Swap Meets: From New York to Hawaii

Swap meets are an old but fun way to do business. Vendors set up their stalls and customers come by to browse and buy. There are great bargains to be found for consumers and vendors save money on overheads. It is a winning situation for everyone. There are online as well as offline swap meets. Here we will discuss offline swap meets. You can have either indoor or outdoor swap meets.

How to set up a swap meet stall: Setting up a stall at a swap meet can vary a little according to the location. However these are the basic steps:

Generally you will contact the manager of the swap meet and tell them that you want to set up a stall at the swap meet.

The manager will check or ask you to get a vendor's license and you will pay a small fee, usually around $20 for space in the swap meet. The space can include either Friday, Saturday and Sunday or just Saturday and Sunday, depending on location.

Usually they will assign you a spot but at some outdoor swap meets you will have to come early to procure a good place. Once everything is settled you can set up your stall and start selling.

Points to help you sell:

Try to make your stall attractive: people will be drawn to your stall and be more inclined to buy. Put hot sellers in prominent places or at the entrance to your stall to draw people in. Try to post a polite notice that all prices are final or be prepared to haggle. A little music can get people's attention and lure the customer in. Always be polite no matter what the customers say or do.

Advantages for consumers: consumers love swap meets for several reasons. They can often get great bargains. You can often find rather unique items at swap meets that regular stores do not carry. It is a fun way to shop, especially if it is a good sized swap meet. Outdoor swap meets are even more enjoyable if the weather is not too hot. Vendors are often more friendly than store personnel.

Advantages for vendors: overheads are less that a regular office or store. It does not take long to set up once you are organized. It can be a fun way to sell stuff you do not need. You can utilize your week ends without jeopardizing your job. If you are retired it is a fun part time job that allows you to get out and meet people and make a little extra money.

Making money at swap meets: In order to make money at swap meets you need to be a little savvy: You can start with some items you may have had for years and really do not need anymore. These will be free and any money you make will be 100% profit.

If you are serious about making money then you will need to know how to pick up bargains and sell at a little over cost price. You will make money by volume rather than individual items. Choose hot selling items that people love to buy. Sell related items.