How to Sell Artwork at the Flea Market

Artwork - paintings, drawings, or other canvassed art - at the flea market can be a profitable business decision if you research and follow through the right way. Many people look for artwork to hang on their walls and decorate their living space. Selling it at the flea market can reach many potential customer quickly. Below is a list of things you must consider before selling artwork at the flea market.

Selling Artwork - Choosing a Flea Market

Artwork sales should be geared toward a particular demographic. Are you selling ten dollar prints without frames or two-hundred dollar oil paintings edged in gilt? Depending on what type of artwork you want to sell, you must choose the right flea market in order to profit. Begin by researching a number of flea markets in your area. Then, visit each one to see what type of items are being sold. Look for other artwork sellers as well. Keep interest up and competition down to maximize artwork sales at the flea market.

Selling Artwork - Flea Market Set Up

Setting up artwork at a flea market is different than setting up other types of products. You must display the artwork so the maximum number of pieces can be seen by the most people. Lay the best pieces out on the table, or use stands to stand them up. Lean artwork against the front and sides of the table if it is safe from dirt and damage. Hanging artwork on lines or ropes strung across your booth is another great idea. Step to the shopper side of your table and move things around until it looks enticing to you.

Each piece of artwork should have some basic information displayed with it. A small index card could tell the artist's name, the medium the artwork is done in, and the price. These cards should never be glued or taped to the picture itself. A good way of attaching them is to tape them to the back edge of the artwork's frame or backing. If you want to haggle over prices, do not print them on the tags. You can also offer different size or type of artwork in different price ranges. Making a simple sign to display can help shoppers know what they are looking at.

Selling Artwork - Flea Market Sales

Selling artwork at the flea market is a lot like selling anything else there. Be cheerful, friendly, and helpful. Be willing to haggle with people that are interested in your pieces of art, but never accept less than you think they are worth.

Since artwork is often large or unwieldy for carrying around an entire flea market, buyers may ask you to hold the piece of artwork for them until they are heading to their car. This is a standard practice at the flea market and you should do it without trouble. However, insist that the item is paid for up front and agree to hold it only to a certain time. You can take the entire payment or a deposit amount to hold it for an hour or two. If they do not come back in that time, you are free to sell the piece of artwork to someone else. Have these rules displayed visibly and make sure the person is aware of them.