Some trends stay the same every year. Here are five things that you should consider to sell at the flea market - because this is what people buy.

Clothes that are in good shape and in season

The Finnish people are very conscious consumers even in flea markets. They buy mostly clean clothes in good shape. You should wash your clothes and shoes before bringing them to the flea market. Also, think about the season in hand: warm coats and wool shirts in fall-winter-time, and more summery towards the summertime. Remember the party seasons as well; graduations, wedding season and "pikkujoulut".

Vintage clothes have their own specific client base, but also they come up as trends ever so frequently. The best kind of vintage clothes are the ones that go easily with modern clothes as well.

Children's clothes and toys

Children's clothes have been recycled for ages, and it gets more popular every year. The same rule applies to the little clothes: they have to be clean and in good shape. Any stuffed toys should also be washed beforehand. Don't bother to sell anything that's badly broken or worn down.

Valuable materials and brand items

Leather jackets, leather purses and leather fabric overall usually sells well on flea markets. Leather is usually an expensive material, so many people are happy to find a good deal in used items. Sometimes it doesn't even matter if it's a little worn down - leather is a great material for crafting, and DIY-kind-of-people look for it everywhere.

Brand clothes and items are always wanted - although you might want to put an alarm tag to your most valuable items. In Finland the most wanted brands (especially in flea markets) are Marimekko (clothes and fabrics), Arabia dishes, and some international brands like Adidas, Nike, Gymshark, Desigual, GUESS and Tommy Hilfiger. As long as they are - again - clean and in good shape.

In self-service flea markets there's always a slight risk of having some of your items stolen. Many flea markets offer showcase shelves that have access only by the staff, and alarm tags for you to rent and attach to your valuables. Check that the flea market has a camera survaillance.

Interior decor

Nowadays the best interior decorating items come from flea markets and recycled materials! Many DIY-crafters love to find old pieces for their homes (and maybe modify them even more). Anything that looks good on the table, walls or the ceiling. Sell for example old IKEA-findings, retro lamps, flower jars, wall hangings/pictures, vintage dishes and pots form your grandma's attic,

Sports and recreation items

Roller skates, ice-hockey gear, gym balls and weights, yoga mats, camping gear... Anything that's usually very expensive to buy new. People know to look for them from a flea market.

What else should you take into consideration, to maximize your profit? Read the Ilta-Sanomat interview (in Finnish): Kuinka tienata kirppiksellä?