Flea Market Finds
Flea Markets can be fun and challenging and since you never know what you will find you need to keep an open mind and go in with a game plan.
What to do
- Plan Ahead: Make two lists: One for items you need right away and one for projects or items you are considering. Be sure to do your research on the value of items before you go or have your smartphone ready to research on the spot. By doing this it will help you know whether the asking price is reasonable.
- Go Early: If you are looking for certain items you may want to get there before store owners, collectors and designers do. If you know your flea market well you will know which vendors have the items you are looking for. In saying this the best time to haggle price is the end of the day mainly because they do not want to have to pack it back up!
- Be Smart with your money: Some vendors will accept credit cards but many still only deal in cash. Be careful on carrying your cash you may want to consider the good ole fanny pack or cross shoulder body bag.
- Flea Market Tool Bag: As you know flea markets are final no returns! You need to make fast decisions. You can reduce your risk of passing on something you later wish you purchased. In your tool bag have color and fabric swatches of your drapes and upholstery along with your paint samples, tape measure, notepad if you do not have a smartphone, pictures of items you have been thinking about. In addition, have bubble wrap, blankets, rope, tape, screwdriver, pliers and a hammer in your car just in case you have to detach items or transport larger items home.
- Inspect the items: The thrill of a spontaneous deal can take over reasonableness sometimes. Examine the item from all angles and sides don’t forget the bottom, look for missing pieces, chips cracks and torn edges. Some items may need repair but that is half the fun if the price is right.
- Stop to chat: Creating good authentic relationships with vendors can be to your advantage. When they see you coming many times than not they usually will give you big discounts.
- Your Needs: Bring water and maybe a snack for yourself so you can keep your energy and health.
What Not To Do
- Do not be disrepectful: Most sellers are there just to make extra cash or for fun. While others are there selling their grandmothers china and may be very sentimental about some of their items.
- Swooping in on someone else’s deal: It’s not ok to grab the item that someone else is asking about. In flea market world it is in their possession at that time it is only after they walk away that it is fair game again.
- Requesting change for $100: You should simply just go with small bills. They appreciate the 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s.
- Plowing through the stands: Have you heard the term “Bull in a china shop”, well don’t be the bull. Be aware of your kids, your coat, any items you may be carrying so you don’t knock over fragile items.
- Never laugh out loud at prices: Bargaining at a flea market is expected but to scoff in front of a seller is just rude. Instead, if you are serious about purchasing an item, ask whether the seller would be willing to accept a certain price. If the seller says the price if firm just respect that and walk away.
- Calling something “Junk” within and earshot: You are dealing with people that have put a ton of effort to find, repair and clean items to offer for sale. Besides what seems like junk to you may not be to someone else.
- Not Buying Don’t Haggle: Be sure it is an item you are wanting to buy before negotiating a price with a vendor. Don’t negotiate if you are really not going to buy in the end.
- Don’t Rush: Do not let the vendor rush you to make a decision and don’t be swayed by free items they will throw in. Take your time be sure about the item. Consider uniqueness, price, condition and similar items around the flea market.
- Don’t Walk Away: If you like an item grab it and then decide if you want it. Go to the side with the item and do your smartphone research or pull out your list. If it isn’t what you thought then put it back.
- Expectations: Vendors typically save the best deals for the end of the day. Don’t expect a major discount first thing in the morning. Don’t expect the item to be there when you come back either.
- How to spot a knockoff: Be wise and ask the vendor if they know the item’s origin. Check for branding such as under tables, chairs, inside dresser drawers. If the item is wood try picking it up. If it is really light is is more than likely veneer rather than solid wood.
Final Thoughts
Have fun! It can be overwhelming to know what to buy and what to pass up. The more you go the more you’ll know!
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