From “Flea” To “Boutique”

Twelve hours on how to sell factory-seconds electronics and cheaply made socks:

Starting next month, aspiring entrepreneurs will be able to attend a seminar that will teach them the marketing skills they’ll need to be vendors at an indoor flea market in Far Rockaway, Queens.

The “How to Become a Successful Flea Market Vendor” workshop was set up by organizers of the Seaside Flea Market, who are seeking locals who yearn to own their own businesses and are willing to set up shop at the market, which reopens this fall.

“When we saw there was an opportunity for something to happen in the Rockaways, we jumped at the chance,” said flea market vendor Valerie Vargas, 45, who co-owns Pisces Arts & Crafts with her husband, Max.

The Far Rockaway couple took the 12-hour course earlier this year and on summer weekends have sold their handmade jewelry and oils at the flea market, located at 1700 Seagirt Blvd.

“We went there open-minded. We didn’t know we had a knack for this, and I’m enjoying it,” said Vargas, 45, who also works as a production editor. “We’ve done quite well this summer, and we have repeat customers. Our goal and dream is to have our own store.”

The vendor course instructs participants how to choose a product for sale, how to set uptheir selling area and salesmanship.

“Anyone who is interested in extra income or starting their own business can learn how to do it on their own,” said Abbey Feldman, course instructor and a market organizer. “It is ideal for people who like the boutique business concept.”