| Selling
at farmers markets, garage sales and swap meets
In recent years we have
seen more and more retirees earning extra cash working part time
in open air markets. 99% of them are self-employed and
most are earning money by selling something that grew out of a
hobby. They only do it one or two days a week--giving them
plenty of time for other activities. (Many non-retirees
are doing this, too!)
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First
let's define an "open air markets."
They can be anything from upscale farmers markets to
rough-and-tumble swap meets to gigantic yard sales like
the one that goes on for days along 400 miles of highway
through the South.
These markets have
one thing in common: they are temporary.
They operate for a day or two, then close down. Some, a
farmers market for example, may spring into
action again a week later. However, they do not require the
long-term commitment and expenses that a small retail store does. |
Almost all of them require that vendors in the market provide
their own canopies and tables. They may have other rules,
too. And some have waiting lists, so if you are planning
to participate in an open air market, call for information.
If you are interested in selling food in these markets, check
with your local health dept. too.
One of the biggest
benefits of participating in open air markets is low
overhead. The rental fee for a space varies,
obviously, from zero for a garage sale on your own driveway to
several hundred dollars for a big weekend street
fair. The fees depend upon the number of people the
market operators think will attend.
The number of attendees is not
the only criteria for you to consider. The kind of market and its
location is also a key to your success.
A Swap Meet or
Flea Market will
often attract lots of bargain-hunting customers. A few
words of caution: we know this sounds weird, but if there are stalls where white socks
are sold in bundles of 8 or 10 you are in a market where
shoppers have little discretionary income. Avoid this type of swap meet unless you are
selling used tools. Others, such as the
Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California, are a fantastic mix
of high end goods, antiques and used bargains by the mile. The Rose Bowl
charges admission which screens out people who come to events
just to look--not buy.
A Farmers Market is
often simply for local or regional farmers to sell their produce to
locals. Some run year 'round. Some are
summer events. And some welcome crafts people and food
vendors. Most
of the people who shop at these markets, particularly ones in better neighborhoods, have the money to buy.
They are not looky-loos.
Street Fairs are
usually 2 or 3 day events and have relatively high cost space rental
fees. Many are juried and you will have to pay a jury fee
separate from the space rental fee to be considered for the
event. And even then you may not get in. The
promoter sponsoring the Street Fair should do some advertising
to attract attendees--who may or may not have money to
buy. There can be a lot of looky-loos at street fairs. The best of these
Street Fairs are sponsored by Rotary Clubs, Chambers of
Commerce, or local merchant associations so there is community
involvement. Your space
rental fee usually supports their charities.
Garage Sales and Yard
Sales.
What can we say that you don't already know. You post some
signs around your neighborhood. Put an ad on Craigs List. Get your stuff out of the garage and onto the
driveway early Saturday morning, then start selling. Our only
caution is that some cities and some homeowner's associations
have restrictions on garage sales--usually about how often you
can hold one. For at least two of our extra cash ideas,
"Gardening Cash"
and "Book
Sales", a sale in front of your home could be a great way to
start.
If you
are looking for a more substantial income after retirement, we
have very different advice for you on our Best
Retiree Job page.
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Your feedback
and comments are welcome. If you have experiences or
ideas to share, please send
feedback now.
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NOTE: All names
on this site have been changed to protect individual privacy.
The stories are real, the names are not.
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