How to Open a Flea Market

Opening a flea market or a swap meet is a way to generate extra income or start a profitable business. Flea markets are popular shopping arenas for people looking for unusual products or great deals. If you are ready to open a flea market, you need very little capital to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Buy or lease at least 3 to 5 acres of land for the market. If you own land that is not being used, start the flea market there. Look for easily accessible land that is close to a major road or highway.
2. Mow the land. Separate the parking area from the vendor's area with orange cones, rope or barricades.
3. Contact the city government and ask what the rules and regulations you need to follow to start the flea market. Some areas require you have a tax identification number or a permit.
4. Decide on a date to open the flea market and how often it will be open. Flea markets do most of there sales on Friday night and Saturday morning.
5. Set the price for the booth rental in the flea market.
6. Advertise for vendors. Place a sign near the road. Run advertisements in the newspaper. List the information on free trade websites like Craigslist. Call the newspaper and ask them to run a story about the opening of your flea market.
7. Visit other flea markets and pass out your information to vendors. Ask the owners about their booth rental prices. Talk with as many vendors and make as many contacts as possible.
8. If the land does not have restroom facilities, rent portable toilets for the days the flea market is open.
9. Advertise the opening of the flea market. Post signs around town and advertise in the local newspapers.
10. Set up an administrative booth near the front of the flea market. You can sell your own items and be available for vendors if they need you.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take a few months to fill the flea market with vendors and shoppers.