1. Formalize your business and keep good records. It’s tempting to operate "informally," that is, without establishing a business name, registering your business or keeping careful accounting records. Operating informally will allow you to make a few dollars in the short run, but will eventually catch up with you. Avoid this potentially costly mistake.

2. Vary your merchandize. Many people who shop at flea markets are regulars and will walk by your booth week after week. Keep their interest by varying your inventory. They’ll stop by more often if they know you’ll have something new to offer every week.

3. Don’t be afraid to use gimmicks. Every so often, you’ll see flea market vendors wearing big cowboy hats or sporting handlebar moustaches. Gimmicks can help your business. One flea marketeer who offers carpet cleaning and hardwood floor installation services gets attention with remote control toys. Whenever he doesn't have a customer, he rolls the toy back and forth across his table instantly attracting the attention of passing children. With the children come the parents enabling him to make his pitch. Not surprisingly, he sells a lot of toys for someone in the carpet cleaning and hardwood floor installation business!

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