Today, I want to share some tips on making money by selling at flea markets. Shannon Rooney, a reader of Making Sense of Cents, managed to pay off over $60,000 in debt through hard work and smart budgeting. She runs a flea market booth with her mom and has some great insights on why flea markets are a good source of extra income, how to get started, and what items to sell to maximize profits.
Yard sales are a quick way to make some cash, but they’re limited by the seasons, especially in northern climates. That’s where flea markets come in handy. A flea market booth can stay open all year, allowing you to sell used or vintage items regardless of the weather.
About a year ago, my mom and I were shopping at a local flea market. We often spent hours browsing vintage items and discussing how we’d arrange our own booth. Eventually, we decided to give it a shot, selling items from our homes like vintage furniture, home decor, new appliances, gently used clothes, and handmade crafts.
Opening a flea market booth turned out to be a fantastic way to declutter our homes while making extra money. Flea market booths are relatively low-maintenance since most are staffed by the owners, meaning you don’t have to be there all the time. The rent is usually affordable, and sourcing merchandise can be fun and easy.
However, flea market booths aren’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Success can vary with the retail market, but by following some basic guidelines, you can create a steady, low-maintenance side hustle.
**How Flea Market Booths Work**
Most flea markets charge vendors a monthly rental fee, which varies by location and booth size. Some offer discounts for annual payments. Vendors get a designated space to sell their items, and some markets have guidelines on what can be sold, so it’s important to ask upfront.
Flea markets are usually staffed by the owners or their employees, allowing vendors to be as involved as they want. Some markets may require vendors to help out occasionally, but many provide staff to handle cashier duties and customer inquiries.
**Starting Your Own Flea Market Booth**
Starting a booth requires some initial research, but once you find a spot, things move quickly.
1. **Scout Your Location**: Visit several flea markets in your area to compare rent prices and booth sizes. Look for markets located near other antique or second-hand shops, as these areas attract more shoppers. Placement within the market is also important; spots near the front tend to get more traffic. Talk to other vendors for insights on the best locations and items that sell well.
2. **Decide What to Sell**: Start sourcing merchandise from various places like your home, thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, Facebook yard sale groups, and even curbside finds. Keep an eye out for items that sell well, such as small knick-knacks, jewelry, holiday decor, vintage items, small furniture, and toys. Avoid items that don’t sell well, like crafts, big-ticket items, and board games.
3. **Set Up Your Booth**: Learn from other vendors and set up your booth using retail techniques. Group similar items together, avoid clutter, and label and price everything clearly. Small touches like twinkly lights and a clean, organized space can make a big difference.
Once your booth is set up, promote it through guerrilla marketing. Tell your friends and family, post photos on social media, and talk to the flea market owners about marketing opportunities. My mom took over our flea market’s Facebook page, posting daily updates and pictures, which helped attract more visitors.
By maintaining an interesting inventory and doing your part to get people in the door, your flea market booth can become a successful side hustle.
Shannon Rooney is a freelance writer, content specialist, and avid side hustler working to pay down debt. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Learn more at ShannonRooney.com.