Does anyone sell their excess plants/seeds at a local flea market? If so, did you need to get an agriculture permit to do so? I know there is a Market Growers forum, but I wanted to ask in this forum, since if I do this it would be in Texas.
Thank you for your input!
Nichole
Flea Markets
I have sold at yardsales, and little local things here with no permit... but I understand you need one if you really want to sell. I dont know how much work that would be or if you would need it for a flea market. I just tell people the pot costs X and the plant is free if you buy the pot :-)
From what I've seen at the TDA website, the permit would be $110-180 for a one year permit that would allow up to 30 days for flea market sales. More days would be $50 for 10. That is a bit cost prohibitive for me this year - especially with the space rental fees at the flea market itself. But, armed with that information, I can better prepare for next year I suppose.
I did send the TDA an email, just to see if there was a different type of permit for an individual to do flea markets 2-3 times per year. We'll see.
Thanks for your input, MitchF.
No problem,,, would like to know myself, I think it could be fun.
I think so too. Seems a nice way to earn a few extra bucks with the extra plants I won't use.
right,,, and I keep doing cuttings would be nice to sell a few of them for new plants.
Syrumani, you should still call the flea markets now and gather as much info from them. I know some flea markets will limit how many of one type of vendor they will allow in at a time.
In the Spring we have people that line the highway with mostly roses. I'd bet you could do that too with a city permit. The week before Christmas I saw a guy selling bonsi trees in the defunct Exxon parking lot, it was surreal, but he was busy too.
At local fleas, if you are not a regular seller, they will allow sale of plants and seeds. If you set up on a monthly basis however, they require permits. May just be local restrictions and not state regs though.
Okay, I'd like to know where y'all have all these great flea markets?????
Syrumani, have you thought about eBay? I could be wrong, but I don't think you need a permit for that. I have made friends with some of my favorite eBay vendors. They all say they started out to support their plant habit, but then it grew, and now they make money at it.
Ooh, Kristi! I'll have to check into that! I didn't mention when I called the flea market that it wouldn't be all the time . . . I'll call a few others around here, too.
pbtxlady - I have thought about eBay. I do - on occasion - sell seeds. I haven't shipped plants before, though. It could be something I could grow into, I suppose. . . I wonder if the eBay stores have to pay taxes, etc. like a "real" store . . . I'll look into that as well. Thanks for the idea!
I believe you also must sell other "garage sale" things not just plants/seeds exclusively.
Pbtxlady... I have always had a "junquer" mentality and have ferreted out a flea market or garage sale. Odd but some of my first taste of plants like Stapeliads and Hoyas have come from individuals like Syrumani at fleas. Many a treasure hunt ends empty handed but when you find that one treasure, it is wonderful! LOL
I have sold some on ebay. If you set up a store, you need a Tx sales tax permit. Then the only buyers that are charged sales tax are Texas residents. (Same is true when buying. You only pay from a Tx seller.) If you just list items (like garage sale stuff) and aren't in it for business, it wasn't necessary.
You can also sell thru the DG classified ads here...
We have an annual Senior Citizens Fair in the fall here in Fort Worth. People over 55 that are a resident of Tarrant Co can get into it. They sell all sorts of craft and art items but also plants and garden art. I plan on getting into that show again after I retire. You don't work the show, you only drop off your items and they display etc. After the show you pick up what remains. It is very well organized. There may be something like that in your area.
Well, I do have a garage full of stuff, podster. I'm sure I can find something to fill a quarter of a table! I think I'll stick with selling seeds here and there on eBay for this year anyway . . . build up a supply of seeds, etc. this year. If I set up an eBay store and get the sales tax permit, wouldn't I need to get a business name, or could that be done under a persons name? If it would need to be under a business, wouldn't I need to file separate taxes for that? Oh, where's my Tylenol? Yeah - I think I'll stick with being an individual this year.
Wow, Sheila_FW - you just drop off the stuff and let them know the price? I'll have to see if Bexar County has the same sort of thing . . . I can get my mother to get in it!
I think the answer would be yes... on the taxes and yes... on the individual. LOL Definitely easier and more fun.
Well, I finally got a hold of someone at the Department of Agriculture! She said if I wanted to sell from one location only, I could get a Class 1 permit - which is $75.00. MUCH more doable than the $180.00 for the Class M. The advantage of the Class M is I would not be limited to one flea market only. The Class 1 permit can be issued under a person's social security number, so I wouldn't NEED to get a business name. The only thing she couldn't answer is if I would need to charge tax - but she did give me the number of the tax office down the street from their office. I will call them next.
Not to put a damper on things but you might also check with the "city of" whereever the flea market is located. Some of the larger cities have permit requirements too. Good luck and please, keep us posted.