The Market World is an ideal location to start your new business. Each weekend the Market World attracts several thousand customers from all over Central Florida.

If you are looking to start a new business, you have come to the right place. The Market World offers a great opportunity to build a following, test market new product ideas, and refine your marketing practices before you make a large financial commitment on a stand-alone location. Average commercial retail space in Central Florida’s Polk County ranges between $15 to $20 per square foot.  Factoring in the cost of utilities and marketing a small storefront in a shopping center could easily run $1,000 to $2,000 per month before the first customer walks through the door.  The Market World offers the added benefit of built-in foot traffic at a fraction of what you might pay for comparable space in a mall, downtown storefront, or shopping center.

The Five P’s for Successful Flea Market Vendors

Patience – Be patient. Success does not happen overnight. Expect some great sales days and some not-so-great sales days.

Persistence – Our most successful vendors are persistent. They have developed persistent habits that make customers feel welcome. They are persistent about greeting, engaging and thanking customers and spend little time on their mobile phones. They understand Publix, Wal-Mart and Home Depot didn’t become great retail companies by opening late and closing their shops early.

Perseverance – Theft, rude customers, employee call-offs, poor weather are all headwinds that every small business owner must navigate on occasion. Long-time Market World vendors expect these issues to arise and have plans to lessen the impact.

Passion – Long-time Market World vendors are passionate about what they do. They spend half of their time working in the business and the other half of their time working on the business. They share their passion with their customers by offering education and/or classes about their service and merchandise. They network with other vendors and build partnerships to expand their marketing footprint. They are passionate about their marketing, signage and packaging so that it communicates a professional image.

Purpose – Many successful Market World vendors are purpose-driven. This means they plan their work and work their plan. Each week they look for ways to maximize sales and minimize expenses.  They understand that they cannot compete with major retailers on price, so they look for other ways to fill customers needs by offering delivery, providing outstanding customer service and offering custom orders.

Here are a couple of free and low-cost marketing resources that can help you build sales.  With an investment of an hour or two a week you can build a following of several hundred people that will grow to several thousand people over time.

Digital Resources

Facebook – every Market World vendor should have a Facebook business page.  The Market World office receives countless phone calls every week from customers looking for product availability and business contact information.  Facebook offers a great way for small businesses to connect with prospects and customers – best of all it is free.  A typical Facebook post may reach 50 to 100 people.  For an additional fee you can have Facebook “boost” your message to an expanded audience.

Facebook Marketplace  – Facebook Marketplace is a popular area where vendors can sell products for delivery or local pickup.  Several Market World vendors have use this tool to allow customers to buy online with a credit card and pick up items during Market World normal business hours.  Facebook Marketplace is also a great way to offer delivery on smaller items to snowbird customers.

Facebook Groups –  Facebook Groups are great way to build a following for your business.  There are dozens of local yard sale and buy/sell groups where vendors can post their products and services for free.    A typical Facebook Group may have several thousand members.

Instagram –  Instagram is a simple, fun and creative way to capture and share photos, videos with others.   Share photos of your booth, staff, customers and new products.

Google Business Profile – Google Business profiles are essential for growing your business.  This free listing helps customers find you on Google Search and Google Maps.  Google business profiles can help you get your message out to thousands of local prospects a week.  For many local business owners Google Business Profiles deliver the biggest bang for your investment in time.

Websites – for most Market World vendors social media platforms offer a better return on investment versus the time and expense of building and managing a website.  WordPress.com,  Squarespace.com and Wix.com offer free templated website that are ideal from building a basic “business card” website with the option to upgrade to a paid version that offers additional functionality.

Craigslist –  Craigslist.com has been around for many years and still commands a large audience despite its outdated design.  A typical post might reach several hundred customers looking to buy all kinds of products and services.  Sellers can post items in most categories for free.

Print Resources

Twenty years ago if you wanted to start a business a marketing a $10,000 marketing budget was not uncommon.  Today, vendors can take advantage of some wonderful do-it-yourself marketing tools to build professional looking marketing materials.

Fivrr.com – Fivrr.com offers low-cost branding and logo development for under $100.  Navigate to the logo design page and use the Logo maker tool to customize a pre-made logo to your needs.  We think you’ll be amazed.

Gotprint.com – Need brochures, signage, business cards, banners or postcards?  Gotprint.com offers tools to build marketing materials and pay with a credit card.  Gotprint.com is ideal for small jobs with flexible timelines.

Central Florida Media Group – If you need assistance with developing social media or marketing materials reach out to our friends at the Central Florida Media Group.  They have many years of experience creating social media presence and marketing materials for wide array of local businesses.  They have top-notch writers, photographers and designers who can work with you to build marketing materials.

Delivery Resources

Doordash and Uber Eats are now offering delivery services for retail businesses.  Offering home delivery is a great way to reach new customers and grow your business.

Looking for a venue to hold your next event?  The International Market World operates venues that can accommodate 10 to 10,000 guests. Over the years we have hosted a wide variety of events:

• Cultural Festivals
• Health Fairs
• Christmas Light Shows
• Bluegrass Festivals
• Dance Festivals
• Worship Services
• Circus Performances
• Concerts
• Car Shows
• Veterans Events
• Carnivals
• Petting Zoos
• Food Festivals
• Fund Raising Events
• Training Events

Big Top Circus Tent – The Big Top Circus tent is located on the west end of the property and is available on selected dates from November to through April. The tent is 240 ft long, 140 ft wide and 60ft high and can be configured with a ticket booth, portable sound stage and sound equipment.

Gator Theater – The Gator Theater is located in the Big Yellow building and is home to the Market World circus. The Gator Theater is available on selected dates year-round.  The Gator Theater is equipped with lighting and sound equipment.

Carousel Theater – The Carousel Theater is located in the I-Building and is also home to the Market World circus.  The Carousel Theater is available on selected dates year-round.  The Carousel Theater is equipped with bleachers, lighting and sound equipment.

Double Dragon Restaurant – The Double Dragon is a cafeteria-style restaurant located in the Big Yellow building.  The Double Dragon hosts live music and karaoke events on a regular basis.  The Double Dragon Restaurant is available on selected dates year-round.  The restaurant is climate controlled and includes a stage, lighting and sound system.

For more information about renting these venues contact the Market World office Tuesday through Sunday at 863-665-0062