Now that you've mastered your woodworking skills -- and you want to create an inventory of items to sell -- the best place to start selling homemade craft items begins at your local or regional flea market. Get a leg up on the competition by making items that have proven to sell well.
Weekend flea markets are held all across the country. Some may be attached to a farmers' market that sells homegrown organic vegetables, while others specialize in antiques, furniture or more. Flea markets are often seasonal; they can be held indoors or out, but you can find some that are held indoors year-round.
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Look for two types of flea markets: long-term venues and the classic weekend flea markets held in parking lots, empty lots or the local fairgrounds. Expect to pay a space rental fee when selling at the local flea market.
Handcrafted Furniture
People prefer to buy handcrafted items whenever they can. Many items have proven to sell well; you don't have to start out with large items. Build your inventory with small craft items until you get your business going; then you can move on to the larger items once you've developed a reputation for quality products.
- Patio loungers
- Adirondack chairs
- Small bookcases
- Chair-side bookcase
- Blanket chests
- Baby cradles
- Rocking chairs
Home Decor Items
- Wall plaques
- Picture frames
- Shelving
- Small decorative wooden boxes
- Wooden fruit bowls
- Cutting boards
- Wooden spoons and ladles
- Napkin rings
- Wood trays
- Wall organizers
For the Kids
- Small wooden pull toys
- Window-view birdhouse
- Wooden blocks
- Small table and chairs
- Dollhouses
- Children's toy boxes
- Children's rocking chairs
For the Yard
- Birdhouses
- Squirrel feeders
- Vegetable garden markers
- Seasonal cutout characters
- Whirligigs
- Garden benches
- Small tool sheds
Miscellaneous Items
- Walking sticks
- Step-stools
- Wooden planter boxes
- Puzzle boxes
- Coat racks
- Eyeglass holders
Selling Tips
Before you set up your own booth to sell handmade wooden craft items, visit a few of the local flea markets to see what other crafters sell along with the prices they have set for these items. Pay attention to what sells and what doesn't. You may want to start with small crafts that are easy to make that don't cost a lot in time or supplies. As you gain experience selling at flea markets, you can expand your business to sell other items.
Don't forget to market your goods; hang up flyers at local supermarkets or include an ad in a local newspaper's shopper. If you have a smartphone, you can download an app and add a device that allows you to accept credit cards and debit payments. Most crafters will tell you the best season to sell crafts is in the fall, followed by spring and winter, with summer bringing up the rear.