Thanks Mike. Getting silly licenses can slow down a mobile person. I think I will mainly be in AZ, NM, TX, the Southwest. I've already started collecting a supply of jewelry, I'll probably do mainly imported "hippy girl stuff" like jewelry, perfume oils, bags, etc. Those are popular, easy, and cheap to get.

 

Oh, to do links, go "advanced editor" then to the chain icon next to the clip board icon. Or you can put the link in this basic html code, but remember it needs the http://: <a href=http://yahoo.com</a> <a href="link"></a>

 

Let me know if you need any more computer nerd info

Hina,

Most states and counties allow transient sellers to sell at venues up to a maximum number of times. I've seen 1 up to 4 times are allowed with no need for a permit.

Most states will provide a permit which will cover the counties where you will be selling. You need to provide a list. Some venues also have you fill out seller documents that take care of the state and county requirements. I always contacted the venue to see what is required.

A couple of tips:
1. Some venues require you to have at least a one million dollar liability policy. It runs about $800 per year.
2. Most fairs and large shows you'll need to pay part of the booth rent up to 6 months in advance to guarantee you'll have a space to sell from. Sometimes we would have $4,000 to $6,000 tied up for six months to a year in advance booth fees at the various shows we wanted to sell at. These fairs and shows are where you can make the most money. Lots of sellers want spaces and you'll be turned away if you don't reserve far enough in advance.
3. When you are selling...sell. Don't sit in your chair and wait for someone to ask questions. Talk to the folks going by, invite them to look over your stuff. Engage them and you'll increase your sales.
4. Barter with other sellers for stuff you want or need or would like to sell. I would work out deals with the food vendors to get free food through out the event in exchange for some of my products. We saw some pencils made from tree branches so I traded some jewelry for all that the seller had and then sold them at my booth. They sold like hot cakes, I more than tripled what I had in the jewelry.


Good luck.... it's a fun way to make some extra dough while getting to talk to a bunch of folks from all over the world.

if your headedto Quartsite for the powwow  you might want to ponder the thought of getting there early for the Wholesalers........if you get some good buys , you could make dealer packages out of them and turn them over on the road.

 

I used to buy a gross of shirts an sweatshirts there ,also trinkets and such then turn them back out at flea markets to dealers and campground stores.....did well at it and didnt have to put out alot of money for space rentals unless it was a good market or show......still made money and good contacts for product

Hina,

That's what I finally did was to switch to the small events where I could basically show up and get a space. Didn't make as much money but didn't have to tie up money on extra inventory and advance booth rental.

Like Mike indicated you'll be able to find bulk items to buy from vendors at most events. Many are like dollar stores...they buy surplused inventory from wholesalers or retailers.

There was a trade show in Las Vegas every year where companies from all over the world displayed there goods. You had access to wholesalers and manufacturers for just about any products you could think of. We bought a lot of fashion jewelry at this tradeshow. It was so big it covered 3 convention centers. I can't remember the name but it shouldn't be hard to locate through google.

OK, I have 656 charms, sunglasses and pieces of jewelry, spent $500, figure I can sell it all for $3,100, pricing stuff at $1, $5, $10 and $15. Now, to overcome inertia, find some venues, and actually make my move!

Thanks Mike for the encouragement! So much to do, so little time...  Just had to upgrade my cell phone to handle the Pay Pal Here app, so I can use their credit card swiper.  Should probably get an awning for this swap meet venture....  Still juggling my online endevours..... eBooks, paperbacks, MP3s, CDs, blogs, blogs, blogs, and the dreaded "Social Media"... (Is Facebook  really a necessary evil?)

As you go along you might think about making your own jewelery .....people love to watch , and it is a big selling point for custom work

Hina: I second that. Starting out on a smaller budget; makes one aware that if for some reason it don't work; we can find something else or back out. In the early eighties I sold at outdoor show, sterling silver to junk jewelry. Some would find where I got it, then under price me. I went to toys and games around Christmas, then to reconditioning used bicycles until Wally World moved in next door. I have sold Watkins Products, Fuller and Christmas trees, household items and used cars. I know how to do it; but never really had a back-up plan when circumstances arose, a toothache, sickness, injury which eat up your capital.
Yes: Maybe I'll pull a Hail Mary this June and give it the old College Try; like my GranPa use to say. Haven't got too much more to lose!!!

I take 2 shots a week Jane at a price of 1636.00 per shot!!!!!!!........(all it does is make me sicker!!) I figure if they would just give me 2 ounces of gold and a bottle of cheap scotch , I would feel better and they would save money!!!!!!

Hina,

I'm late to the party again but I don't post here much.  Here a link to a similar thread in the working and volunteering room.  I thought there was another one but don't see it.

http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t50925089/does-anyone-sell-at-flea-marketsbazaarsfairs/

I replied there and can't add too much except to say I have NEVER seen on a government website or heard from a state tax/business official about ANY number of times you may set up without proper licensing.  I would welcome that information and plan my trips accordingly!  I've called quite a few states and have been told nothing even remotely similar.  By the way, I'm up to 13 states where I have set up.  And I've spoken to and emailed government folks in at least half a dozen others. 

Some markets are "under the radar" as are many vendors.  If you don't get caught... fine-you're lucky OR you did your homework.  If you do get caught, I suppose a good story about a guarenteed number of "freebees" might give them a chuckle.

My venue this past weekend was Ripley, MS.  For $2.50, I purchased a temporary business license to do one market in Tippah county.  That is authorized by MS House bill #118.  It's not some sort of freebee, it's how they deal with transients and residents who are occasional vendors.  Some MS markets use this system and others don't even bother.  Other states vary.

The best resource for a vendor are other vendors.  Of particular value are vendors close to the border of the state in which you wish to sell.  Your best bet however is to talk to vendors who have done a particular market within the last several months for the most accurate information.  I adjusted my route on Sunday afternoon based on that type of information. Markets and rules change all the time.

I'm sure you realize that competition in jewelry is fierce.  Some of the "dollar" jewelry vendors are barely doubling their money- if that.  I don't set up at markets where those vendors are selling. They pretty much kill $5-$10 and under jewelry market.  The more expensive stuff still goes though.

In some areas "hand crafted" jewelry simply will not sell.  In other areas it does sell and my poly clay beads go well.  I haven't sold in the areas you're looking at so I don't know what works best.  I have found that buying works out cheaper than making. 

Many venues (like fairs- not faire) have an umbrella insurance policy, for lack of a proper term, under which you may be included for a fee.  $130 for 9(?) days was the last time I used that option and the time before that was around $90 for 6 days.  Expensive, but cheaper than a seperate policy for the once or twice a year it might be needed.  I've heard of a few flea markets require insurance but havent set up at any.

If faire is an interest, there is a merchants room on this forum:

http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/

I talked the Clark's lady around Thanksgiving.  She was sick last year and didn't publish a 2012 edition.  She was doing her best on 2013 when we spoke.  She said she'd call me when it goes to the printer so if anyone is interested I'll post it.  If you come across a bunch of 2012's, give her a call.  She'd like to buy them back for retailers who are out.

fleamarketeer

Edit by moderator: Activated link.  Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 7th of January 2013 09:26:24 PM