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Day at the Flea Market

© Barry Houseknecht

It is Sunday morning and I am off to the Flea Market. I have several tools to sell, table saw, electric drill, skill saw, a chop saw and a couple of gas cans. As we have suggested selling at the flea market as a method of extra income on the road. I thought I would document how a typical day may go for those that are contemplating doing the flea market thing.

I arrived at about 8:00am. On Sunday there is really no rush, as customers don't start to get here until 10:00am or so I guess they all sleep in. By 8:30 I had paid my $8.00 fee for the space and was set up and ready to sell. As I was completing my setup duties someone made the first purchase, an air stapler/ nailer for $20.00, I paid near $90.00 for it when we wanted to do some re-carpeting in the motor home, now I really have no use for it. Now I have made lot rent so this might be a good day.

It's now 10:00am, One person told me he really wanted the table saw but didn't have the money this week so would I be back next week. Another wants me to deliver the $75.00 lathe to a town near by. I told him I would and he immediately said he would have to think about it more. Not much of a crowd yet and those walking by aren't carrying anything. Why didn't I eat before I came?

10:20am... I sold a 5-gal gas can $4.00. A few more people now but still many just looking. 11.00am sold an old drill for $5.00 condition unknown. I've taken in $29.00 this point.

11:30am... I just overheard a man brag to he had looked at everything in the market and had found nothing to buy. Makes one wonder why he even came to the flea market?

11:35am... Ain't this a trip the man that asked me if I would deliver the $75 wood lathe came back and asked if I would take $50 for it, and probably still would want it delivered, I think not.

12:30pm... People just not here today, the temp has to be near 90 full sun. People out doing other things on this beautiful day.

12:49pm... Sold milk crate full of PVC fittings and sprinkler heads probably $30 dollars worth of stuff for $10, but I have no use for them, they have been gathering in that crate for years.

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