1. Regular Markets and How to Find Them
If you have access to phone books, it’s often easy to locate markets in other towns.
Just look under “Flea Markets”.
However, sometimes there are markets that don’t list in the Yellow Pages due to the cost.
This is where it is handy to have one of the flea market guides onboard. The guide put out by Clark’s is very popular.
Another way to find out about markets is to just ask some local people. When you pull in for breakfast or gas, ask an employee if there are flea markets close by.
Another way to plan ahead is to search on the Internet. Try “Guide to Flea
Markets” on one of those search engines. I use Google for this. It’s fast and gets the job done.
2. Road Side Set Ups… On Your Own
Some vendors like to find a spot along a well traveled road to set up. This works, but sometimes it doesn’t work. Personally, I have never felt comfortable doing this. Try it if you like adventure.
Copyright © 2004 Larry L. Austin
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There are some risks to consider:
× The Law…Some of our fine law officers seem to get great pleasure out of hassling roadside vendors.
× Permits…Sometimes an agent of the county or city will want you to buy all sorts of permits just to do business in their fine area. Sometimes they get
quite “cocky”, even getting nasty and threaten you. It is a license Merry-Go Round; spend… spend… spend…, an endless circle of profit for them.
× Accidental Trespass. If you set up on private property without permission, it could turn real bad for you…
If you are just passing through an area, it is usually not worth getting involved with a lot of paper work. This stuff has a way of following after you.
If you plan to stay awhile in one spot, it is much different. Plan on having a State Sales Tax Number. You probably will find a local license and other permits apply as well.
3 Parking Lots
I’ve worked parking lots several times. One time, a spot was assigned to me for about seven weeks straight and it turned out great.
How much did it cost? Answer: One seller’s permit for $20 plus $4 per day to the lot owner. This was good for a year. Not too bad, considering it was only 2 miles from where I was living at the time.
Copyright © 2004 Larry L. Austin
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In some places, you can set up at gas stations, both open and closed.
Asking permission before you set up is Very Important. Checking local ordinances to see if this is allowed would be prudent.
Copyright © 2004 Larry L. Austin
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