How To Make $50,000 A Year At Your Local Flea Market

Making money at a flea market isn’t just about selling items on the spot. While this can be a lucrative income stream, I’ve found that the real money lies in buying items at a bargain and reselling them through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Whatnot, and even social media. In 2023 alone, I sold over $30,000 in merchandise at flea markets and generated an additional $20,000 profit by flipping items on other venues. Here’s how you can do it too.

Where to Source Inventory for Flea Market Sales

1. Yard Sales While yard sales aren’t my personal favorite for sourcing inventory, many people find great deals to flip at flea markets. You can often find hidden gems at a fraction of their value.

2. Clean-Outs Starting a clean-out service can be a goldmine. Run some ads offering to clear out basements, garages, and storage buildings. You’ll be surprised how many people will pay you to take away their unwanted items. Not only do you earn from the clean-out service, but you also get inventory to sell at the flea market.

3. Abandoned Storage Units Buying storage unit contents from storage facilities is another fantastic way to accumulate a lot of inventory. Websites like LockerFox.com allow you to find storage units up for auction in your area. You never know what treasures you might uncover.

4. Friends and Family Let everyone know that you’re always looking for items to resell. Word of mouth can lead to some of the best deals, and your network may surprise you with what they’re willing to part with.

5. Facebook Marketplace There are always deals to be found on Facebook Marketplace. Make it a habit to search daily, and you’ll come across items that can be easily flipped for a profit.

6. Curb Alerts Curb alerts are a great way to source inventory for free. Keep an eye out for people giving away items they no longer want. These items can be cleaned up and sold at a flea market for a tidy profit.

7. Advertise That You Buy Stuff Sometimes, the simplest method is the most effective. Advertise that you buy items, and people will start calling you to come and make offers. This strategy can bring in a constant stream of inventory.

Additional Flea Market Tips

1. Show Up Early, Leave Last Maximize your time at the flea market by arriving early and staying until the end. The more time you invest, the more likely you are to make sales. It only takes one big buyer to make the entire day worthwhile.

2. Try to Get Along with Everyone Being polite and friendly can go a long way. Avoid controversial topics, especially politics, unless you know the other person agrees with your views. Remember, you’re there to make money, not to change the country.

3. Your Appearance Matters First impressions are important. Dress in a way that projects success, as this can influence how buyers perceive your prices. You don’t need to wear church clothes, but avoid looking disheveled. A polished appearance can make a big difference in your sales.

4. Don’t Quote eBay Prices Avoid telling buyers that an item is worth a certain amount on eBay. Instead, name your price and watch their reaction. If they seem hesitant, say something like, “I’m not married to any of this stuff… make an offer.” Learning to dicker can lead to more successful negotiations.

5. Have Bags and Change Ready Ensure you have bags for your shoppers and change for larger bills. This small convenience can make the buying process smoother and encourage more sales.

6. Make Business Cards Have business cards that state you buy items and hand them out to interested shoppers. This simple action can lead to future deals and opportunities. If you’re serious about expanding your business, consider building a website, creating a Facebook page, and establishing a presence on other social media platforms.

Go Get Busy & Happy Selling!

Making $50,000 a year at your local flea market is achievable with the right strategies. By sourcing inventory wisely, pricing your items effectively, and creating a professional and friendly market presence, you can turn flea market sales into a significant income stream. Remember, the more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out. Happy selling!

J.W. Holcomb is an expert reseller and estate liquidator located in Roanoke, VA. Follow his articles here on Medium and on Instagram