Flea Market Tips for Participants

(Before Day of Sale)

1. Be prepared. Be ready to go the night before so that you don’t have to rush around in the morning.

-          Sort items into categories (kitchen, books, kids, clothes)

-          Clean, iron and repair items as you go

-          Price items and label with a description where applicable.

-     Visualize how your display will look

-     Create an action plan of steps for set-up

-     Plan to arrive early

2. Plan your sale layout with customers in mind. Use marketing tricks to make your customers more likely to purchase your stuff!

3. Create a neat and attractive display. Your products should be displayed neatly and attractively to encourage customers to look through them. Here are some ideas:

-          Use a nice table cloth.

-          Put your items in interesting containers, like baskets etc.

-     Organize items by type, size, or color

-          Make it easy to view and take small items by putting them in plastic bags.

-          Create an eye-catching poster for your station so people can tell what you are selling.

-          Sell good, usable products

4. Label things well. Make it easy for your buyers to go through your things and get a sense of what they should pay or bargain for, by labeling and displaying prices clearly. This will prevent fewer touching of your items and will keep your display neat.
   

• Arrive early. Arriving early will give you time to prepare in a relaxed manner, and adjust your display neatly.
  

• Set up your sale area. Make sure nothing is blocking traffic flow. Display like items together. Make sure everything is clearly visible.

• Be willing to bargain. Buyers want a good deal and will be more willing to buy items if they are able to bargain with you.
  

• Be friendly. Engage in conversation and bargain with good humor.
  

• Keep a ledger/Account Book. Jot down a description of each item and how much you priced it and sold it for.

• Keep your money safe. You may use a cash box, but it is best to keep your money on you at all times. Never keep your cash unguarded.

• Display items to their advantage. Items can be made to look good just by placing them in the right way, or in nice containers. 
  

• Promote expensive items. Provide appropriate descriptions for expensive items so that buyers understand why they are expensive.

• Make it easy for shoppers to test electronic items. If you’re selling electrical items, make sure you have an extension cord or batteries handy so that people can test them.

• Don't forget to eat and drink. Stay hydrated and energized.