So many things can happen to unsold items at flea market flips. However, have it in mind that what happens to these items will most often depend on what the item is and its intended purpose. For instance, if the unsold items are vintage clothes, you can choose to give them to charity or a thrift store.
But if the items are furniture, you can decide to improve it with some quality handiwork or carpentry, and then sell it to make a good profit. Note that when items remain unsold at a flea market flip, the next call of action will most often depend on the ideas of the vendor or owner.
Flea market flipping is when you buy an item at a low price and sell it for a higher price. Note that to achieve success in this endeavor, you have to put in some good work, know how to find good items, and also how to make a good deal.
Flipping items at a flea market, if done right, can genuinely be a great source of side income. Flea market booths are without doubt low maintenance as most are staffed by the owners, and as a vendor, you don’t have to be present at your booth when it’s open. The rent is also very cheap.
Flea market flipping has become quite easy as you can now purchase and sell the items from Craigslist, eBay, and other sites with third-party sellers. Note that the profit you can make per weekend or day will vary based on your location and the sort of items you’re selling.
Aside from rental fees and other expenses, a good number of flea market vendors make around $200 and $500 per day. You may not have to bother with the daunting logistics of running a full-time brick-and-mortar business, however, you are still expected to carry out certain duties expected of a business owner.
These responsibilities may include knowing how to set prices, seeking ways to keep customers coming back, and putting together a system for preventing theft. You will also be tasked with knowing how to best display your wares and when these items don’t sell, what to do with them.
Things to Do with Unsold Flea Market Flip Items
In this line of business, there are times when you might find yourself with unsold items or leftovers from your flipping. Note that what to do with these unsold items can be quite confusing especially if your main purpose for being at a flea market is to sell items you no longer need at home. If you find yourself at this tricky crossroad, here are very good options to consider.
Donate to a Local Church
So many local churches in the United States put together rummage sales as a way to raise money for a charity or special event. Have it in mind that most of them wouldn’t mind receiving donations from non-members. As a flea market vendor left with unsold items, you can consider donating them to the church so they can sell them at their sale. Since churches are most times nonprofits, the money they make can be used to help members of your community.
Donate Children’s Items To A Local School Or Day Care
In the United States, schools are allowed to accept all types of new and used properties, including classroom supplies, computers, musical instruments, sports equipment, and furniture. They may also accept real property and donations of money.
When you donate your unsold items to educational charity, note that you supplement programs as basic as tutoring or as consequential as economic support for families. In many cases, you shift the trajectory of kids who are struggling by improving everything from nutrition to life skills.
Sell on eBay
This is indeed another good option to sell leftovers from your flea market flipping. eBay boasts over 15 categories, making it one of the most comprehensive vendor favorite sites. Sellers have the choice of listing items at auction or setting the price with the “Buy It Now” option.
Local Consignment Shop
This is another top option to consider. Consignment is when a shop sells goods for an owner. The owner keeps ownership of the item until it sells if it sells. A good number of these shops are locally owned businesses with a mom-and-pop feel.
You have to drop off your items for a 30-, 60- or 90-day cycle. If your item doesn’t sell within that period, some shops will discount the item (maybe, 30%), or you will need to pick it up. You can expect to be charged a 25% to 60% commission, which the shop collects as its profit.
Work With a Thrift Store Pick Up
Another very good way to do away with leftovers from your flea market flip is to work with a thrift store to pick up the items. Thrift stores are known to sell gently used clothing, furniture, and other household items at a discounted price.
They have a more reliable customer base, and you can just put calls across a week ahead of your sale and schedule the pick-up the afternoon your sale ends. Have it in mind most thrift stores in your area wouldn’t mind picking up your treasures for free and even giving you a receipt for taxes.
Sell on Craigslist
Just like it was noted above, flea market flipping has become quite easier, especially since you can now purchase and sell the items from Craigslist, eBay, and other sites with third-party sellers. One very good thing about Craigslist is that it connects you with people near you, and this also means that you don’t have to bother about shipping or long delivery expenses.
You can also find people who are willing to trade your unsold item with something of theirs. You can also find someone willing to pick up everything, saving you the stress of seeking buyers. Truth be told, there are numerous ways to get rid of unsold flea market flip items with Craigslist, you just have to be creative and direct.
Donate Women’s Clothing and Accessories to A Local Women’s Shelter
In the United States, numerous organizations accept donated clothing for women. Note that you can donate your unsold items to a local women’s shelter. Find the shelter nearest to you and call them. The shelter can explain its needs and make arrangements for a drop-off if your unsold items meet their needs.
A good number of these shelters often don’t release their exact locations, which protects both employees and victims who stay in the shelter. It simply entails that donations usually happen at off-site locations.
Selling Via a Virtual Sale on Facebook
In this modern age, it is quite easy to sell secondhand items on Facebook, as long as the item is viable enough to attract interest. To sell your unsold items on Facebook, you need a dedicated Facebook page for your business (not your personal page).
It is also important you consider connecting your eCommerce platform to Facebook or build your Facebook Shop manually. To attract buyers, ensure to market your Facebook Shop using ads, contests, and boosted posts.
Conclusion
These are a few ways to get rid of unsold items from your flea market flipping. Although some of them will earn you good money, some might bring in lesser amounts or even nothing at all. However, regardless of what you intend to do with your unsold items, ensure to consider the easiest and most convenient option for you. While they may all be good options worthy of consideration, they may not always work well for everyone.