Some trends, such as Cabbage Patch dolls, Tickle Me Elmo, Silly Bands and Beanie Babies, seem to happen overnight. Other merchandise sells well regardless of trend or location. How can vendors take the guesswork out of picking the most profitable products? Start by looking for merchandise that fits this description.
The product appeals to the needs of your shoppers. If your market is in a suburban area where a large percentage of flea market visitors are families with children, take cues from the types of toys and clothes you see them wearing. Where there are Angry Birds tee shirts being worn, for example, Angry Birds licensed goods may be best sellers, as well.
The item offers great options for visual displays. This may mean using a rack or shelving unit provided by your supplier, or developing something yourself, but products that lend themselves to unique merchandising techniques can attract a high volume of traffic. Check out our articles on merchandising techniques for more ideas to make your booth stand out.
The merchandise stands out from that being sold by other market vendors. If you want to have a hot seller, sell something no one else is carrying. Before setting up at the flea market, pay it a visit. Are there dozens of toy vendors? Are there candle booths on every corner? You may think about picking something such as licensed merchandise or tools so as to minimize the competition.
The product can be priced for a great markup while still offering a deal to your customer. Remember, even the most in-demand merchandise won’t be profitable if you can’t sell it at a high enough markup. Think of products that can be bought in bulk so that you earn a volume discount without being forced to charge higher prices. The Merchandiser’s Directory of Wholesalers has a wealth of suppliers to help you accomplish exactly that.
One counterintuitive trait to look for in a product is a limited lifetime, meaning it needs to be replaced on a fairly regular basis. For items like party supplies or cleaning products, your customers will always need to restock their cupboards. This can mean repeat business in the long run, not to mention impulse buys from shoppers who realize they’re nearly out of something you happen to sell. Your convenience may earn their business.
Finally, look for items that you can customize on location for your shoppers. Customization is one of the top trends these days, and this type of merchandise is sure to be unlike anything flea market shoppers will find anywhere else. Again, look for raw materials like plain accessories or apparel that can be altered with stamps, heat transfers or airbrush paint, then make a few examples to display. Invite your customers to make something one-of-a-kind and you may see an excellent response.
It’s essential to look for items that you get excited about buying for your booth. Chances are that your customers will share your enthusiasm. If you’re less than enthused, expect a similar response from passersby.