PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Winter Gig FOUND! Selling Swiss Army Knives at flea market

ramonajim · #10 10-07-2016, 11:09 AM

Not a thread I was expecting to turn into a trip down memory lane, but it has (for me anyway). Much of my funding for college came from selling furniture at swap meets (we didn't call 'em flea markets in southern California).

I was working as the shop guy at an antique store, doing repairs & refinishing of the store's furniture. The owners would let me use the shop (and supplies) for side jobs - it really was a win-win setup. They could show a damaged piece off the bargain mezzanine at a "discounted" price, and point the prospective buyer towards the shop. I'd give them an estimate for the needed repairs.

Store made its sale, I got a cash under the table side job, and the customer was happy.

In addition, I'd make a cycle through local garage sales & thrift stores picking up busted furniture for next to nothing - fix it up in the off hours at the shop, then take a truck load to the swap meet every couple weekends.

Between the swap meets and side jobs, I was working ~ 25 hours each week. About the same in hours for the antique shop (and going to college full time - ah, youth). I routinely made twice as much on the swap meets and side jobs.... and it was all cash. Good times.

This era of my life has been in my thoughts a bit lately - currently working on a complete rebuild and refinish of a delightful mid-1800's cabinet Darling Wife and I picked up ~ ten years ago in California.