Steps To Start A Booth
I started my booth business five years ago and I learned so much over the years. Am I an expert? No, but I can share with you a few tips that I used to help me make this my full-time income as a booth owner.
1. BUSINESS OR HOBBY
Determine whether this new adventure be a hobby or business. Are you looking to make a few bucks each month or just keep busy during your free time? Or are you looking to make a few thousand dollars a month or do this fulltime? Once you figure that all out, then you’re able to take the next steps. I’ll go over why that makes a difference in #2.
2. THE GOODS
What type of items are you planning on selling: antique items, painted furniture, wholesale items, vintage, etc…? Will you be selling baked goods, homemade craft items, or your own artwork? Once you determine that you’ll want to take the legal steps to be able to sell items.
The legal steps are different for each state so you’ll need to do your research for your state and determine if you need a business license, tax license, and any other legal licenses. If you’re planning on selling any wholesale items you’ll definitely need re-sale license.
* I am not a legal professional so please do your research on the steps needed to make this legal for your state.*
3. LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION.
Every vendor co-op has its own vibe. After determining your goods you’ll be able to find co-ops to best fit your items. Some attract professionals and DIY decorators and then there are some that are full of discount toiletries, junky tools, and tube socks. Some are blends of both.
I recommend visiting all of the markets or store within the distance you’re willing to travel to find the best fit for your new business.
Make sure the merchandise you want to sell is allowed. Some flea markets only allow antique and vintage goods. Some prohibit food. Some limit the number of vendors who can sell various types of merchandise like wholesale (brand new) items.
Make sure the flea market isn’t already saturated with the type of merchandise you want to sell and also make note of pricing on items similar to yours. How much of a profit can you make? Will it be worth it after you factor in rent, commission, etc…?
Find out when each flea market is open. If they’re only open once per month, can you make enough to cover all of your costs?
How much does the space cost? Is there a reasonable commission collected by the shop?
Does the flea market have both outdoor booths and indoor spaces?
Talk to other vendors. Find out if they’re happy with traffic and sales.
Do you need to build your own walls to divide your space from other vendors? Are you ready for that expense?
Some places will actually give you a copy or let you view their lease agreement ahead of time so you can see if their terms will work for you.
I’ve outlined some questions to ask before renting a booth here.
4. SOURCING YOUR GOODS
Now it’s time to buy or acquire the stuff you’ll be selling.
If you’re planning on selling antique or vintage items, start checking out local auctions, estate sales, craigslist or even Facebook Marketplace.
If selling your own baked goods, artwork, or wooden signs, you know what to do.
If new/wholesale items are what you want to sell, start looking for wholesale companies that are specific to your genre of items.
5. YOUR EQUIPMENT
Figure out what equipment you’ll need; tables, table cloths, clothing racks, display cases, etc… If you need to build walls, like I mentioned above, you’ll need to purchase materials for that. Does your booth already have that dreaded peg board? You’ll need to find hooks to hang your items (if you have items to hang).
You’ll need price tags. Here are a few of my favorites
Avery Marking Tags
Mason Jar Shaped Tags -a little pricey but cute for furniture
Scalloped Edge Tags
6. YOU’RE NOW READY!
That’s it! The basic steps on how to start a booth in a vendor store. Go out there and have fun!