How to Open a Flea Market

By eHow Business Editor

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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

Step1
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.
Step2
Mow the land. Separate the parking area from the vendor's area with orange cones, rope or barricades.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
Set the price for the booth rental in the flea market.
Step6
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.
Step7
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.
Step8
If the land does not have restroom facilities, rent portable toilets for the days the flea market is open.
Step9
Advertise the opening of the flea market. Post signs around town and advertise in the local newspapers.
Step10
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.

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eHow Article:  How to Open a Flea Market

eHow Business Editor

eHow Business Editor

Category: Business

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