A flea market is a great starting point to sell your handmade goods. Whether it’s a flea market Houston residents recommend or one of your own choosing it can be the perfect place to get out there and get noticed. Many flea markets are also advertised as vendor fairs or craft sales. This tends to let the public know that there will be brand-new, handmade items available such as artwork. If you are a budding artist, it is a perfect steppingstone to start selling your artwork. There are a few steps you should follow in order to do things properly and have a successful and effective sale though.

Get the Right Licensing

If you plan on making flea market sales a regular thing then getting a business license would be wise to do. Fortunately, unless you are the one organizing the entire flea market, flea market vendors do not have to worry about or deal with the permitting flea markets require. It’s pretty simple and inexpensive to obtain a business license though. Check your local laws regarding business licenses before signing up.

Rent a Spot

Once you have found a flea market Houston has to offer, you will need to pay for and reserve a spot. Some flea markets are just a one-time sale while others set up weekly, monthly, or quarterly. It is your decision whether to rent a spot for just one time or to secure one for future dates as well. Ask questions when renting a spot. Location is key. Ask for a spot where foot traffic is high. If you are selling art, you may want to be next to other small business vendors that are selling handmade crafts or new items. Sometimes there are desired spots at certain flea markets and the person organizing the event can tell you where they are. You may have to pay a little more for a desired spot however, if the sales are typically higher in that area, it will be worth the extra money.

Advertise Online

Once you have selected a flea market to sign up for and secured your spot it’s time to get the word out. Social media is a great way to advertise and market your product. Post on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Let people know all of the important details of the event and ask your friends and family to share your posts. Post pictures of your artwork and also mention a few other vendors that will be there.

Set up an attractive display

Make your area attractive and welcoming. You want your table or booth area to catch the eye of potential buyers immediately as you only have a brief moment to do so as they are walking by. Set your artwork up so they can imagine it in their home setting. Hang some pieces on the sides of your booth as if they were on the wall of a home or prop some up on frame holders on the table. Create an ambiance with lighting that draws attention to your artwork.

Be Sociable and Greet Customers

Be sociable and friendly to potential customers. Stand out in front of your booth or table, smile, and say hello. Be available and open to answer questions and interact. Offer suggestions about your artwork, like where a piece might look nice in someone’s home or if they are looking for a gift for someone which piece might be nice.

Following the above tips will ensure that you have done everything possible to make your first flea market experience a good one.