Flea markets can be challenging to plan and organise. From choosing the venue to the layout of the space to communicating the flea market and obtaining the necessary permits, etc., there are many elements to consider.
Such an event is organised months in advance. We help you not to forget anything.
Summary
1. Choose your venue
You can organise your flea market in the city or town of your choice. However, it is advisable to choose a place that is used to welcoming the public or a regular flea market venue.
You can also hold your flea market in a party hall, a gym, a park or a square. Bear in mind that it is impossible to predict the weather several months in advance, but you can make sure you have a plan (tents…) to be able to deal with bad weather if needed.
2. Notify the municipality about your flea market
Some permissions are needed to organise a flea market in a town or village.
Whether you will occupy public space or not (but especially in the first case), notify the city council well in advance of your intention to organise a flea market and ask for all the information on the necessary permits and processing times.
Make sure you have permission to occupy the space and also to make sales. Take special care with these formalities to avoid possible fines.
You may even find out about opportunities for collaboration or sponsorship you hadn’t thought about.
3. Organise and number the sales points
Now that you have chosen the location for your flea market and obtained the necessary permits, you can start planning the general layout of your event.
Before you start contacting possible participating vendors, you need to take care of these two things:
- The division and numbering of the stalls or booths (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3…).
- The location of each stall and the services you will need on-site (food truck, ticket office, entertainment stalls…).
4. Where to place ancillary services
Like any event, a flea market requires careful preparation and good organisation.
Consider the location of the different services you will offer during your market, such as the information booth, parking and emergency services.
You also need to think about where to place the different actors in your market:
- Where will the bars and food stalls be located?
- Where will the host stage be located?
- ll you set up an information point?
- Where would it be most beneficial to place the aid station?
- Are you going to set up a children’s entertainment stand?
- How can you organise everything so that visitors can move around unhindered?
- Etc.
Organise food and beverage services
Plan in advance the different types of food you will offer so that there is something for everyone: barbecue, vegetarian alternatives, chips, hot dogs, candyfloss, candy, crisps, etc.
Food and drink stalls are also essential to generate income and balance the total costs at the end of the market. So take the time to choose, book and plan your stalls and suppliers carefully. Finally, consider implementing a cashless payment system to facilitate all transactions.
5. Have the right equipment ready
Although it is difficult to predict the number of visitors to your market, it is essential to prepare the necessary material: benches, tables, speakers, ladders, marquees…
6. Hire cleaning services
Don’t forget to install waste bins for your waste and that of the exhibitors (bars, food stalls, etc.).
You can also call the town hall to find out if clean-up crews are available on the day of your market to clean up the space at the end of the day.
This may cost more, but it will often save you much more valuable time.
7. Don’t forget to organise entertainment activities
What would a flea market be without a good atmosphere, with entertainment for adults and children? You can include specific stalls, DJs, inflatables, entertainers, a raffle, bingo and much more!
8. Pay attention to security
As in the organisation of any event, security is a central element that cannot be neglected.
You can discuss this point with the municipality to collaborate with police, municipal officers, etc., during your market. The ultimate goal is to organise a safe and secure event for visitors and exhibitors.
9. Use an online registration system for vendors
Online booking, even for flea markets, is one of the most efficient and fastest ways to manage exhibitor and vendor registrations. In general, exhibitors are used to booking online their space in the market and it’s the easiest solution for you as the organiser.
10. Communicate about your market
If you have a website or social media, don’t forget to update them frequently to attract visitors and vendors. Include the venue, date and stall rental rates, if necessary, so everyone can find all the information they need in just a few clicks.
Manage your online registrations and the organisation of your flea market with Weezevent!
