I'll be using the flea market as a test for my t-shirts. I have other cool stuff to sell, too. Anyone have experience in this area?

I have alot of experience with flea markets. I grew up working at Englishtown in NJ, and we also worked at alot of flea markets throughout the entire east coast and in parts of Pennsylvannia, West Virginia and Tenn.. As soon as I was old enough to drive, I began going to sell at them myself. I believe that it is one of the best ways to start your own business--you learn so much about location, pricing, setting up displays, what products sell best, etc.. Beware, however, of the fact that if you do something well or if the other merchants feel that you are doing well, you will get alot of copycats trying to do the same thing that you are doing. Also, people may become jealous if you become successful, especially if you are young and move up quickly. The only problem that I now have as a result of working at the fleamarkets for so long is that I sometimes find myself stuck in the "fleamarket mentality" and I usually can't force myself to charge higher prices for my products, even though the overhead is higher. Anyway, each fleamarket has its own rules, good locations, etc. Just stop by the office and ask about setting up there. Look around for the good locations yourself (No one is going to tell you)

I appreciate the advice. I didn't think about the jealousy factor. I figured since it's my own creativity being put on tees I would be alright. Now I will seriously consider getting trademark protection on my artwork. Thanks again!

I am considering starting a monthly flea market in my city on the west coast...is this industry up or down and as a vendor, do you have any tips as to what makes an attractive and succesful market? thanks!

Hi Julie..

Flea markets can be awsome, or the pits.

1) Make sure you give your vendors enough room to set up. (I know some markets where you get a space just large enough to park your vehicle!)

2) Porta Potties!

3) Consider setting up your own stand to offer food & drinks. We get hungry!

4) Reasonable price for set-ups. Around my area (E. TN) prices range from $3 for an area just large enough to park a car, to $15 for a spot 3-times that size.)

If you've got a good location where you can draw from plenty of traffic, you could be looking at a great little busines.

BUT.. If you see that it's working well, you'd better consider doing more than just once a month.
Especially if your a ways from other flea markets.

Just my 2¢ worth.

Pete.. A marketeer

Letters From Santa, just for your child!
http://shmyl.com/mryison

thanks! That's helpful...I do think I want to have it weekly but I think maybe it would be hard to start out. Wow, those are cheap prices for spaces...it would be hard to make money if they were that cheap. The closest flea market is an hour from here and charges $35 for a space. People camp out at 5am or ealier to get spaces and it's considered one of the top marets in the country.
What area of the country are you in that prices are so cheap?

Hi,

I'm located in East Tennessee.

Even in the Nashville area you can get a space for $25 & up.

Base your fees on how much area you have, too.

If you can put in 100 vendors, and have adequate parking, then $25 is a good price. (That's $2500 a day!)

Plus, if you set up your own concession stand, you will have extra cash-flow.

Thing is around here, the high-priced markets often turn into outdoor Wal-Marts, Dollar Stores, etc., and the people quit coming!

Pete

I know what you mean about them turning into dollar store places...I think I will be very selective that the vendors all have to be selling antiques, collectibles or arts and crafts and food. We already have a really lame farmer's market that doesnt have very many artisans because they fill it up with people with cut flowers. It has very little variety and there is such a big waiting list for vendors they don't even take names anymore.
It sounds like a lot getting $2,500 but I will need insurance, city fees, advertising and other expenses...So what do you think makes the best flea markets the best?

The flea markets where the owners make the most money are the ones where the owners sell most of the food. Alot of flea markets that just start out usually have free or ridiculoulsy cheap rent for the vendors at first. They later raise the rent when there are alot of customers. If a vendor comes, pays alot of rent and doesn't make any money, they will probably never be back. Unless you have alot of money to advertise every month, it will be hard for customers to get used remembering when you are open. Also make sure that you are in the right area if you want to limit what the vendors sell to just antiques and crafts. Most flea markets sell a large variety of merchandise from antiques, crafts, new items, factory close-outs, yardsale items, fresh produce, flowers, etc. This way a variety of customers are attracted (all of whom will buy food). It would be wise however to limit the number of vendors who sell one particular item, however. maybe one person selling incense, one or two people selling socks, one person doing airbrushing, one person selling funnel cakes, etc. Another idea (again depending on your demographics) would be to bring in stuff for the kids such as someone making and selling balloon animals, a bouncy castle (make sure that vendor is insured), pony rides, sand art, hot air balloon rides, gemstone panning, pottery decorating, or whatever else you can find people in the area willing to do.

I am also thinking of opening a flea market. Do you think a barn style covered area is worth the money.

I think if your weather is dicey you have to have the option of a covered area. Plus a barn could give a cool ambiance to it. Maybe you could have a vendor that does pony rides and/or kettle corn outside. Maybe have a petting zoo..etc.

Hello- I will be attending my first flea market next Saturday, September 17, 2005 as a seller. I basically have garage sale items.

I have no clue as to the asking prices for used barbie dolls and clothese that are from the early to mid 1990's. I need to price these dolls.

Also, looking for suggestions on prices for stuffed animals. I have a wide variety from small to large.

Also, looking for suggestions on pricing for childrens clothing(gently used). Mostly Sizes 5-14 for girls.

Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

Thank You,,,,,,

I live in the Los Angeles area and have been investigating selling some wares in Flea Markets around this area. There are a lot of them. The prices I've found range from $40 to $200. I imagine demographics plays a lot into the price you set for spaces.

Where are the East Tenn. Fleamarkets located?
I will be visiting Gatlinburg in July and am looking for them and the times?
Thanks for any info.

Julie
How is it comming along?
I have been planning a market in my area for some time now. I would like to corespond with you and others starting markets in their area so we can all help eachother along.
tfh777@yahoo.com

Hi,

I am looking to set up a flea market in my hometown on the Main Street where I own property and the visibility is terrific. I'm not sure where to start. Does the owner provide the tables for the vendors? Can you offer any advice for a newbie?

Thanks!
brenmel@hotmail.com

Do you have any info on where I can get a good source of information for starting up a flea market??

Thanks

Hi, I am also thinking of starting a flea market locally
and was wondering if you could share any infor you get
about how much secuirty you need and wether people
should be charged for admission (some fleas do and
some don't) and what about insurance...what kind do
you have to carry and who offers it, and details like
this....I've never tried chat rooms for data but was
wondering if you get any info like thisif you might be
willing to share and I will do the same? Right now I am
ulling all the demographic data off the net regarding the
total available population and then trying to make some
projections in terms of traffic. It's really hard because I
think it takes a while for these things to get a regular
clientel so I don't want to overshoot, on the otherhand if
I don't go for a large space I may be locked into a
location people like and remember that is too small for
future expansion....! hard to make the right calls at this
time and would be grateful for any information you have
or sources of information....thank you.

I haven't gotten a ton of info other than what you see here. I did find out from a farmer's market that there is an insurance collective program through state farm insurance. It is for farmer's markets but hopefully I will be close enough to get in on it. I am not worried about security, I am just focusing on insurance, the location and marketing. I think they are the key elements. I am going to start mine on the day of the daffodil festival parade. It brings everyone down town and I figure if I advertise really well, while people are down they will come to the flea market. I am starting in a buildilng with two parking lots but plan that if I need to expand I will see if the city will close the street as they do for the farmers market. The cool deal for me is that it is on Market street so I can call it The Market Market. I hope it works out for you. Good luck.

can some one help me please

i would like to sell airsoft guns and swords and knives in philadelphia and New jersey

does any one know the law about selling airsoft and swords knives

thank you

Just set up (my first) an inside booth/store at a local flea market here in NC. Only flea market in this area. Trying to add a hot sellers $1-5 that compliments our merchandies which is hand-crafted solid pine primitive, shaker style home accessories, furniture,as well as antiques collectibles including vintage jewelry and my artwork. A successful outdoor fellow vendor of 9 years suggested INCENSE and such as it is not offered and he thinks a seller. Soooo I am trying to figure out what is the top sellers in that category and where I can buy wholesale online. Need to find relatively speaking sure sellers that is current trends to get me those afforable $1-5 sales to keep us going between the higher priced items I have. My brain is FRIED trying to figure this out. Want to try some incense if it sounds good..before loading up and finding out its a dead deal LOL. Any imput would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking for a good flea market to sell gemstones. I'm in Alamance County. Can you tell me the location of the Flea Market you started? Or did I misunderstand? I'll accept any help you can give. Thanks!

Rebecca I have been planning a market for a long time now and I have found a huge void in information on how to start a flea market but tons of stuff for how to be a vendor.
I would like to network with you Julie and anyone else here on this topic so we can help eachother suceed. I am very close to starting my market but still feel so far away due to lack of investment money.
tfh777@yahoo.com
tommy

Tommy, Julie, etc. I am also want to open a flea market. I am in Virginia, near Richmond. I am interested in networking with you and all others who are starting flea markets. I think we can really help each other. My biggest concern is financing. Has anyone actually started the flea market and can give me an idea as to how much $$$ I am looking at? Also, how did you go about getting vendors to your location? Was it tough to get the vendors to come? What's your rate?
Anyone with any advice and especially experience, please email me at searchfinder@walla.com.
I am also thinking about being a vendor at a market to get a feel for the do's and donts.
Thanks and good luck to all!!

>Tommy, Julie, etc. I am also want
>to open a flea market. I
>am in Virginia, near Richmond. I
>am interested in networking with you
>and all others who are starting
>flea markets.
>snipped<
I'm diving head first into the flea market business. I bought an unused school building, put an apartment in the music room and will be opening a flea market in the main gym on 7/8/2006.
I have spent the last year going to every market, carnival, craft show... I could find within about 100 miles from here. I made flyers, passed out cards, interest was about 50/50. But always with the same question "when do you open?"
I've spent the last 6 weeks cleaning, repairing and remodeling. Creating a web site. decideding what food and drinks to sell. Adding new locks for security. Writing printing and distributing flyers. Creating news paper ads. Obtaining federal and state business tax IDs. Still looking for liability insurance. Spent about $4K so far.
It's sink or swim time. Please take look at the web site. Constructive critisism is welcomed.
Peter

>>Tommy, Julie, etc. I am also want
>>to open a flea market. I
>>am in Virginia, near Richmond. I
>>am interested in networking with you
>>and all others who are starting
>>flea markets. >snippedI'm diving head first
>into the flea market business. I
>bought an unused school building, put
>an apartment in the music room
>and will be opening a flea
>market in the main gym on
>7/8/2006.I have spent the last year
>going to every market, carnival, craft
>show... I could find within about
>100 miles from here. I made
>flyers, passed out cards, interest was
>about 50/50. But always with the
>same question "when do you open?"I've
>spent the last 6 weeks cleaning,
>repairing and remodeling. Creating a web
>site. decideding what food and drinks
>to sell. Adding new locks for
>security. Writing printing and distributing flyers.
>Creating news paper ads. Obtaining federal
>and state business tax IDs. Still
>looking for liability insurance. Spent about
>$4K so far.It's sink or swim
>time. Please take look at the
>web site. Constructive critisism is welcomed.Peter
>

The web address is http://www.oslofleamarket.com/

How is your flea market going? I have been wanting to start one. Do you also have a table and sell merchandise?

>How is your flea market going?
>I have been wanting to start
>one. Do you also have
>a table and sell merchandise?

We opened on 7/8/06. We had calls from about 15 possible vendors but, only 2 showed the 1st weekend.
A 3rd vendor came the 2nd week and I signed up 2 more for next week. I hope to get more vendors in when the county fair circuit is over.
I have things of my own that I am selling (mostly used furniture, some antiques), my wife is a jeweler and has a stand set up, we're taking things on consignment and we have a snack bar.
Consignment has been the best money maker so far.

Peter
Oslo Flea Market & Consignment
manager@oslofleamarket.com
http://www.oslofleamarket.com/

I also do tees...with my own artwork..and other personalized custom tees, photo etc (sell online.website). I only have a small area in my new booth inside flea marker just started up with my tees..showing my tees....as with t-shirts there is such competition it is depressing. There is a vendor down the row that sells shirts very well...however as is the usual case..he buys in big loads and cheap and is able to sell at $5.99 and up. There is NO way to compete with this guy in my mind....and dont mean to be negative..just realistic. So far I have not sold one tee as people quickly pass by to get to his booth to pick out the buys. So I am diverse and have other products not to depend solely on the tees

well i sell airsoft guns and knives
at low prices but in bulk if anyone would like buy some
i sell them at the mart and make about 250$ in profit one day

i want be a vendor in flea market, my problem is i'm looking for right now a good source to buy a good stuff,with very cheap price please, thanks if you can help me out just let me know, now you have my e-mail address. thank you

Teri,
My wife and I also grew up in Englishtown and worked at the Englishtown flea market ( back in the 60's). We're in the southeast now and are looking a for another Englishtown. Any advice?
John & Debbie

>Teri , I am planning to start a small business selling used clothes and other such little items like shoes and small household articles.
I am hoping to rent a shop for this purpose. My question is can I still be able to make profit if I do so.

Can I solicit people for their unwanted clothes and stuff and turn around and sell them after cleaning them. Is this illegal.
Thanks.
Jorge Campos
>

You might want to try

www.My-Jewelry-Box.com

great items & they offer 20% off all items with wholesale account & there is a low minimum purchase. Celebrity & designer replicas

ONEINWORLD is the business company located in the heart of Los Angeles, California, USA. We are importers, exporters and manufacturers of a lot of Gift items,Airsoft guns,Short Glasses,Mugs,Caps,KeyChains,Flasks in diffrent Styles of NFL ,NBA,MLB.Swords,Knives,Water Pipes etc. as you would come across while browsing our website.

Catalog in PDF format
http://www.oneinworld.com/Catalog.pdf

We are here for answering your questions.

Best Regards

Jim,
OneinWorld
223 Boyd St. suit # B
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Telephone : (213) 613-0007
Fax : (213)613-0008
Website : www.oneinworld.com

any one had success as being a flea market vendor??

i have unlimited space,bathrooms,trash disposal,showers,elect/water to all sites. very big sites( rv park) on a main highway,lots of parking.close to stores. problem is south west texas. about 3 or 4 miles off interstate,super good roads(wi-fi and dial-up)laundry,5 washers,5 dryers. my question is would you think about opening a flea market here also? i have about 5 acres i could dedicate to booths.

jimmy