You must obtain the tax certificate before you plan on selling, although how far in advance depends on the state. [1] X Trustworthy Source State of Connecticut Official website for the State of Connecticut Go to source Some states have different types of tax certificates – some are the same no matter how long you’re selling for, some issue temporary certs depending on how frequently you sell. [2] X Research source When in doubt, ask the flea market you’re selling at – they can usually tell you what you need.
Look to see where the booths are set up and where the most traffic comes through. Note what other vendors are selling and for how much. You’re likely to be more successful if you’re selling something not many people have or, if you are, if you sell at comparable prices. [3] X Research source
Some markets have daily or monthly rates. If you’ve never sold at a flea market before, you might want to pay for just one day until you know if you want to commit to a full month. Some markets also have booth space in a covered area. They charge more for these spaces, but you’ll be protected from weather. [4] X Research source
It’s best to be near the entrance and in an area where there seems to be a lot of foot traffic. You might not get your first choice of booth, so make sure you give yourself a few options. [5] X Research source
If your flea market assigns booth space on the same day as you’re selling, try to get there early to increase your chances of getting the best spot. [6] X Research source
A good way to start an inventory is by hosting your garage or rummage sale at the flea market. Bring all of the stuff you’d sell at a garage sale and sell it from your booth instead. This gives you inventory to start with and also eliminates the need for you to advertise the garage sale – flea markets will advertise themselves. [7] X Research source
Make sure you know the exact measurements of your booth before you get your supplies together. You don’t want to arrive at the flea market only to discover that you can’t sell anything because your tables don’t fit. Check with the flea market to see if they have a list of prohibited items, or rules about booths are decorated.
Opening a business checking account lets you accept checks, too, but you might take a check only to find out there’s insufficient funds. Unless you have a way to follow up in such a situation, you might want to avoid accepting checks. [14] X Research source
You should also rearrange your merchandise as you sell it, either by restocking or rearranging what you already have out so you don’t have an obvious bare spot. Don’t rearrange too often, however. You don’t want a customer to come looking for something they saw earlier in the day and then not be able to find it.
Be careful not to be too aggressive, though. If you’re constantly asking your shoppers if they need anything, it’s likely they’ll get annoyed and walk away. Give them time to look before you start telling them about products.
