The Art of Making Clutter Pay

I have always loved picking and searching through yard sales and flea markets. I have found and discovered a plethora of treasures both new and old from folks who deem them useless or valueless. Searching trunks, basements, and attics can be the most entertaining thing you can do with children, siblings, grandkids, or anyone you know. The stories you can tell, and the stories you hear. Finding that vintage treasure for pennies on the dollar, or that new doll your kid wanted still in a box for a fraction of what it cost is also a perfect excuse to venture out on a Saturday afternoon! Take the grandkids with you! There is only one thing I can think of that could make this even more exciting, and that is making a busines out of something you love to do, (and maybe teach some future entrepreneurs).

As I did spend time selling at a variety of venues, including flea markets, trunk shows, and my own walk in stores, I will give you some personal experiences and hopefully advice you can "take to the market' lol, about selling at fleas and in the yard, as well as other possibilities such as building a business with your passion. These are sections I might add as interest in this article spreads, or even add additional pages to go along with this article. Please do ask questions and add some tips and experiences of your own.

If you have unwanted items there are more than one way to "clean the space". Beside the obious solutions which are tossing it (bad for the enviroment and your pocket ;) donating it or passing it on, there are a number of other ways to clear the clutter and retrieve some of your spending. You can sell your goods, not only used goods, but also brand new and hand made goods at a number of venues and niches.. I have tried many of these options, as well as Trunk Shows, and my own walk in shops.

Trunk shows have always been my favorite, my most profitable, and most fun, with yard sales coming in second. Both are also a meeting place for new customers, dealers, suppliers and clients. Some of my best suppliers were met at trunk shows, some were half way across the country, and would send me lots to choose from for my Los Angeles store, trust is important in these cases. As the owner of a Los Angeles designer and vintage boutique years ago, the shows were an extra income source, and a huge resource for connections, and networking, plus the fun and friendships you will make are a special benefit. There will still be those few who will want the cheapest price they can get out of you, and somemay not be so nice about their opinion of your pricing, but for the most part, this is a great way for extra cash and fun through out the year.

Flea markets are a good venue that can be done every week, once a month or whenever is convenient for the seller, but a lot goes on at a flea, and the chances of item and monetary loss and even mental or emotional stress is higher lol. Your chance of getting price badgered is also high, if your not down right insulted. I loved doing yard sales, and found it somewhat profitable when there were no other venues or outlets, as well as convenient, but now in my current location this is longer possible.

Random tips to help you create and profit from your yard sales and flea markets!

A List of USA Markets

Find a Market Near You

Find Flea Market Listings