Flea Market Tips and Tricks

Setup

Saturday morning from 8-9 AM. Please bring someone to help you if needed. Your name will be on the table you are assigned. Please don't change tables without checking with Claudia or Mandy first!

If you are donating your items for VACA to sell, please bring them between 8-9 AM on the day of the sale, or make other arrangements beforehand.

What can I sell/buy?

Anything art or craft related, including: partially finished projects, art papers, material, all types of paints, brushes, craft storage, easels or other display products, equipment or specialty tools, sewing or craft machines, pens and markers, cutting tools, stamps, dies, stencils, clay, glazes, forms and molds, scents, wax, soap base, glues and adhesives, dyes, “blanks” (tshirts, pillow cases, cloth bags, etc. used with iron-on or other decorative elements), beads, findings, yarn, decorative tiles, etc.

(Note, if you would like to sell your completed artwork or crafts, please book a space at one of our many arts and crafts sales yearly.)

        Prep beforehand

·     Dust or clean items - they will sell faster and sell for more.

·     If you have machines or tools that need an explanation, consider downloading a worksheet from the internet.

·     One larger item on your table can draw people over to look at other items you have.

·     Consider “bundle pricing” items that belong together - i.e., pad, watercolors, and brushes sold as a set.

·     Bring change and some small bills to get you started.

·     Bring paper or plastic bags for people to collect their goodies in

       Price to sell

·     You've been storing this unwanted stuff. You've made the effort to dig it out and price it. Don't let emotional attachment make you set a price that's too high for buyers. A good rule of thumb is about 10-15% of its original cost. Remember, the less things cost, the fewer things you'll have to take home!

·     Price everything with easily removable stickers

·     Be willing to bargain, and consider giving buyers an “extra” - throw in a small item as a bonus (i.e., a paintbrush when buying a set of paints or a pad of paper)

       Demos

Consider adding a demo or finished example if the use for the materials you're selling aren't obvious.

            Getting paid

         You are able to take Venmo or Zelle, you'll sell a lot more of your goodies. You can download a QR code and print it out for buyers to use. You'll get an instant notification that they've paid. Otherwise, plan on cash or checks. Be prepared with some small bills for change to start off your day.

            After the Flea Market

           Sellers are responsible for removal, disposal or donation of all their unsold items. Please bring someone to help you if needed.