Weekend surplus stall at flea markets

Flea market shoppers, campers, hobbyists and bargain hunters who like to browse and haggle in person.

You sell stock face to face at a markup over your lot cost, minus booth fees. Good days at busy markets make up for quiet ones.

• Friendly selling and haggling
• Setting up an attractive display
• Buying stock cheaply
• Handling cash and card payments

• State sales tax permit and any local vendor permits, check with your state and the market organizer
• Rules on selling certain ex-military items, check federal and state rules and each market's own restrictions
• General liability insurance, which some markets require
• Weather and slow days affecting income
• Storage space for unsold stock between market days

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and the display gear, tables and vehicle space you need. Storage for unsold stock between market days is also worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on the markets you attend, your stock and how often you set up. Weather and slow days can affect income.

Check for a state sales tax permit and any local vendor permits with your state and the market organizer. Check federal and state rules on certain ex-military items, each market's restrictions, and liability insurance, which some markets require.