Jane I play at alot of them..........permits and lic. very from state to state , city to town..........it will depend on where you are and what your selling. Ive included a couple of sources for you.......one is for Clarks Fleamarket guide and the other gives locations and dates for all types of venues............sorry but you will have to cut and paste them , my computer literacy is getting old fast!
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 26th of December 2012 09:58:34 PM
Hina said
03:09 AM Dec 27, 2012
Does anyone have experience selling at swap meets, fairs or farmer's markets while on the road? What about interstate commerce? Such as seller's permits, etc? Advice and wisdom appreciated!
Jane
Hina said
05:09 AM Dec 27, 2012
Thanks Mike. Getting silly licenses can slow down a mobile person. I think I will mainly be in AZ, NM, TX, the Southwest. I've already started collecting a supply of jewelry, I'll probably do mainly imported "hippy girl stuff" like jewelry, perfume oils, bags, etc. Those are popular, easy, and cheap to get.
Oh, to do links, go "advanced editor" then to the chain icon next to the clip board icon. Or you can put the link in this basic html code, but remember it needs the http://: <a href=http://yahoo.com</a> <a href="link"></a>
Let me know if you need any more computer nerd info
Terry and Jo said
06:00 AM Dec 27, 2012
There are also instructions for inserting links up in the "Forum Tips" category at the top of the forums. Those instructions also teach about having the linked website open in a new window, which is the preferance of Howard and Linda.
Terry
The Bear II said
06:11 PM Dec 27, 2012
Hina,
Most states and counties allow transient sellers to sell at venues up to a maximum number of times. I've seen 1 up to 4 times are allowed with no need for a permit.
Most states will provide a permit which will cover the counties where you will be selling. You need to provide a list. Some venues also have you fill out seller documents that take care of the state and county requirements. I always contacted the venue to see what is required.
A couple of tips: 1. Some venues require you to have at least a one million dollar liability policy. It runs about $800 per year. 2. Most fairs and large shows you'll need to pay part of the booth rent up to 6 months in advance to guarantee you'll have a space to sell from. Sometimes we would have $4,000 to $6,000 tied up for six months to a year in advance booth fees at the various shows we wanted to sell at. These fairs and shows are where you can make the most money. Lots of sellers want spaces and you'll be turned away if you don't reserve far enough in advance. 3. When you are selling...sell. Don't sit in your chair and wait for someone to ask questions. Talk to the folks going by, invite them to look over your stuff. Engage them and you'll increase your sales. 4. Barter with other sellers for stuff you want or need or would like to sell. I would work out deals with the food vendors to get free food through out the event in exchange for some of my products. We saw some pencils made from tree branches so I traded some jewelry for all that the seller had and then sold them at my booth. They sold like hot cakes, I more than tripled what I had in the jewelry.
Good luck.... it's a fun way to make some extra dough while getting to talk to a bunch of folks from all over the world.
Hina said
09:02 PM Dec 27, 2012
Thanks for the info, Bear. I figured you need to book in advance, but tying up $4000-$6000 is more than I have. I'm thinking of starting with simple swap meets, rather than fairs, although faires would be fun.... going Ren, dressing up like a ye' olde gypsy princess Right now, I'm on a really tight budget, currently scraping up some inventory, aiming for 500 pieces of jewelry to hit the road with. A one million dollar policy?! I have a $300,000 policy for my online business, that costs me $1,600 a year. Already over burdened with "minimal monthly payments".
Lucky Mike said
11:19 PM Dec 27, 2012
if your headedto Quartsite for the powwow you might want to ponder the thought of getting there early for the Wholesalers........if you get some good buys , you could make dealer packages out of them and turn them over on the road.
I used to buy a gross of shirts an sweatshirts there ,also trinkets and such then turn them back out at flea markets to dealers and campground stores.....did well at it and didnt have to put out alot of money for space rentals unless it was a good market or show......still made money and good contacts for product
Hina said
02:38 AM Dec 28, 2012
I may head to Quartzite for the rally, thanks for the tip, didn't know they had wholesale stuff. Right now, I have maybe $100 at a time to invest in stuff. I found a source for some very pretty "silver" wire and semi-precious jewelry from Peru, at about $1.25 per piece, free shipping. Also got some "silver" and semi-precious rings from China, free shipping, which are nice, at about $1.25 per peice, but they're from China... in any case, I'm thinking of pricing everything at $10, maybe some stuff I pick up cheaper at $5, so it will be my affordable "5 & 10" for our present economy.
I ordered the swap meet guide from the flying coconuts link, so I can plan a route on the way to SD to get a driver's licence. I'll be making a leap of faith, hopefully not jumping from the frying pan financially... But hey, taxes are going up in California this year, they may be cutting medi-cal and medi-caid, which then may cut my social services job, soooo.... why wait?
Jane
The Bear II said
05:28 PM Dec 28, 2012
Hina,
That's what I finally did was to switch to the small events where I could basically show up and get a space. Didn't make as much money but didn't have to tie up money on extra inventory and advance booth rental.
Like Mike indicated you'll be able to find bulk items to buy from vendors at most events. Many are like dollar stores...they buy surplused inventory from wholesalers or retailers.
There was a trade show in Las Vegas every year where companies from all over the world displayed there goods. You had access to wholesalers and manufacturers for just about any products you could think of. We bought a lot of fashion jewelry at this tradeshow. It was so big it covered 3 convention centers. I can't remember the name but it shouldn't be hard to locate through google.
Lucky Mike said
10:31 PM Dec 30, 2012
you will do Well........I see me when I first got out here!!!
its a fun venture and you get to keep control.....once you get going you will meet others and learn where the good ones are at , and set your schedule from there
Just remember to keep yourself diversified......some markets all of the sudden everyone is selling the same thing and you have to be able to switch up
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Sunday 30th of December 2012 10:33:36 PM
Hina said
04:41 AM Dec 31, 2012
OK, I have 656 charms, sunglasses and pieces of jewelry, spent $500, figure I can sell it all for $3,100, pricing stuff at $1, $5, $10 and $15. Now, to overcome inertia, find some venues, and actually make my move!
Lucky Mike said
05:00 AM Dec 31, 2012
First always remember...........BELIEVE!!!!!!!!.......you know you can do it!!!!!...........First day is always a killer , but once you get beyond it it will grow!!!!!
Hina said
06:24 AM Dec 31, 2012
Thanks Mike for the encouragement! So much to do, so little time... Just had to upgrade my cell phone to handle the Pay Pal Here app, so I can use their credit card swiper. Should probably get an awning for this swap meet venture.... Still juggling my online endevours..... eBooks, paperbacks, MP3s, CDs, blogs, blogs, blogs, and the dreaded "Social Media"... (Is Facebook really a necessary evil?)
Hina said
06:49 AM Dec 31, 2012
Yeah, I know about the "diversified". I'll look for other stuff too, but eBay has mostly jewelry for "wholesale lots, free shipping", and when I start moving, shipping 2X (once to the mail service, then once to me) will jack up the price. Also, since I have limited storage space, small stuff/big price is good. I'm also thinking cute, unusual, trendy baby/kids clothes, maybe dog sweaters, gloves and socks.
Lucky Mike said
02:18 AM Jan 1, 2013
As you go along you might think about making your own jewelery .....people love to watch , and it is a big selling point for custom work
Hina said
05:37 AM Jan 1, 2013
I got ideas, one thing at a time.... Just gotta make the initial jump without too much pain!
PIEERE said
07:11 PM Jan 1, 2013
Hina: I second that. Starting out on a smaller budget; makes one aware that if for some reason it don't work; we can find something else or back out. In the early eighties I sold at outdoor show, sterling silver to junk jewelry. Some would find where I got it, then under price me. I went to toys and games around Christmas, then to reconditioning used bicycles until Wally World moved in next door. I have sold Watkins Products, Fuller and Christmas trees, household items and used cars. I know how to do it; but never really had a back-up plan when circumstances arose, a toothache, sickness, injury which eat up your capital. Yes: Maybe I'll pull a Hail Mary this June and give it the old College Try; like my GranPa use to say. Haven't got too much more to lose!!!
Hina said
12:18 AM Jan 2, 2013
Unfortunately, those sort of back up plans require a lot of money many of us don't have. "Problem-Reaction-Solution". The drug and insurance companies jack up the cost of health care, people suffer, they step in with Obama care, and force everyone into a trap to buy their over priced drugs and insurance. (Did you know, Zyprexa, Eli Lily's #1 $$maker, has a 1,200% mark up? That this hard core anti-psychotic medication can only be prescribed to a tiny fraction of the population, all of whom are on the dole? Less than 1% of the population, but makes Eli Lily more $$ than anything? Oh, and their 2nd best seller is diabetes medication.... and that Zyprexa cause diabetes.)
Anyways, back to swap meets.... Pieere, why not? Make a little money, but more importantly, get out there in the sunshine, meet some people, and have some fun!
Lucky Mike said
12:35 AM Jan 2, 2013
I take 2 shots a week Jane at a price of 1636.00 per shot!!!!!!!........(all it does is make me sicker!!) I figure if they would just give me 2 ounces of gold and a bottle of cheap scotch , I would feel better and they would save money!!!!!!
Hina said
02:13 AM Jan 2, 2013
Mike, what would happen if you stopped the shots? Not advising, just saying, maybe there are more natural ways to take care of yourself. Working in the quasi-medical-psychiatric field is why I am so eager to hit the road.... don't tell me they aren't drug testing, and worse. Besides, they aren't even paying me enough to afford living in trailer. Everyone working hands on in "group homes/rehab" here in California makes $24,000 - $34,000, even the supervisors with Masters degrees and licences to practice.
Maybe the real answer to "medical reform" isn't federalizing and making everyone poor, but holding the drug companies accountable for over pricing and causing more harm than good.
fleamarketeer said
08:54 PM Jan 7, 2013
Hina,
I'm late to the party again but I don't post here much. Here a link to a similar thread in the working and volunteering room. I thought there was another one but don't see it.
I replied there and can't add too much except to say I have NEVER seen on a government website or heard from a state tax/business official about ANY number of times you may set up without proper licensing. I would welcome that information and plan my trips accordingly! I've called quite a few states and have been told nothing even remotely similar. By the way, I'm up to 13 states where I have set up. And I've spoken to and emailed government folks in at least half a dozen others.
Some markets are "under the radar" as are many vendors. If you don't get caught... fine-you're lucky OR you did your homework. If you do get caught, I suppose a good story about a guarenteed number of "freebees" might give them a chuckle.
My venue this past weekend was Ripley, MS. For $2.50, I purchased a temporary business license to do one market in Tippah county. That is authorized by MS House bill #118. It's not some sort of freebee, it's how they deal with transients and residents who are occasional vendors. Some MS markets use this system and others don't even bother. Other states vary.
The best resource for a vendor are other vendors. Of particular value are vendors close to the border of the state in which you wish to sell. Your best bet however is to talk to vendors who have done a particular market within the last several months for the most accurate information. I adjusted my route on Sunday afternoon based on that type of information. Markets and rules change all the time.
I'm sure you realize that competition in jewelry is fierce. Some of the "dollar" jewelry vendors are barely doubling their money- if that. I don't set up at markets where those vendors are selling. They pretty much kill $5-$10 and under jewelry market. The more expensive stuff still goes though.
In some areas "hand crafted" jewelry simply will not sell. In other areas it does sell and my poly clay beads go well. I haven't sold in the areas you're looking at so I don't know what works best. I have found that buying works out cheaper than making.
Many venues (like fairs- not faire) have an umbrella insurance policy, for lack of a proper term, under which you may be included for a fee. $130 for 9(?) days was the last time I used that option and the time before that was around $90 for 6 days. Expensive, but cheaper than a seperate policy for the once or twice a year it might be needed. I've heard of a few flea markets require insurance but havent set up at any.
If faire is an interest, there is a merchants room on this forum:
I talked the Clark's lady around Thanksgiving. She was sick last year and didn't publish a 2012 edition. She was doing her best on 2013 when we spoke. She said she'd call me when it goes to the printer so if anyone is interested I'll post it. If you come across a bunch of 2012's, give her a call. She'd like to buy them back for retailers who are out.
fleamarketeer
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 7th of January 2013 09:26:24 PM
Hina said
05:25 AM Jan 8, 2013
Thanks for the detailed info. I've been up in Nor Cal, so I'm used to the "hippy" style sensibility, not sure how that flies elsewhere. The handcrafted jewelry I have so far is a sort of lacy, frilly wire and semi-precious from Peru, and some plain setting semi-precious from China, plus some loose charms. The jewelry averaged about $1.25 a piece, so if I mark it up to $5 and $10, that should be OK.
I'll be swinging through the Midwest on my quest for a SD driver's license and residence, so we will see how the folks in Nebraska and Kansas like it, perhaps it will be "exotic". I ordered the Clark's book via Pay Pal, and if she's not going to deliver because she doesn't have it, she should e-mail me, and refund me... that's what I do for customers. I guess I'll have to follow up on that.
Wish they would bring back the "free market" in America, all the taxes and regulations are holding us all back!
Jane I play at alot of them..........permits and lic. very from state to state , city to town..........it will depend on where you are and what your selling. Ive included a couple of sources for you.......one is for Clarks Fleamarket guide and the other gives locations and dates for all types of venues............sorry but you will have to cut and paste them , my computer literacy is getting old fast!
http://flyingcoconuts.com/
http://www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/shows.aspx?state=NH
Let me know if you need any other info
Mike
Edit by moderator: Activated links. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 26th of December 2012 09:58:34 PM
Does anyone have experience selling at swap meets, fairs or farmer's markets while on the road? What about interstate commerce? Such as seller's permits, etc? Advice and wisdom appreciated!
Jane
Thanks Mike. Getting silly licenses can slow down a mobile person. I think I will mainly be in AZ, NM, TX, the Southwest. I've already started collecting a supply of jewelry, I'll probably do mainly imported "hippy girl stuff" like jewelry, perfume oils, bags, etc. Those are popular, easy, and cheap to get.
Oh, to do links, go "advanced editor" then to the chain icon next to the clip board icon. Or you can put the link in this basic html code, but remember it needs the http://: <a href=http://yahoo.com</a> <a href="link"></a>
Let me know if you need any more computer nerd info
There are also instructions for inserting links up in the "Forum Tips" category at the top of the forums. Those instructions also teach about having the linked website open in a new window, which is the preferance of Howard and Linda.
Terry
Most states and counties allow transient sellers to sell at venues up to a maximum number of times. I've seen 1 up to 4 times are allowed with no need for a permit.
Most states will provide a permit which will cover the counties where you will be selling. You need to provide a list. Some venues also have you fill out seller documents that take care of the state and county requirements. I always contacted the venue to see what is required.
A couple of tips:
1. Some venues require you to have at least a one million dollar liability policy. It runs about $800 per year.
2. Most fairs and large shows you'll need to pay part of the booth rent up to 6 months in advance to guarantee you'll have a space to sell from. Sometimes we would have $4,000 to $6,000 tied up for six months to a year in advance booth fees at the various shows we wanted to sell at. These fairs and shows are where you can make the most money. Lots of sellers want spaces and you'll be turned away if you don't reserve far enough in advance.
3. When you are selling...sell. Don't sit in your chair and wait for someone to ask questions. Talk to the folks going by, invite them to look over your stuff. Engage them and you'll increase your sales.
4. Barter with other sellers for stuff you want or need or would like to sell. I would work out deals with the food vendors to get free food through out the event in exchange for some of my products. We saw some pencils made from tree branches so I traded some jewelry for all that the seller had and then sold them at my booth. They sold like hot cakes, I more than tripled what I had in the jewelry.
Good luck.... it's a fun way to make some extra dough while getting to talk to a bunch of folks from all over the world.
Thanks for the info, Bear. I figured you need to book in advance, but tying up $4000-$6000 is more than I have.
I'm thinking of starting with simple swap meets, rather than fairs, although faires would be fun.... going Ren, dressing up like a ye' olde gypsy princess 
Right now, I'm on a really tight budget, currently scraping up some inventory, aiming for 500 pieces of jewelry to hit the road with. A one million dollar policy?! I have a $300,000 policy for my online business, that costs me $1,600 a year. Already over burdened with "minimal monthly payments".
if your headedto Quartsite for the powwow you might want to ponder the thought of getting there early for the Wholesalers........if you get some good buys , you could make dealer packages out of them and turn them over on the road.
I used to buy a gross of shirts an sweatshirts there ,also trinkets and such then turn them back out at flea markets to dealers and campground stores.....did well at it and didnt have to put out alot of money for space rentals unless it was a good market or show......still made money and good contacts for product
I may head to Quartzite for the rally, thanks for the tip, didn't know they had wholesale stuff. Right now, I have maybe $100 at a time to invest in stuff. I found a source for some very pretty "silver" wire and semi-precious jewelry from Peru, at about $1.25 per piece, free shipping. Also got some "silver" and semi-precious rings from China, free shipping, which are nice, at about $1.25 per peice, but they're from China... in any case, I'm thinking of pricing everything at $10, maybe some stuff I pick up cheaper at $5, so it will be my affordable "5 & 10" for our present economy.
I ordered the swap meet guide from the flying coconuts link, so I can plan a route on the way to SD to get a driver's licence. I'll be making a leap of faith, hopefully not jumping from the frying pan financially...
But hey, taxes are going up in California this year, they may be cutting medi-cal and medi-caid, which then may cut my social services job, soooo.... why wait?
Jane
That's what I finally did was to switch to the small events where I could basically show up and get a space. Didn't make as much money but didn't have to tie up money on extra inventory and advance booth rental.
Like Mike indicated you'll be able to find bulk items to buy from vendors at most events. Many are like dollar stores...they buy surplused inventory from wholesalers or retailers.
There was a trade show in Las Vegas every year where companies from all over the world displayed there goods. You had access to wholesalers and manufacturers for just about any products you could think of. We bought a lot of fashion jewelry at this tradeshow. It was so big it covered 3 convention centers. I can't remember the name but it shouldn't be hard to locate through google.
you will do Well........I see me when I first got out here!!!
its a fun venture and you get to keep control.....once you get going you will meet others and learn where the good ones are at , and set your schedule from there
Just remember to keep yourself diversified......some markets all of the sudden everyone is selling the same thing and you have to be able to switch up
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Sunday 30th of December 2012 10:33:36 PM
OK, I have 656 charms, sunglasses and pieces of jewelry, spent $500, figure I can sell it all for $3,100, pricing stuff at $1, $5, $10 and $15. Now, to overcome inertia, find some venues, and actually make my move!
Thanks Mike for the encouragement! So much to do, so little time...
Just had to upgrade my cell phone to handle the Pay Pal Here app, so I can use their credit card swiper. 
Should probably get an awning for this swap meet venture.... 
Still juggling my online endevours..... eBooks, paperbacks, MP3s, CDs, blogs, blogs, blogs, and the dreaded "Social Media"... (Is Facebook 
really a necessary evil?)
I got ideas, one thing at a time....
Just gotta make the initial jump without too much pain!
Yes: Maybe I'll pull a Hail Mary this June and give it the old College Try; like my GranPa use to say. Haven't got too much more to lose!!!
Unfortunately, those sort of back up plans require a lot of money many of us don't have. "Problem-Reaction-Solution". The drug and insurance companies jack up the cost of health care, people suffer, they step in with Obama care, and force everyone into a trap to buy their over priced drugs and insurance. (Did you know, Zyprexa, Eli Lily's #1 $$maker, has a 1,200% mark up? That this hard core anti-psychotic medication can only be prescribed to a tiny fraction of the population, all of whom are on the dole? Less than 1% of the population, but makes Eli Lily more $$ than anything? Oh, and their 2nd best seller is diabetes medication.... and that Zyprexa cause diabetes.)
Anyways, back to swap meets.... Pieere, why not? Make a little money, but more importantly, get out there in the sunshine, meet some people, and have some fun!
Maybe the real answer to "medical reform" isn't federalizing and making everyone poor, but holding the drug companies accountable for over pricing and causing more harm than good.
Hina,
I'm late to the party again but I don't post here much. Here a link to a similar thread in the working and volunteering room. I thought there was another one but don't see it.
http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t50925089/does-anyone-sell-at-flea-marketsbazaarsfairs/
I replied there and can't add too much except to say I have NEVER seen on a government website or heard from a state tax/business official about ANY number of times you may set up without proper licensing. I would welcome that information and plan my trips accordingly! I've called quite a few states and have been told nothing even remotely similar. By the way, I'm up to 13 states where I have set up. And I've spoken to and emailed government folks in at least half a dozen others.
Some markets are "under the radar" as are many vendors. If you don't get caught... fine-you're lucky OR you did your homework. If you do get caught, I suppose a good story about a guarenteed number of "freebees" might give them a chuckle.
My venue this past weekend was Ripley, MS. For $2.50, I purchased a temporary business license to do one market in Tippah county. That is authorized by MS House bill #118. It's not some sort of freebee, it's how they deal with transients and residents who are occasional vendors. Some MS markets use this system and others don't even bother. Other states vary.
The best resource for a vendor are other vendors. Of particular value are vendors close to the border of the state in which you wish to sell. Your best bet however is to talk to vendors who have done a particular market within the last several months for the most accurate information. I adjusted my route on Sunday afternoon based on that type of information. Markets and rules change all the time.
I'm sure you realize that competition in jewelry is fierce. Some of the "dollar" jewelry vendors are barely doubling their money- if that. I don't set up at markets where those vendors are selling. They pretty much kill $5-$10 and under jewelry market. The more expensive stuff still goes though.
In some areas "hand crafted" jewelry simply will not sell. In other areas it does sell and my poly clay beads go well. I haven't sold in the areas you're looking at so I don't know what works best. I have found that buying works out cheaper than making.
Many venues (like fairs- not faire) have an umbrella insurance policy, for lack of a proper term, under which you may be included for a fee. $130 for 9(?) days was the last time I used that option and the time before that was around $90 for 6 days. Expensive, but cheaper than a seperate policy for the once or twice a year it might be needed. I've heard of a few flea markets require insurance but havent set up at any.
If faire is an interest, there is a merchants room on this forum:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/
I talked the Clark's lady around Thanksgiving. She was sick last year and didn't publish a 2012 edition. She was doing her best on 2013 when we spoke. She said she'd call me when it goes to the printer so if anyone is interested I'll post it. If you come across a bunch of 2012's, give her a call. She'd like to buy them back for retailers who are out.
fleamarketeer
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 7th of January 2013 09:26:24 PM
I'll be swinging through the Midwest on my quest for a SD driver's license and residence, so we will see how the folks in Nebraska and Kansas like it, perhaps it will be "exotic". I ordered the Clark's book via Pay Pal, and if she's not going to deliver because she doesn't have it, she should e-mail me, and refund me... that's what I do for customers. I guess I'll have to follow up on that.
Wish they would bring back the "free market" in America, all the taxes and regulations are holding us all back!