Starting a small business?
flea markets are great
places to sell!
Flea markets (or "swap meets" in California)are great places to sell, hubs of activity, that can draw as many shoppers as the busiest of market places. Starting a small business and your first storefront may be as easy as renting some space at at one of these outside market places.
By the way, almost all business ventures that we regard as "big" today started out small. For example, In 1927, two brothers, Mac & Dick McDonald opened a hamburger stand called "The Airdrome," in Monrovia, California In 1940. they moved their small building nearby to 14th & E Streets in San Bernardino. Their small business business grew and became "McDonald's Restaurant" that we know (and love?) today.
What is a Flea Market?An individual market space is similar in structure to a garage sale. However, hear the sellers (or "venders"), many times family members or friends, rent the space from the owners or organizers of the flea market. The venders are usually also required to have a small business license, a resale number, or both.
Although the terms "flea market" and "swap meet" are many times used interchangeably, a swap meet is usually larger and more organized. A Flea market usually sells general merchandise only and occurs worldwide. On the other hand, some swap meets sell general products while others offer specific products, for example, motorcycles and motorcycle parts. In Southern California there are very large general merchandise swap meets, many organized at college campus parking lots.
Selling Tipsarrive as early as possible in the morning to secure the best location to set up your store, best near where people are coming in from a parking area. Try to pick a location to set up where the noon day sun will be at your back. If you have a canopy, you won't have to worry about the sun as much. Bring the kids, relatives, friends; many hands make light work! If possible, keep the same selling location from week to week. It's a fact that many customers, if they like you, will look for you the next time they come.
Try to sell at rock bottom prices. Most people come to search of bargains. So give them bargains! At the time you obtain your merchandise, whether stuff from inside your house, from a wholesale company, that you manufacture yourself, eBay.com, or where ever, be mindful that you have to keep your prices down.Depending on how much and what kind of merchandise you are selling, obviously, a pickup or van is really nice to have for selling here.
They can be indoors too. If you have to set up outside, plan to use some sort of canopy to protect yourself from the sun or rain. Instead of spreading your products on the ground, use light weight tables for a nicer display. Click Here! for a complete flea market directory organized by state.
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