s a real store, so will your customers.
Strategy #5
Have a flyer printed up with your business name, booth number, and merchandise offered. Enclose a flyer in each customer’s bag, this way they will remember you and come back next week.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of the following wholesale and closeout businesses. http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
How To Make Money At Flea Markets
Have you ever considered selling products at a flea market to make some extra cash? Many people find having a stall at their local flea market gives them a steady source of extra cash. For others, however, they take the concept one step further and turn selling things at flea markets into a full time income. That's great news if you want to get out of a job you don't like, and are looking for something different. In order to do that, however, you need to discover how to turn your flea market stall from a hobby into a business.
This article will outline some general suggestions for improving your flea market business profitability. Each flea market has its own character and shoppers, so your tactics may need to change slightly for each market you attend to allow for that. So take these more general strategies and apply them, testing out slightly different methods of application until you find the approach that is most profitable for you.
Firstly, always make sure you have plenty of products available at your stall. This gives you more chance to catch a passerby's eye, but also reassures them that they'll have plenty of choice if they shop at your stall. At the end of the day, however, it may actually be a good idea to clear some items from your stall, to make it look like you're selling out. People will think your stuff was so good that it's selling out, and so be tempted to have a look so they don't miss out on something amazing.
Remember, too, that shoppers at flea markets are looking for things that they can't necessarily find at stores. So it's important to provide a wide variety of options. If you're selling soap, don't just selling one type. Have a range of fragrances, colors and even shapes. Having a wider variety of items also means you have more chances of having something that will catch a shopper's eye and make them come over for a closer look.
Once you've set the price for your items, there's no need to change it. After all, you don't want to cut your profit margins so much that you don't make any money. However, it's often a good idea to offer discounts for multiple purchases. It's up to you whether you advertise the discount on your stall, or just mention it when people are browsing. Perhaps try both approaches and see which one works best. Shoppers at a flea market are looking for bargains, you just need to work out how you can offer a bargain and still make money.
Another good idea is to have a flyer printed for your business. Include what types of items you sell, contact details and also the location of your flea market stall. Have a pile of flyers at your stall, and also include one in the bag with every purchase. Giving people information about yourself makes it easier for them to contact you again if they want to buy more products, and also makes it easy for them to refer their friends to you.
Flea markets can be a great way to make money, and it can also be a lot of fun. If you want to make the best return for your effort, it's important to present your stall and yourself professionally. Give it a try, and you might be surprised to find how much more successful you can be.
Steve Dolan is a veteran of many flea markets. Learn about flea markets at [http://www.fsmarkets.com]Flea Markets
This article will outline some general suggestions for improving your flea market business profitability. Each flea market has its own character and shoppers, so your tactics may need to change slightly for each market you attend to allow for that. So take these more general strategies and apply them, testing out slightly different methods of application until you find the approach that is most profitable for you.
Firstly, always make sure you have plenty of products available at your stall. This gives you more chance to catch a passerby's eye, but also reassures them that they'll have plenty of choice if they shop at your stall. At the end of the day, however, it may actually be a good idea to clear some items from your stall, to make it look like you're selling out. People will think your stuff was so good that it's selling out, and so be tempted to have a look so they don't miss out on something amazing.
Remember, too, that shoppers at flea markets are looking for things that they can't necessarily find at stores. So it's important to provide a wide variety of options. If you're selling soap, don't just selling one type. Have a range of fragrances, colors and even shapes. Having a wider variety of items also means you have more chances of having something that will catch a shopper's eye and make them come over for a closer look.
Once you've set the price for your items, there's no need to change it. After all, you don't want to cut your profit margins so much that you don't make any money. However, it's often a good idea to offer discounts for multiple purchases. It's up to you whether you advertise the discount on your stall, or just mention it when people are browsing. Perhaps try both approaches and see which one works best. Shoppers at a flea market are looking for bargains, you just need to work out how you can offer a bargain and still make money.
Another good idea is to have a flyer printed for your business. Include what types of items you sell, contact details and also the location of your flea market stall. Have a pile of flyers at your stall, and also include one in the bag with every purchase. Giving people information about yourself makes it easier for them to contact you again if they want to buy more products, and also makes it easy for them to refer their friends to you.
Flea markets can be a great way to make money, and it can also be a lot of fun. If you want to make the best return for your effort, it's important to present your stall and yourself professionally. Give it a try, and you might be surprised to find how much more successful you can be.
Steve Dolan is a veteran of many flea markets. Learn about flea markets at [http://www.fsmarkets.com]Flea Markets
Selling At Flea Markets - An Easy, Steady Source Of Cash Each Weekend
The Small Business Administration estimates that 95% of all new small businesses close their doors within the first year. That doesn't sound very encouraging. How would you like to start your own business that is almost 100% guaranteed to succeed? How would you like to sell at flea markets?
I am talking about starting an actual business, your own flea market and swap meet business, of course. It's a very easy business to start compared to a brick and mortar business in a strip mall.
There is no long-term lease to sign, no long search for the right location, no large expense for fixtures and shelves, no utilities to pay for and no need to spend thousands of dollars before you open the doors and make your first dollar.
There are no employees, no employee payroll taxes and no workman's comp to pay.
You can start a flea market business with a lot less financial risk and trouble. Most can be started with less than $1,000. I started mine with only $200 and have made as much as a thousand dollars in only one day.
This business is nothing more than a proprietorship owned and operated by just one or two people. It operates on a basic concept: buy merchandise at the lowest price and sell it for more than your cost.
Many vendors sell used items. The more successful vendors sell brand new merchandise, many times the same items you've seen on the shelves in K-Mart or Target.
Selling new items means you can always order more for next weekend. Not so with used items.
Selling is as easy as saying hello to someone when they walk up to your table. Be helpful and friendly and you will make money.
The majority of flea market vendors buy their merchandise from import companies who sell to them at wholesale prices. It is also possible to buy items on sale from retail stores and sell them at the flea market for more than your cost.
Arrive at the market early in the morning on Saturday, rent a space and set your merchandise on the table. Selling is as easy as just saying hello or good morning to people when they walk over to look at what you have.
Merchandise will be your largest expense, perhaps 90% of your investment. Space rent is minimal, as little as $5 a day to as much as $50-$75 a day. The average costs are usually around $25 per space per day.
It is quite easy to double and triple your money at flea markets and swap meets. Buying your merchandise at the lowest cost allows you to sell it for two to three times that cost and still keep your prices less than retail stores.
In the beginning, put all of the profit back into your business by buying as much merchandise as you can afford for the next weekend. After doing so for a month or two, you will be able to begin keeping the profit for yourself without hurting your business. It will become self-sustaining.
You will discover that a flea market or swap meet business is easy and affordable to establish, easy to operate and can provide you a good steady income each weekend.
Copyright 2008 by Allen Farlow. All rights reserved.
Allen Farlow has been a professional flea market and swap meet vendor since 1996. Learn how to earn a very good income by reading his blog: http://www.sellatfleamarkets.blogspot.com
I am talking about starting an actual business, your own flea market and swap meet business, of course. It's a very easy business to start compared to a brick and mortar business in a strip mall.
There is no long-term lease to sign, no long search for the right location, no large expense for fixtures and shelves, no utilities to pay for and no need to spend thousands of dollars before you open the doors and make your first dollar.
There are no employees, no employee payroll taxes and no workman's comp to pay.
You can start a flea market business with a lot less financial risk and trouble. Most can be started with less than $1,000. I started mine with only $200 and have made as much as a thousand dollars in only one day.
This business is nothing more than a proprietorship owned and operated by just one or two people. It operates on a basic concept: buy merchandise at the lowest price and sell it for more than your cost.
Many vendors sell used items. The more successful vendors sell brand new merchandise, many times the same items you've seen on the shelves in K-Mart or Target.
Selling new items means you can always order more for next weekend. Not so with used items.
Selling is as easy as saying hello to someone when they walk up to your table. Be helpful and friendly and you will make money.
The majority of flea market vendors buy their merchandise from import companies who sell to them at wholesale prices. It is also possible to buy items on sale from retail stores and sell them at the flea market for more than your cost.
Arrive at the market early in the morning on Saturday, rent a space and set your merchandise on the table. Selling is as easy as just saying hello or good morning to people when they walk over to look at what you have.
Merchandise will be your largest expense, perhaps 90% of your investment. Space rent is minimal, as little as $5 a day to as much as $50-$75 a day. The average costs are usually around $25 per space per day.
It is quite easy to double and triple your money at flea markets and swap meets. Buying your merchandise at the lowest cost allows you to sell it for two to three times that cost and still keep your prices less than retail stores.
In the beginning, put all of the profit back into your business by buying as much merchandise as you can afford for the next weekend. After doing so for a month or two, you will be able to begin keeping the profit for yourself without hurting your business. It will become self-sustaining.
You will discover that a flea market or swap meet business is easy and affordable to establish, easy to operate and can provide you a good steady income each weekend.
Copyright 2008 by Allen Farlow. All rights reserved.
Allen Farlow has been a professional flea market and swap meet vendor since 1996. Learn how to earn a very good income by reading his blog: http://www.sellatfleamarkets.blogspot.com
How To Become A Flea Market Vendor In 4 Simple Steps
Flea markets offer individuals a great low-cost option to make money. You can rent a booth at a flea market for as low as $5/day. The money that you make can vary depending on the items that you sell, the competition that you have, and the demand for the items that you sell. Becoming a flea market vendor in the US is simple. This article will cover the basics of getting set up as a flea market vendor.
Step 1: Locate a Flea Market That You Want to Set Up At.
To find the local flea markets in your area, you can use your favorite search engine and do a search for "flea market directory". Visit the flea market directory websites and find flea markets in your area. Some of the largest and most popular flea market directories are: www.keysfleamarket.com, www.fleamarketguide.com, and www.collectors.org
Once you have found some local flea markets you will want to do some research to determine which one you will want to sell at. Visit some of the local flea markets in your area, and take note of:
- Some of the products available,
- How the booths are set up,
- Amount of traffic flow (customers),
- Number of vendors,
- Booths that attract a lot of attention,
- Overall appearance and atmosphere of market, etc.
Then you will want to choose a flea market to sell at. Each flea market vendor’s needs and preferences are different. Some vendors prefer small flea markets (less competition) versus large flea markets (more traffic). When choosing a flea market, a few things to consider would be:
- Size and price of booth
- Number of vendors
- Amount of traffic
- Open air or indoor flea market
- Distance from your home
Step 2:Find Some Flea Market Products to Sell
The last thing you want to do, when becoming a flea market vendor, is to spend a lot of money on obtaining inventory. So here are some tips to obtaining flea market items for free or at low cost in your local area.
- Ask friends and/or family members for unwanted items.
- Talk to local crafters about selling their items.
- Scope out the local auctions held in your area.
- Check out the local yard sales and garage sales.
Step 3: Make Your Flea Market Business Legal
Obtain a sales tax id number and other business licenses needed. Most flea market owners will tell you where you can obtain a sales tax ID number for your area. They will also tell you which other licenses you will need (if any).
Step 4: Start Selling Your Flea Market Items
Pay the booth rental fee and set up your items for sale. Some flea markets provide you with a table. If not, you will need to bring in your own. Arrange your items neatly on the table and start selling.
Things You’ll Need to Become a Flea Market Vendor:
- A flea market to sell at.
- A few dollars to pay for your booth rental.
- Items to sell.
- A sales tax ID number and a vendor’s license (or other license).
- At least a few $1, $5, and $10 bills to make change.
- A sheet to cover your table.
- A welcoming booth and a smile.
Melissa Oaks provides tips, articles, courses and more for flea market vendors on her site: [http://www.flea-market-vendor-resources.com target=new]www.flea-market-vendor-resources.com
Read her [http://www.flea-market-vendor-resources.com/flea-market-vendor-courses.html target=new]Beginner’s Course for more start-up tips and tools.
Step 1: Locate a Flea Market That You Want to Set Up At.
To find the local flea markets in your area, you can use your favorite search engine and do a search for "flea market directory". Visit the flea market directory websites and find flea markets in your area. Some of the largest and most popular flea market directories are: www.keysfleamarket.com, www.fleamarketguide.com, and www.collectors.org
Once you have found some local flea markets you will want to do some research to determine which one you will want to sell at. Visit some of the local flea markets in your area, and take note of:
- Some of the products available,
- How the booths are set up,
- Amount of traffic flow (customers),
- Number of vendors,
- Booths that attract a lot of attention,
- Overall appearance and atmosphere of market, etc.
Then you will want to choose a flea market to sell at. Each flea market vendor’s needs and preferences are different. Some vendors prefer small flea markets (less competition) versus large flea markets (more traffic). When choosing a flea market, a few things to consider would be:
- Size and price of booth
- Number of vendors
- Amount of traffic
- Open air or indoor flea market
- Distance from your home
Step 2:Find Some Flea Market Products to Sell
The last thing you want to do, when becoming a flea market vendor, is to spend a lot of money on obtaining inventory. So here are some tips to obtaining flea market items for free or at low cost in your local area.
- Ask friends and/or family members for unwanted items.
- Talk to local crafters about selling their items.
- Scope out the local auctions held in your area.
- Check out the local yard sales and garage sales.
Step 3: Make Your Flea Market Business Legal
Obtain a sales tax id number and other business licenses needed. Most flea market owners will tell you where you can obtain a sales tax ID number for your area. They will also tell you which other licenses you will need (if any).
Step 4: Start Selling Your Flea Market Items
Pay the booth rental fee and set up your items for sale. Some flea markets provide you with a table. If not, you will need to bring in your own. Arrange your items neatly on the table and start selling.
Things You’ll Need to Become a Flea Market Vendor:
- A flea market to sell at.
- A few dollars to pay for your booth rental.
- Items to sell.
- A sales tax ID number and a vendor’s license (or other license).
- At least a few $1, $5, and $10 bills to make change.
- A sheet to cover your table.
- A welcoming booth and a smile.
Melissa Oaks provides tips, articles, courses and more for flea market vendors on her site: [http://www.flea-market-vendor-resources.com target=new]www.flea-market-vendor-resources.com
Read her [http://www.flea-market-vendor-resources.com/flea-market-vendor-courses.html target=new]Beginner’s Course for more start-up tips and tools.
Why Not Start a Flea Market Business
So you just gotta have a storefront business.
Why not start a flea market business?
Flea markets are entrepreneurial hotspots. You could most likely do some market research into what people want to buy and what they are buying at your local flea market.
Over 500,000 vendors sell from America’s 5,000 flea markets. There are 150,000,000 people who shop at flea markets annually.
Here are the reasons you may want to open your start a flea market business before starting a traditional business, taking the plunge and signing a long term building lease.
a. Flea markets offer a low cost entry into business
Get your sales tax license and a county business license and you are virtually ready to go. You can rent a booth for a day, a weekend or by the month. If it doesn’t work out, you’re out of there without losing thousands.
b. Flea markets are great for part time entrepreneurs.
You may be holding down a part or full time job and need the income. No problem. Start a flea market business on the weekend or work the flea market daytime and work a job nighttime.
c. Flea markets are a great place to liquidate merchandise.
Let’s say you have a great source of slightly blemished goods at a cheap price. The flea market may be just the place to liquidate them.
d. The flea market may become your full time business.
Many an entrepreneur decided to try something new and liked the flea market so well that they just stayed there and never move on to a storefront elsewhere.
e. Flea markets are great for niche marketers.
Let’s say you just want to sell something like pickles, handmade pretzels, dog collars, or a specialized clothing. It may be hard to build a storefront around a niche. With the flea market traffic that is already there it could work.
f. Start with virtually no advertising.
Just business cards and maybe flyers and you are ready to go. The flea market has already advertised so you have immediate traffic. Now just be friendly and engage the customers and let’s make some sales.
g. Start with very little capital.
Flea markets allow someone with just a trunkload of merchandise to get started. I have a good friend who went to prison due to a partnership dispute. When he reentered society he had next to nothing. With a small purchase of liquidated goods he was able to build larger every week with his profits. Today he has a large flea market business and also wholesales to other dealers.
h. Give yourself a plan B.
Start a flea market Business.
I have a relative whose wife has a good job and expects a good retirement. In today's market, even her government job is at risk. She started her own jewelry business as a hedge against a possible layoff. She works flea markets, small shows and eBay to build her business, which was started with minimal outlay of funds.
i. Start with minimal business fixtures.
Usually just a table, a couple chairs and possibly some display racks and you have all you need to display your goods at the flea market. You can continue to improve things as you build your business from week to week.
j. A good add on for the Home Business Entrepreneur.
Some of us don’t like to be tied down to a regular work week. Most flea markets offer all kinds of different business models. Some are only open weekends and others offer the option to have a storefront open a full work week. Some entrepreneurs like to have their schedule flexible. This is harder to do in a traditional brick and mortar business without hiring employees.
So what do you do to get ready?
First, visit the flea market you may want to sell at.
Talk to the vendors. Check out the traffic. Check out the cost of a booth. Some flea markets are online and you can do much of your research ahead of time.
Get your licenses. If you’re not sure what you need ask some of the vendors at the market. They will know, as most of them will have the licenses.
Get your tables, chairs, merchandise, price labels, snacks, cooler for drinks and so on ready ahead of time. Get some ones, fives and change. You can use a cash bag, a nail belt, fanny pack or a cash register to keep a control on the cash.
Get a good nights sleep and get to the flea market early to set up. That way you’ll have time to make a quick run back if you forgot something or have a snag setting up.
Good luck as you Start a Flea Market Business.
Darryl Van Kirk has been self employed the majority of his life and working from home 9 of the last 10 years. One of his current projects is the web site resource: [http://www.start-a-work-at-home-business.com/]start-a-work-at-home-business.com His newest business is [http://www.discountgroceryandmore.com/index.html]Discount Grocery and More A Discount Grocery Store in Johnson City, Tn. He is also involved in other home based business ventures.
Why not start a flea market business?
Flea markets are entrepreneurial hotspots. You could most likely do some market research into what people want to buy and what they are buying at your local flea market.
Over 500,000 vendors sell from America’s 5,000 flea markets. There are 150,000,000 people who shop at flea markets annually.
Here are the reasons you may want to open your start a flea market business before starting a traditional business, taking the plunge and signing a long term building lease.
a. Flea markets offer a low cost entry into business
Get your sales tax license and a county business license and you are virtually ready to go. You can rent a booth for a day, a weekend or by the month. If it doesn’t work out, you’re out of there without losing thousands.
b. Flea markets are great for part time entrepreneurs.
You may be holding down a part or full time job and need the income. No problem. Start a flea market business on the weekend or work the flea market daytime and work a job nighttime.
c. Flea markets are a great place to liquidate merchandise.
Let’s say you have a great source of slightly blemished goods at a cheap price. The flea market may be just the place to liquidate them.
d. The flea market may become your full time business.
Many an entrepreneur decided to try something new and liked the flea market so well that they just stayed there and never move on to a storefront elsewhere.
e. Flea markets are great for niche marketers.
Let’s say you just want to sell something like pickles, handmade pretzels, dog collars, or a specialized clothing. It may be hard to build a storefront around a niche. With the flea market traffic that is already there it could work.
f. Start with virtually no advertising.
Just business cards and maybe flyers and you are ready to go. The flea market has already advertised so you have immediate traffic. Now just be friendly and engage the customers and let’s make some sales.
g. Start with very little capital.
Flea markets allow someone with just a trunkload of merchandise to get started. I have a good friend who went to prison due to a partnership dispute. When he reentered society he had next to nothing. With a small purchase of liquidated goods he was able to build larger every week with his profits. Today he has a large flea market business and also wholesales to other dealers.
h. Give yourself a plan B.
Start a flea market Business.
I have a relative whose wife has a good job and expects a good retirement. In today's market, even her government job is at risk. She started her own jewelry business as a hedge against a possible layoff. She works flea markets, small shows and eBay to build her business, which was started with minimal outlay of funds.
i. Start with minimal business fixtures.
Usually just a table, a couple chairs and possibly some display racks and you have all you need to display your goods at the flea market. You can continue to improve things as you build your business from week to week.
j. A good add on for the Home Business Entrepreneur.
Some of us don’t like to be tied down to a regular work week. Most flea markets offer all kinds of different business models. Some are only open weekends and others offer the option to have a storefront open a full work week. Some entrepreneurs like to have their schedule flexible. This is harder to do in a traditional brick and mortar business without hiring employees.
So what do you do to get ready?
First, visit the flea market you may want to sell at.
Talk to the vendors. Check out the traffic. Check out the cost of a booth. Some flea markets are online and you can do much of your research ahead of time.
Get your licenses. If you’re not sure what you need ask some of the vendors at the market. They will know, as most of them will have the licenses.
Get your tables, chairs, merchandise, price labels, snacks, cooler for drinks and so on ready ahead of time. Get some ones, fives and change. You can use a cash bag, a nail belt, fanny pack or a cash register to keep a control on the cash.
Get a good nights sleep and get to the flea market early to set up. That way you’ll have time to make a quick run back if you forgot something or have a snag setting up.
Good luck as you Start a Flea Market Business.
Darryl Van Kirk has been self employed the majority of his life and working from home 9 of the last 10 years. One of his current projects is the web site resource: [http://www.start-a-work-at-home-business.com/]start-a-work-at-home-business.com His newest business is [http://www.discountgroceryandmore.com/index.html]Discount Grocery and More A Discount Grocery Store in Johnson City, Tn. He is also involved in other home based business ventures.
Flea Market Business Tips For Vendors
The flea market business has been an integral part of the American economy since its founding.
Many early settlers bought and sold products at open air markets, which were the predecessors of today’s flea market business.
To have an idea of how large the flea market business is, think of how many flea markets exist in your immediate area.
Now multiply the number of those flea markets by the number of cities in the United States.
There are so many flea markets because the flea market business is a substantial and viable business which enables hundreds of thousands of individuals to earn a secondary and primary source of income.
If you would like to join these people by starting your own flea market business, I would recommend the following.
1. Treat your flea market business like a real business. Set regular hours and have a weekly schedule.
2. Expand beyond the local flea markets. To really make money in the flea market business you need to travel to other flea markets, especially if they are larger than your local flea markets.
3. Always have a large assortment of merchandise. Flea market customers can only buy what you sell, so always make sure to be fully stocked with inventory.
4. Stay competitive. Make sure your prices are under local retailers, including Wal Mart. If you buy right, you can keep your prices low.
5. Use the Internet to build your flea market business. Find flea market wholesale suppliers by using wholesale search engines such as www.wholesalecentral.com and www.wholesalequest.com
Donny Lowy runs wholesale and closeout businesses, including: http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
Many early settlers bought and sold products at open air markets, which were the predecessors of today’s flea market business.
To have an idea of how large the flea market business is, think of how many flea markets exist in your immediate area.
Now multiply the number of those flea markets by the number of cities in the United States.
There are so many flea markets because the flea market business is a substantial and viable business which enables hundreds of thousands of individuals to earn a secondary and primary source of income.
If you would like to join these people by starting your own flea market business, I would recommend the following.
1. Treat your flea market business like a real business. Set regular hours and have a weekly schedule.
2. Expand beyond the local flea markets. To really make money in the flea market business you need to travel to other flea markets, especially if they are larger than your local flea markets.
3. Always have a large assortment of merchandise. Flea market customers can only buy what you sell, so always make sure to be fully stocked with inventory.
4. Stay competitive. Make sure your prices are under local retailers, including Wal Mart. If you buy right, you can keep your prices low.
5. Use the Internet to build your flea market business. Find flea market wholesale suppliers by using wholesale search engines such as www.wholesalecentral.com and www.wholesalequest.com
Donny Lowy runs wholesale and closeout businesses, including: http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
How To Outsell Other Flea Market Vendors
Flea market business. Does that phrase make you excited, but anxious at the same time?
If it does it’s probably because although you know that there is money to be made, you also realize how much competition exists in the flea market.
To make money with your own flea market business you need to have good quality flea market merchandise at low prices.
But the other ingredient that is often overlooked, is that you have to have the ability to outsell your competition.
How do you outsell your competition from other flea market vendors?
Think of what a dollar store would do to stand out from other dollar stores in the neighborhood.
You want to emulate this dollar store, and apply its strategies to your own flea market business.
Here are tips that you can use to outsell your flea market competitors.
Tip #1
Customer service is crucial. People want to be treated well, regardless of where they are shopping. Be the flea market vendor that is known for friendliness and helpfulness. Shoppers will be glad to buy from you, even if your prices are the same as other flea market vendors.
Tip #2
Always have an organized and pleasant flea market booth. Shoppers will enjoy visiting your booth if your merchandise is displayed nicely. Wouldn’t you?
Tip #3
Keep track of other vendor’s prices. Your prices always should be at, or below their prices.
Even if lowering your prices cuts into your profits you need to adjust them. You can always make up the lost profit on higher sales.
Tip #4
Be positive. Shoppers want to buy from positive sellers. Shopping at a flea market is supposed to be fun, make it fun for your customers.
Tip #5
Introduce a new variety of items. If shoppers know that you always have a nice variety of new products at your flea market booth, they will go to you first to see what new products you have.
Make sure that the products you introduce fit into your current merchandise. You want your customers to know you for a certain product category.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of the following wholesale and closeout businesses. http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
If it does it’s probably because although you know that there is money to be made, you also realize how much competition exists in the flea market.
To make money with your own flea market business you need to have good quality flea market merchandise at low prices.
But the other ingredient that is often overlooked, is that you have to have the ability to outsell your competition.
How do you outsell your competition from other flea market vendors?
Think of what a dollar store would do to stand out from other dollar stores in the neighborhood.
You want to emulate this dollar store, and apply its strategies to your own flea market business.
Here are tips that you can use to outsell your flea market competitors.
Tip #1
Customer service is crucial. People want to be treated well, regardless of where they are shopping. Be the flea market vendor that is known for friendliness and helpfulness. Shoppers will be glad to buy from you, even if your prices are the same as other flea market vendors.
Tip #2
Always have an organized and pleasant flea market booth. Shoppers will enjoy visiting your booth if your merchandise is displayed nicely. Wouldn’t you?
Tip #3
Keep track of other vendor’s prices. Your prices always should be at, or below their prices.
Even if lowering your prices cuts into your profits you need to adjust them. You can always make up the lost profit on higher sales.
Tip #4
Be positive. Shoppers want to buy from positive sellers. Shopping at a flea market is supposed to be fun, make it fun for your customers.
Tip #5
Introduce a new variety of items. If shoppers know that you always have a nice variety of new products at your flea market booth, they will go to you first to see what new products you have.
Make sure that the products you introduce fit into your current merchandise. You want your customers to know you for a certain product category.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of the following wholesale and closeout businesses. http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
Flea Market Product Ideas And Drop Shipping
If you would like to take a stab at the flea market it may take a few tries to find your niche when competing with other vendors. If you break it down most vendors at flea markets are selling a lot of martial arts weapons, knives, statues, dragons etc. Then you have the flip side of tools, purses, toys etc. Don't forget other vendors are selling stuff that looks like you may find at a yard sale. As always there are T-shirts. So what are you going to start with? Jewelry? Watches? Nascar collectibles?
Think of it this way. You can do quite well at the flea market by standing out. The way to do so is to find something to sell that isn't in the norm for flea markets. While spending some time at the Flea market in Mobile Alabama I noticed one vendor had gaggles of people waiting around his booth. I went closer to get a peek of all the commotion. This guy had his Laptop setup with bluetooth technology to the internet and was making engraved dog tags. What a brilliant idea, and an excellent way to stand out. I met with him toward the end of the day. He noted that he sells out of product every day. He sells out of hardware for dog tag necklaces. But continues to complete sales.
How? Remember he is hooked up to the internet right? He places orders for customers and mails their engraved dog tags, or key-chains right to their door! Low over-head and a strong demand not to mention his booth stands out among the other typical booths.
Another vendor at this flea market was tucked in the back but had a lot of customers there too. This guy was going to Thrift stores and purchasing computers. He would then fix them up and sell a complete system for $150. I asked how many he would do in a month. He completed an average of 30 sales per month selling repaired computers that were out of date compared to the technology rate these days. Hey aren't people going to flea markets to find something unique, for a reasonable price?
Here's a great Idea! Purchase something to display at your booth. This could be anything from motorcycle luggage to household appliances. Let the customers get a good look at your item. If they want one all you have to do is provide them with your very own order form! Provide a receipt and a copy of their order for their purchase and drop-ship the product to their house just like the man selling engraved dog tags! Again low overhead and all you need to do is have a few samples at your booth. It's almost like being a door to door salesperson only the difference is customers come to you!
Nathan runs http://www.thedobareview.com a drop shipping information website that guides sellers through top selling methods for drop shipping on ebay or from their business. His business idea blog can be found on http://www.pixelboardlive.com
Think of it this way. You can do quite well at the flea market by standing out. The way to do so is to find something to sell that isn't in the norm for flea markets. While spending some time at the Flea market in Mobile Alabama I noticed one vendor had gaggles of people waiting around his booth. I went closer to get a peek of all the commotion. This guy had his Laptop setup with bluetooth technology to the internet and was making engraved dog tags. What a brilliant idea, and an excellent way to stand out. I met with him toward the end of the day. He noted that he sells out of product every day. He sells out of hardware for dog tag necklaces. But continues to complete sales.
How? Remember he is hooked up to the internet right? He places orders for customers and mails their engraved dog tags, or key-chains right to their door! Low over-head and a strong demand not to mention his booth stands out among the other typical booths.
Another vendor at this flea market was tucked in the back but had a lot of customers there too. This guy was going to Thrift stores and purchasing computers. He would then fix them up and sell a complete system for $150. I asked how many he would do in a month. He completed an average of 30 sales per month selling repaired computers that were out of date compared to the technology rate these days. Hey aren't people going to flea markets to find something unique, for a reasonable price?
Here's a great Idea! Purchase something to display at your booth. This could be anything from motorcycle luggage to household appliances. Let the customers get a good look at your item. If they want one all you have to do is provide them with your very own order form! Provide a receipt and a copy of their order for their purchase and drop-ship the product to their house just like the man selling engraved dog tags! Again low overhead and all you need to do is have a few samples at your booth. It's almost like being a door to door salesperson only the difference is customers come to you!
Nathan runs http://www.thedobareview.com a drop shipping information website that guides sellers through top selling methods for drop shipping on ebay or from their business. His business idea blog can be found on http://www.pixelboardlive.com
Start a Flea Market Business
For many years before the internet, the place to pawn off old or unused merchandise was the local flea market. Flea marketers would typically be the type of person that was a collector of unique items that would not really sell well in the mall or just carried too small of a margin for most store owners to really care about. The flea market was great, you never knew what you would find, and at times, a bargain was most definitely just around the corner. There even was the odd or better than odd chance that you could be ripped off, so a degree of caution had to be taken with each purchase.
Today we have the internet, and the flea market has taken a backseat to the likes of eBay and other auction sites that have popped up all over the world allowing peddlers of this and that to connect up with willing consumers. So with all the attention taken away from the flea market, is there really still an opportunity for you to start a part-time business as a flea marketer? I think the answer is most certainly a resounding yes, if you have the patience and love for finding and reselling one of a kind items, out of date or out of style merchandise and maybe even a little piece of treasure (in someone else’s eyes). So will you become incredibly wealthy being an entrepreneur of the flea market business? The answer is just as resounding as before, but this time it will be no.
So why get into this business if you are not going to be wealthy? Well for starters, you will not have to invest a great deal into the business. On weekdays while you are at home, you could be travel around finding your inventory and then on weekends you can sell you items. If you are married and you are in a situation where you husband works during the week while you stay at home with the children then on weekends you will have the time to sell your goods at the local flea market while he takes care of the children.
If you are interested in getting started in the flea market business you will need to get some startup cash. You will need money for some inventory to start the business, unless you can make something to sell. Some people make jam, pies and cakes. You will also need money to reserve your table at the market. You will need a table for displaying your merchandise, an umbrella to protect you from the sun or even the rain and a chair to sit in while your customers are walking around. Also, make sure that you have a calculator to ensure that you give your customers the correct change, you neither want to shortchange them or yourself.
Before starting out, do some more research about flea markets. You can probably still find a good book at the local bookstore or even the library. Try to be prepared so that you will have a successful business and try to have a little fun.
This article has been written as a resource for stay at home moms who desire to start a work at home business while in the midst of raising their children. You can get more great work at home ideas through researching other websites, visiting the library, buying industry specific magazines or talking to others in your neighborhood who have already started businesses out of their homes.
For information on starting a home-based business or to get your own free website visit us at http://www.workathomepeople.com
Today we have the internet, and the flea market has taken a backseat to the likes of eBay and other auction sites that have popped up all over the world allowing peddlers of this and that to connect up with willing consumers. So with all the attention taken away from the flea market, is there really still an opportunity for you to start a part-time business as a flea marketer? I think the answer is most certainly a resounding yes, if you have the patience and love for finding and reselling one of a kind items, out of date or out of style merchandise and maybe even a little piece of treasure (in someone else’s eyes). So will you become incredibly wealthy being an entrepreneur of the flea market business? The answer is just as resounding as before, but this time it will be no.
So why get into this business if you are not going to be wealthy? Well for starters, you will not have to invest a great deal into the business. On weekdays while you are at home, you could be travel around finding your inventory and then on weekends you can sell you items. If you are married and you are in a situation where you husband works during the week while you stay at home with the children then on weekends you will have the time to sell your goods at the local flea market while he takes care of the children.
If you are interested in getting started in the flea market business you will need to get some startup cash. You will need money for some inventory to start the business, unless you can make something to sell. Some people make jam, pies and cakes. You will also need money to reserve your table at the market. You will need a table for displaying your merchandise, an umbrella to protect you from the sun or even the rain and a chair to sit in while your customers are walking around. Also, make sure that you have a calculator to ensure that you give your customers the correct change, you neither want to shortchange them or yourself.
Before starting out, do some more research about flea markets. You can probably still find a good book at the local bookstore or even the library. Try to be prepared so that you will have a successful business and try to have a little fun.
This article has been written as a resource for stay at home moms who desire to start a work at home business while in the midst of raising their children. You can get more great work at home ideas through researching other websites, visiting the library, buying industry specific magazines or talking to others in your neighborhood who have already started businesses out of their homes.
For information on starting a home-based business or to get your own free website visit us at http://www.workathomepeople.com
Wholesale Flea Market Products
As the popularity of flea markets grows so does the number of flea market vendors who attend them.
Many of these flea market vendors are turning what was once a nice way to make some extra income, into a full fledged full time business.
Flea market vendors are discovering that budget minded consumers are heading in droves to their local flea markets, sometimes driving close to an hour to get to one.
People are aware of the great deals available at the flea market and are starting to do a large portion of their shopping there.
Flea market vendors who want to profit from this growing trend need to stock up on wholesale flea market products.
One way for flea market vendors to find wholesale flea market products is by searching online for wholesalers.
The flea market vendor should start by dealing with wholesalers that do not have a minimum order. This way the flea market vendor can sample the quality of the wholesale flea market products.
Another reason to buy from a wholesaler without a minimum order is to that the flea market vendor can test out new items.
A flea market product which the vendor is unsure of could be easily tested out by ordering a few units.
If the flea market vendor decides to order a small sample of wholesale flea market products, he needs to realize that if the number of items he has is too small, customers will not stop at his booth.
The key to attracting customers to your flea market stall or booth is to have plenty of products for sale.
Customers like to frequent flea market vendors who can offer them a good quantity of items, a nice variety, and low prices.
Flea market vendors should also concentrate one on line of wholesale flea market products.
This focus will help the flea market vendor, since his customers will remember him for those types of products.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of [http://www.closeoutexplosion.com]http://www.closeoutexplosion.com, an online wholesale and closeout business, and [http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com]http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com, an educational site for the wholesale and closeout business.
Many of these flea market vendors are turning what was once a nice way to make some extra income, into a full fledged full time business.
Flea market vendors are discovering that budget minded consumers are heading in droves to their local flea markets, sometimes driving close to an hour to get to one.
People are aware of the great deals available at the flea market and are starting to do a large portion of their shopping there.
Flea market vendors who want to profit from this growing trend need to stock up on wholesale flea market products.
One way for flea market vendors to find wholesale flea market products is by searching online for wholesalers.
The flea market vendor should start by dealing with wholesalers that do not have a minimum order. This way the flea market vendor can sample the quality of the wholesale flea market products.
Another reason to buy from a wholesaler without a minimum order is to that the flea market vendor can test out new items.
A flea market product which the vendor is unsure of could be easily tested out by ordering a few units.
If the flea market vendor decides to order a small sample of wholesale flea market products, he needs to realize that if the number of items he has is too small, customers will not stop at his booth.
The key to attracting customers to your flea market stall or booth is to have plenty of products for sale.
Customers like to frequent flea market vendors who can offer them a good quantity of items, a nice variety, and low prices.
Flea market vendors should also concentrate one on line of wholesale flea market products.
This focus will help the flea market vendor, since his customers will remember him for those types of products.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of [http://www.closeoutexplosion.com]http://www.closeoutexplosion.com, an online wholesale and closeout business, and [http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com]http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com, an educational site for the wholesale and closeout business.
Flea Market Business Ideas
Flea markets are great retail marketplaces. Flea market vendors are in a marketplace where the customers have a made a predetermined decision to buy.
Unlike people in malls and people walking in the streets, flea market customers are more than just browsers. They are serious customers who have a trip to the flea market to buy products.
But just because flea market shoppers want to buy, does not mean that they will buy from you.
To make sure that they do buy from you, I have compiled some great flea market insider business ideas. Use these strategies and your flea market sales will go through the roof.
Flea Market Business Idea #1
Make your booth stand out. Flea market shoppers are surrounded by hundreds of flea market vendors. They start developing tunnel vision as they walk through the isles. You need to make your booth stand out so that shoppers will focus on your booth. One way is to use bright table cloths and a bright tent. Yellow and white are great colors since the sun will reflect on them and catch the attention of people.
Flea Market Business Idea #2
Flea market vendors need variety. Even if you have the world’s lowest price on socks, your customers can only buy so many socks from you. If you want to increase your flea market sales you need to diversify your products. There is definitely a correlation between flea market sales and product variety.
Flea Market Business Idea #3
Professionalism is key. Just because you are selling at a flea market doesn’t meant that you can drop your professionalism. Flea market shoppers want to be treated right. They will give their business to the most organized and polite flea market vendors. After all, who doesn’t want to be treated well.
Donny Lowy runs http://www.closeoutexplosion.com an online wholesale and closeout business that supplies eBay sellers, retailers, and flea market vendors.
Unlike people in malls and people walking in the streets, flea market customers are more than just browsers. They are serious customers who have a trip to the flea market to buy products.
But just because flea market shoppers want to buy, does not mean that they will buy from you.
To make sure that they do buy from you, I have compiled some great flea market insider business ideas. Use these strategies and your flea market sales will go through the roof.
Flea Market Business Idea #1
Make your booth stand out. Flea market shoppers are surrounded by hundreds of flea market vendors. They start developing tunnel vision as they walk through the isles. You need to make your booth stand out so that shoppers will focus on your booth. One way is to use bright table cloths and a bright tent. Yellow and white are great colors since the sun will reflect on them and catch the attention of people.
Flea Market Business Idea #2
Flea market vendors need variety. Even if you have the world’s lowest price on socks, your customers can only buy so many socks from you. If you want to increase your flea market sales you need to diversify your products. There is definitely a correlation between flea market sales and product variety.
Flea Market Business Idea #3
Professionalism is key. Just because you are selling at a flea market doesn’t meant that you can drop your professionalism. Flea market shoppers want to be treated right. They will give their business to the most organized and polite flea market vendors. After all, who doesn’t want to be treated well.
Donny Lowy runs http://www.closeoutexplosion.com an online wholesale and closeout business that supplies eBay sellers, retailers, and flea market vendors.
How To Start Selling At Flea Markets
Flea market vendors have been seeing increasing sales as more and more customers shop at flea markets.
In the past, flea markets were seen as places to buy used goods, or places to simply spend a free day at.
But now flea markets are seen by many shoppers as sources for their consumer products, at substantial savings off their regular prices.
You can take profit from this consumer trend by setting up as a flea market vendor.
To become a flea market vendor you will first need to have a resellers tax ID number. You should speak to an attorney or accountant to see what you need to get started.
Most flea markets will guide you in this process, since it is in their interest that you start renting a booth at their flea market.
Once you have the proper licenses, you will want to decide on what type of merchandise to sell.
Flea markets can also be of help in this regard. You can ask the management of the flea market what products they feel will sell well.
They should tell you what products are not being sold, or what products can be sold more of.
You can also focus on the basic products that all flea market shoppers need, like T-Shirts, socks, underwear, towels, toothpaste, soap, etc.
As long as your prices are cheap compared to local stores, and to those of other flea market vendors, you should be able to sell those items.
Most flea market vendors stumble when they try to sell either novelty items, or unique esoteric products.
Stay to the basics and your flea market business should prosper.
You should obtain a list of wholesalers who carry the items you want to sell. Narrow down the list to wholesalers who specifically cater towards flea market vendors.
These wholesalers will have experience in what products will sell well at the flea market.
You can use search engines such as www.wholesalecentral.com and www.wholesalequest.com to compile a list of wholesalers.
Stay away from membership sites, since most wholesalers are listed openly online.
Your next step is to jump in. Over analysis will only discourage you from selling at the flea market. Instead of focusing on how much you can make, you need to focus on selling and building up your flea market business.
Make sure you start your first day at the flea market with a full assortment of merchandise. This will make a great impression on customers, and will help you sell a good amount of products.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of the following wholesale and closeout businesses. http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
In the past, flea markets were seen as places to buy used goods, or places to simply spend a free day at.
But now flea markets are seen by many shoppers as sources for their consumer products, at substantial savings off their regular prices.
You can take profit from this consumer trend by setting up as a flea market vendor.
To become a flea market vendor you will first need to have a resellers tax ID number. You should speak to an attorney or accountant to see what you need to get started.
Most flea markets will guide you in this process, since it is in their interest that you start renting a booth at their flea market.
Once you have the proper licenses, you will want to decide on what type of merchandise to sell.
Flea markets can also be of help in this regard. You can ask the management of the flea market what products they feel will sell well.
They should tell you what products are not being sold, or what products can be sold more of.
You can also focus on the basic products that all flea market shoppers need, like T-Shirts, socks, underwear, towels, toothpaste, soap, etc.
As long as your prices are cheap compared to local stores, and to those of other flea market vendors, you should be able to sell those items.
Most flea market vendors stumble when they try to sell either novelty items, or unique esoteric products.
Stay to the basics and your flea market business should prosper.
You should obtain a list of wholesalers who carry the items you want to sell. Narrow down the list to wholesalers who specifically cater towards flea market vendors.
These wholesalers will have experience in what products will sell well at the flea market.
You can use search engines such as www.wholesalecentral.com and www.wholesalequest.com to compile a list of wholesalers.
Stay away from membership sites, since most wholesalers are listed openly online.
Your next step is to jump in. Over analysis will only discourage you from selling at the flea market. Instead of focusing on how much you can make, you need to focus on selling and building up your flea market business.
Make sure you start your first day at the flea market with a full assortment of merchandise. This will make a great impression on customers, and will help you sell a good amount of products.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of the following wholesale and closeout businesses. http://www.closeoutexplosion.com http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com http://www.wholesalequest.com
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