Extra Money: How to Set Up and Sell at a Flea Market or Swap Meet

If you have a lot of stuff to get rid of, the swap meet may be a great way for you to do it. If you live in an area with low traffic, or in an area that is primarily non-residential, or if you live in an apartment or other residence that does not allow garage sales, the flea market is an excellent option for selling your new and used items.

Or, you may be like me, with a thrift store addiction, a love of flea markets, and a desire to make money while having fun. One Saturday, I rented a space at a local antiques swap meet, and by one p.m., I was an addicted swap meet vendor. By the following weekend, I was the proud renter of a double space-- and $500 richer. I sold mostly vintage and antique glassware, and I eventually became serious enough about it to purchase an SUV with a tow package and an enclosed cargo trailer to haul merchandise. I sold about $500 worth of small items every weekend for about six months, and stopped only after moving to another city. I still miss it, and I still recommend flea markets to everyone with items to sell. Why?

There are many benefits to selling items at a swap meet, and the best reason of all is traffic. You are guaranteed more customers at a swap meet than at a garage sale, even if your neighborhood is great for yard sales. People come to find bargains, but they expect to pay more than that would at a garage sale.

Plus, there's usually delicious fried foods, and if you're lucky, beer.

If you're considering selling at a flea market, first consider what you have to sell. Truthfully, you can successfully sell almost anything at a flea market. Leftover cabinets from that kitchen cabinet replacement? Want to sell the old cabinets? Have boxes and boxes of perfume samples? If you're selling it, someone will buy it. The exception to this is food and alcohol: if your food isn't manufacturer-packaged, you may need a license. Alcohol sales require a license, as well. Also, selling stolen or counterfeit merchandise is always a bad idea.