Anyone ever done this?

[Nina1]

I am thinking of participating in an annual flea market that is held by a local VFD's Ladies Auxiliary. I have a lot of kid and adult clothing, books, toys, house items etc. that I want to get rid of. It's a big, well-run event. They don't allow vendors (31, Avon etc.). Spaces are $10.00. Anyway, I've never done one of these before. I used to sell kid stuff at a local consignment sale, but they have moved their location too far away from me and it has become an inconvenience to get there.

So...I have a few questions. Has anyone participated in one of these flea market events? Was it worth it to you? Should I price things as I would have for the consignment sale? For example, I used to price kid's jeans anywhere from $3.00 - $5.00, depending on brand, shoes anywhere from $5.00 - $18.00, depending on brand and DVD's from $4.00 - $8.00. Also, how did you display your items? The indoor spaces for this flea market are sold out, so I will reserve an outdoor space. It's basically a car parking space and I can bring whatever I want for display purposes. Just not sure what is the best way to do it. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[happily single]

I would absolutely do it! Although it may be a pain to lug everything to the sale you will reach far more people than you would if you had a yard sale at your home.

I would price everything evenly (ie: all jeans are $3.00 a pair). Maybe towards the end of the sale lower the price to 1/2 price just so you don't have to bring things home.

If you have a long folding table I think that would work best to keep everything off the ground.

I wish I heard of a sale like that around here. I live in a pretty secluded area and am not even sure that my "association" of townhomes allows Yard Sales.

 

[eyor44]

I have done this in this past and was very successful. I priced everything as I do for yard sales. The only problem I had was the other sellers who wanted me to raise my prices. If you truly want to get rid of the stuff and not lug it back home or to the Salvation Army, price for a yard sale.

 

[wiigirl]

I would absolutley do it!

 

[Nina1]

Thanks, everyone!!!

 

[clh2]

My DD and I did this one year, at a church flea market. It is an annual event - been going on for more than 20 years (as that is how long we've lived hear). The event is very well attended!

DD was raising money for a high school band trip to Spain. And - DD wanted to do a rummage sale. I was not wanting to do a rummage sale at my house.

We got rid of great stuff that was no longer being loved (i.e. most of DD's American Girl dolls), legos, outgrown bikes, etc.

We made $775, about 1/4 of the cost of her trip. A lot of work...but so worth it in the end!

DD worked hard while we were getting ready for the sale. And - learned some lessons that made me a "proud mom". (She gave away some of the last of the American Girl doll stuff to the person who bought most of it, instead of taking a lowball offer at the end of the sale).

The best part - anything we didn't want to haul back home, we were able to toss into a Dumpster.