If you are going to start selling at a local flea market to make some extra money, you should look to see what sells at the flea market you plan on selling at. This may not always be the best tactic, as compared to selling on ebay. If everyone is selling shoes, the competition may be too great for you to compete with unless you attack the competition with much lower prices, and unless you are crazy, you are there to make money, aren't you?
I have found that vintage cameras work very well. Lots of people collect them. Especially at flea markets. I think it is especially good because unlike buying them on ebay, the buyer can touch and hold the item before purchasing it, therefor you may be able to get more money for some models. However, since you do not have an audience of a few million people searching for them like you do on ebay, you may not get as much for some items. It all depends on what the particular person is looking for, and of course their budget.
It is now January 2nd, and through the fall and winter, I have been buying vintage camera lots on ebay to stock up for next season. When you look on ebay for the cameras, you want to try not to spend more than about $5 each for the cameras. That way you know you will make money on them. Cost is everything. Last summer, the very first and only time I sold at a flea market, I brought over 100 cameras with me, and had $710 in sales. My profit, after paying $40 for the spot, was around $500. I did really good. And I got there late in the morning. So far I have well over 100 cameras stocked up and ready to go for next season. I am going to keep buying them as I see them.
A lot of people at this flea market sell jewelry, and that is ok, but my sister brought some with her, and none of it sold. She had brand new stuff she made herself, and we brought ear rings that we bought for a buck a pair, but nothing. A couple people looked at them. No big deal since we didnt spend too much on them.
I also see some people dragging the same crap with them for years that carry outrageous prices. People, know what you need to make on an item, and stick with it. If you are dragging an old carriage wheel around that you paid too much for, and are now asking too much for, unload the freaken thing. It is called a loss. Every business has them. It all evens out in the end. Now you don't have to stare at it all day any more. Never let anything take up valuable real estate in the small spot you have.
There is also this guy that pays for two spots. His rent for the day is now $80 right off the bat. He has a bunch of crap. You should try to stick to what sells, and be prepared to switch things up if you have to. Quantity isn't always key.
You can also look under advanced setting on ebay and see what is selling on ebay, and for what price. I think I will try the jewelry again this year. I have to see. It doesn't hurt to bring anything you can as long as you have the room.
The other biggest bit of advise I can give you, clean everything you are selling...PLEASE! It's ok to sell silverware that has tarnished, but if you are selling glasses or old cameras, it doesn't take too long to give it a once over with some windex to make it more appealing.And, don't ever be afraid to take a walk around and if you see a good deal on something that you may be able to make a few bucks on, go for it. You do not know how many times I have seen something for sale early in the morning that I know I could buy and sell at my own table for more.
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