New clothing booth at markets and swap meets

Everyday shoppers at flea markets, swap meets and community markets looking for new clothes at lower prices.

You buy stock in bulk and sell at retail prices. Profit is the difference after booth fees, stock costs and sales tax.

• Choosing stock that suits local shoppers
• Managing inventory and sizes
• Selling and customer service
• Keeping simple financial records

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax at markets
• General liability insurance, which many markets ask vendors to carry
• Money tied up in unsold stock, so start small and track what sells
• Check supplier terms and avoid counterfeit branded goods
• Check clothing labeling rules with the Federal Trade Commission if you make or relabel items

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much stock, display equipment and booth space you buy. Starting small and tracking what sells helps avoid money tied up in unsold stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your stock, which markets you attend and how often you set up. That is revenue rather than profit, so stock and booth costs come out of it.

Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax at markets, and whether markets want you to carry general liability insurance. Also check supplier terms, avoid counterfeit branded goods, and look at Federal Trade Commission labeling rules if you make or relabel items.