Top 12 Flea Market Vendor FAQs
This local flea market, Shipshewana Flea Market, is a great place to buy and sell your, products, food, or services!
If you have questions about how to sell at this flea market, you're not alone! Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get each week that will help get you pointed in the right direction before setting up at the Shipshewana Flea Market.
1. When is the Shipshewana Flea Market open?
This seasonal, outdoor flea market is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from the first Tuesday in May through the Last Wednesday in September from 8 am to 4 pm EST. It is also open for extended markets in celebration of Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; and two special weekend markets in June & August.
2. What are the flea market hours and set-up times at the flea market?
Monday is our vendor set-up day. The flea market office is open from 10am-8pm, with the gates remaining open until 10 pm to get yourself all ready to sell on Tuesday and Wednesday. The gates and office open back up on Tuesday & Wednesday morning beginning at 6am. All vehicles not parking on spaces must be off the flea market grounds by 7:45am. The flea market opens to the public at 8 am and remains open until 4 pm, rain or shine.
3. What do I need to do to become a vendor?
Vendors will need ID, payment, and your Indiana Retail Merchant Certificate. If you're unsure of how to obtain an Indiana Retail Merchant Certificate, we've found this phone number to be helpful: 317-234-9768.
4. What's included with my flea market booth?
With your booth rental, you get a 25' wide by 20' deep, open space with electrical hookups. If you want any type of coverage from the weather, you may bring your own pop-up canopy or tent. Remember, this is an outdoor flea market.
Other items you may bring include:
- Tables & Chairs
- Any other display set-up items you will need.
- Don’t forget to have cash to make change!
Free Vendor WiFi is also available, just check with the market office staff for the password for the FREE Flea Market Vendor connection.
Download our FREE Flea Market Packing List
5. How much is a vendor space?
Spaces are rented a few different ways. Here are your options:
- Weekly rental: $55 for both days or $35 for one day
- Monthly rental and permanent space: $37-45 per week depending on the space. Month is paid in advance.
- The Shipshewana Flea Market also has options for renting buildings or big top tents that can be placed on respective spaces.
6. How many people visit the flea market per week?
The Shipshewana Flea Market is the Midwest's largest flea market. On average, we have anywhere from 10,000 to 12,000 customers come through each week.
7. Do I need to reserve my flea market booth ahead of time?
You can send your application and payment in ahead of time, fill out our online application, or you can come to the flea market office on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and reserve your space then. You can even come in the same day or week you are wanting to sell! We make it as easy as possible to sell here for vendors whether you wish to do so in advance or on the day of the market.
8. What types of products are allowed or encouraged?
Lots of different products are allowed to be sold at the flea market. We do however, have some legal restrictions such as alcohol, drug related items, firearms, fireworks, regulated materials including hypodermic needles (i.e. 856 1AC2-6-18(c), and/or counterfeit merchandise. Shoppers are always looking for unique, handmade or one-of-a-kind items as well so do your research and find a product that will resonate with them!
9. Can I come just one day?
Yes, you can sell for 1 day or 2 days. You are more than welcome to try the market out for just one day if you would like.
Remember, that if you pay for the month or the full season, there are additional discounts for flea market rentals.
10. Can I park right on my flea market space?
Yes, if your set-up allows, you are more than welcome to park directly on your space. Many people incorporate their vehicle into their set-up or use it as a convenient storage room for grabbing extra merchandise.
Some people even sleep in their vehicles right on their space at night or pull their pop-up camper right on to their space! There are restrooms and shower facilities on the grounds for our vendors to use.
11. If I'm traveling from a distance, are there other options for where I can sleep?
Shipshewana Flea Market is centrally located between several major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Dayton, and Indianapolis. So, if you are coming in on Monday or Tuesday from a distance, you have a couple of different lodging options for sleeping arrangements.
- As far as Shipshewana hotels, there is one directly across the street called Farmstead Inn, you can call 260-768-4595 to make a reservation. Be sure to ask for the vendor discount and just show your vendor discount card (available from the flea market office when paying for rent) when checking in.
- If you have a camper, you can stay in our RV Park located on the south side of the flea market grounds. (Be sure to let them know you are a Shipshewana Flea Market vendor.)
12. Where will my flea market booth be?
The flea market office staff will help you select your booth space. The office has a list of spaces that are available each week. They will position you in the best possible space based on your products and needs. Check out our map!
