With Shohola Volunteer Fire Department holding a flea market this weekend, I figured now would be a good time to share some tips on selling at one. Most of these tips would apply to yard sales as well. The benefit of a flea market, however, is you know you'll have customers and you don't have to put time and money into marketing.
Shohola's flea market will cost $15 a table. More than you think you'll make? At least it's going to a good cause. But maybe a few of these tips will get your profits up.
1. Have quality items. It may be tempting to box up all your junk you were getting ready to throw out and make a couple dollars, but shoppers aren't looking for garbage. They're looking for deals. They'll know a quality item when they see it. Something gently used, or only used for a brief time. The newer the item, the more you can sell it for. No, you will not be able to sell it for what you paid for it.
2. Make it a good price. Generally, you can take what you paid for an item and take off 75% when trying to price it for a flea market. It's a very general rule, but if you're not sure what someone will pay for an item, that's a good starting point. An item that's brand new, you can take 50% off, versus an item that's well used you may take 90% off.
3. Be prepared to negotiate. Part of the fun of a flea market is haggling. Customers know you set the prices, and they want the best deal possible. Don't overprice your items and assume people will offer less, but have a bottom line in mind. If you know the lowest price you'll sell for, you won't have to hesitate or waste time making up your mind on an offer.
4. Keep your table neat. You want your items to look organized and cared for. DVDs and books should be neatly lined up. Knick knacks should be dusted. Everything straight and in it's place. If a customer moves something, put it back. If you have colorful items, arrange them like a rainbow. You don't want your table to look at all cluttered or overwhelming.
5. Label everything with prices. Make sure your prices are clearly marked on every item. Some people may hesitate to ask for a price, or if you're busy with another customer, they may not be able to ask you. This may be the most important rule. Most customers will see the price, and decide to buy an item with only that in mind. It's your strongest selling tool, so use it wisely.
I hope these tips help everyone have a more successful flea market this weekend, or future yard sale.
What are some of your tips for a flea market/yard sale?
For more information on Shohola's flea market, go
here.
