How to Make Extra Money Selling at Flea Markets & Outdoor Sales
Ever since my husband was a kid he was selling at flea markets.
He would sell candy and jewelry from his red wagon and made extra money so he could buy the things he wanted.
After my husband and I met, we started selling at flea markets. We got rid of things we didn’t need and used the extra cash to help pay off our debt and student loans.
{This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. Full disclosure policy.}
Now we sell there to make extra money to pay for our kids’ schooling and to hopefully pay off our mortgages faster.
Flea markets draw large crowds because there are a lot of vendors in one place. This allows them to get better prices and also find things they want more easily.
My husband and I have made as little as $120 in one day to as much as $900!
Here are tips to make the most money at your next flea market or swap meet.
If you’d like to watch us go over these tips, watch one of our first YouTube videos, Make Money Selling at the Flea Market video
# 1 DO YOUR RESEARCH
There are several outdoor flea markets we can sell at.
Each one has different days to sell, table/space fees, and crowd demographics.
All of these things are important.
One of the flea markets we go to on Sundays we know it’s a later market. That’s because people go to church first then head to the market. We also know that toys sell better on Sundays for us because more families go on Sunday than on Saturday.
The other flea market we go to on Thursdays has a very different crowd. They are more likely to look for antiques and glassware than at other markets.
If you can, pick a spot close to the entrance/exit, food stands, or restrooms. This is where you get the most traffic.
#2 PICK A PRIME LOCATION
Some flea markets allow you to choose your spot depending on the time you come, others let you book and pick ahead of time, and some just pick them for you.\
If you can pick, look for a spot where you would get the most foot traffic.
This will be spots close to the rest rooms, food vendors, and exits or entrances.
#3 GROUP SIMILAR ITEMS TOGETHER
There are so many ways you can group your “junk”.
Put all the glassware together, put all the new stuff together, put similarly colored items together.
We like to group by like items and separate new and used.
People coming to the one flea market we go to mainly look for antiques and glassware so on those days we make sure those items are in the front.
We have also seen people do well when they bring items completely unsorted. They are mainly people who do house clean outs and they themselves haven’t even gone through the items. This can create some excitement when people get to dig through the treasures.
#4 NEGOTIATE
People go to flea markets to get deals.
If you want to get $10 for an item, price it at $15 and then drop it down if you need to.
If you’re selling a lot of the same items you can do $2 each or 3 for $5. The buyer gets $1 off and you sell two extra items.
#5 BE LOUD/FRIENDLY
This took me some time to get used to.
I hated going to the flea market for a long time. I hated haggling with people, struggling to make sales, and just being there.
I went because my husband and I needed to make money to pay for our wedding, get out of debt, and pay our credit card bills.
If you’re not much of a people person, don’t worry it gets easier.
Start by saying hi to people or good morning/afternoon.
The friendlier you are, the more likely you are to make a sale.
We sell sunglasses for $1-$2, which is the lowest price at the flea market.
We loudly tell passersby we have $1 sunglasses and people who weren’t planning on stopping come to our tables. This is because not everyone will read your signs.
Another favorite is “holler for a dollar!”.
#6 ITEMS TO BRING
There are certain items you won’t want to forget to bring with you on your next trip to the flea market.
Bags/Packaging: We buy bags really cheap from one of the flea market vendors and we also save bags from all of our shopping hauls.
Change and small bills: Some days you get a lot of singles and other days everyone has big bills they need you to break. Don’t miss out on a sale because you can’t give change. People may try to go to the ATM, but there’s no guarantee they’ll come back.
Sunscreen: If you’re selling outdoors be sure to bring sunscreen. You don’t want to get burnt.
Umbrella/Canopy Tent: We’ve been selling at the flea market a lot this summer and a tent has been a must. It has been so hot outside. The added shade not only draws people in, but keeps us cooler too.
Drinks/Snacks: We always bring something to eat and drink. A lot of times it gets so busy we don’t always have a chance to step away. Sometimes we buy food too, but remember that is cutting into your profits.
Tape/Markers: If you plan on putting up signs you’ll need a way to display them and make your numbers pop!
Paper/Cardboard: If it’s the slightest bit windy out, cardboard signs is the way to go.
Price Stickers: We don’t see this often and can be a big time waster. We only price mark items we have a lot of or the “hot ticket” items.
Related posts:
#7 SIGNAGE
If you watched our YouTube video you’ll know my husband and I have mixed opinions on this.
There are days we’ve made amazing signs and we’d still have people asking for a price. In my head I’m saying “it’s right in front of you!!” lol
#8 REGULARLY SELL
Try to sell regularly and in the same spot if you can.
A lot of our sales are repeat customers. Chances are if people like you’re stuff and you continue to bring more of it, they’ll come back.
At the flea market we go to on Thursdays we sell mainly glassware. and antiques. Every Thursday we try to bring some new things and sure enough the regulars seek us out.
Sometimes people will just buy from you again because you’re developed a relationship with them.
#9 WHERE TO SOURCE ITEMS
We source our items from everywhere and anywhere.
Check out Facebook marketplace, store closings, discount days at Goodwill and online retailers.
Everyone is looking for something different.
Here are the best items to resell for a profit.
Look for tools, electronics, clothing, toys and glassware. If you can, check out the flea market ahead of time talk to the vendors and see for yourself what sells.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you feel prepared for your next flea market sale and makes lots and lots of money.
Make sure you bring a good assortment of items, don’t be afraid to interact with people and just have fun.
Let me know your own tips for making more money at the flea market down below!
