If you’re a parent living in Vienna and haven’t been to at least one Vienna Family Network flea market, you’re missing out!
It’s a bi-annual event where VFN members can sell gently-used toys, books, clothing, equipment and much more for pregnancy, babies and kids. VFN member businesses are also present and even the next “junior” generation sells at the Junior Market tables. The VFN flea market is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
There’s more on offer than you may think! We’re an international community coming from all over the world with different styles, languages, cuisines and shopping options. Always on offer: children’s and parenting books in many languages, VFN member businesses offering tailored services and local products, maternity wear, baby carriers, a craft station, kids’ play corner, a charity café with fresh, homemade treats and even pizzas straight from a very hot oven!
The VFN flea market started small for (former Vienna Babies Club) members and gradually grew bigger to become a public favorite. There’s always high demand to sell and buy amongst growing families. Now the flea markets are held twice a year – once in springtime and again in the fall. Behind the scenes, the volunteer team works year round to secure the location, connect with the VFN Charity of the Year and member businesses, prepare the table reservation system, marketing, café set up and so many more tasks.
Seller tables are available for VFN members only to book. If you’ve volunteered your time as a member in the recent past, you’ll get the added perk of priority table booking one day early! A crowd favorite is the Junior Market tables – this is where the next generation of VFN members (don’t call them babies!) sell their toys, books, costumes, etc. to practice valuable life skills and earn some pocket money. So cute!
In today’s volatile world, flea markets are equally important to score a deal = save money and also to practice sustainability = stop fast fashion. Personally, as much as I love picking up some barely touched “Turnpatschen” in the next few sizes (kids’ feet grow so fast!) and a pair of rainboots for under 10 bucks and selling a bundle of too small clothes and books we’ve read many times, my most favorite part of every VFN flea market is seeing lots of friends and acquaintances again. Often there’s a new baby on the way or parental leave has recently ended or the school search is on — plenty of things to chat about over a cup of coffee and a delicious baked good (or two plus a slice of pizza) at the charity café.
Here are some tips & tricks gathered over the years:
Buyers :
- Follow the VFN on social media and join the FB event
- Bring plenty of cash; coins and small € bills
- The early bird does get the worm
- Latecomers may catch more deals
- Keep your personal belongings close, i.e. cross-body bag
- Pack shopping bags for your purchases
- Leave your pet at home
- Make note of your child’s current clothing sizes
- Pack a shirt and pants that fit your child(ren) now to compare
- Trace your child’s foot on a piece of paper for shoes
- Post on the Matchmaker social media to match up with sellers
- Leave your pram at home (very limited parking, no liability)
- Wear your baby or trade off childcare duty with your partner / another parent
- Visit our member businesses to learn about their services and products
- Check which on-site charity is collecting donations and their list of needs
- Visit the Charity Café – all proceeds benefit the VFN Charity of the Year
Sellers :
- Re-read the guidelines and regulations – be prepared!
- Sell items according to the upcoming season, i.e. summer clothes in spring
- Organize your table according to sizes or items, e.g. all pants together
- Promote / market the flea market, your items and table number (share the map!)
- Post on the Matchmaker social media to match up with buyers
- Pack your items in luggage with wheels for easy transport
- Bring some shopping bags with you for your buyers
- Start your “Kassa” with some small € change and keep your money on you
- Hang signs of what sizes you’re selling
- Price each item or hang a sign with prices, e.g. T-shirts all €2
- Save space on your table by displaying one shoe (rest in box under/behind table)
- Consider donating unsold items to on-site charity (more info in seller communication)
- Grab a drink and snack at the Charity Café to support the VFN Charity of the Year
- Smile! Stay hydrated! Agree with the seller next to you to take short breaks!
Here’s to new faces at the next VFN flea market!
It’s always a great event and everyone finds something they love by the end of the day!
Bio:
Erin Kogan is a mother, VFN member, IT Professional and dedicated volunteer who enjoys reading, hot yoga and trying out a new recipe in her Instant Pot. She’s somewhat of a VFN flea market addict having attended and organized many over the years!