Many people shop at swap meets to save money and get good deals, and cold winter days don’t stop them.
Many people start shopping at indoor flea markets more because they like the warmth, but the hardcore flea market shopper will still go to outdoor flea markets even when it’s snowing, because they know that since many people are they chickened out and went inside, that leaves all the bargains to them. (Mile High Flea Market in Henderson, Colorado, is open year-round—yes, even when it’s snowing—and sellers and buyers continue to pour out as usual.)
Vendors will still offer the usual trade-in fare, used stuff and new stuff, but no matter what time of year, successful flea market sellers will play by the rules: always sell what people want and need.
In winter people do not want swimsuits or shorts or sandals.
They want heavy coats with high, zip-up collars, furry hats that fold up to keep their ears warm, and mittens to keep their hands and fingers warm.
They don’t want suntan lotion.
They want chemical hand warmers. They want thicker socks and warmer shoes and insulated boots. They want ski pants that the icy wind won’t blow through. They want insulated coveralls with bibs.
Air conditioners and box fans don’t sell as well during the winter, but electric heaters do, as do kerosene heaters, propane heaters, propane tanks, and propane hoses.
People will want snow shovels. They will want ice scrapers.
They will want to buy bags of rock salt and chemical melts to spread on their sidewalks and steps.
People will also want snow tires. Used snow tires are big sellers, especially during the early winter months, but don’t ride as well during the summer months. Most people don’t think or buy ahead.
Used tire chains in good condition will also sell well, as will trailer chains.
Cold remedies, cough syrups and cough drops are always on sale, but especially in winter.
Shoppers will also be looking for snowboards, inner tubes and other things to have fun with on the slopes.
Many flea markets have their own concessions and will not allow anyone to compete with them. But many smaller markets don’t have any concessions at all, and can sell coffee and hot chocolate quite well.
Just follow the rules and sell what people want and need. Change your inventory with the seasons and success will always be your friend.
