Going to a flea market is an adventure similar to a scavenger hunt. You never know what kind of treasure(s) you might find! Wondering how to bargain at the flea market, how to get the best flea market products, and more? Before you go, you” want to make sure you’re prepared for sorting through a lot of junk and haggling prices in order to find the best items at the right prices. Here are our top tips for getting the best bargains and navigating your local flea market.
Editor’s Note: Jennifer Lutz is the home décor expert at christmastreemarket.com and knows how to get ready for any fabulous holiday or party in style! To go above and beyond this summer, consider one of these party themes for your next bash.
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How To Shop At A Flea Market
1. Prepare and Plan
Before you set out, take care of yourself first. A bottle of water and some snacks are recommended so that you can stay hydrated and nourished throughout the day. Also, bring small bills so that getting change won’t be much of a problem.
Here are other things that you might need:
- A small notebook to make note of items, prices or booth numbers
- Cloth or woven bags to carry small purchases
- Newspapers or bubble wrap if you plan on purchasing fragile items
- Wet wipes for cleaning up after going through piles of second-hand items
2. Stay Comfortable
Remember that you’re going to be walking for the better part of the day, so dress comfortably. Sensible walking shoes, comfortable jeans and shirts, and a light jacket should do just fine.
3. Shop w/ Purpose
Part of the fun of going to flea markets is finding those unexpected items that are perfect for your sense of style. However, you should also make a list of things that you need. Even a vague list of items (chair, tray, pot, etc.) can help you stay on track when shopping. That way, you won’t get carried away, blowing your budget while buying everything you come across.
4. Be Respectful and Friendly when Haggling
Flea market vendors typically sell second-hand items, so don’t be afraid to haggle. However, be respectful when asking for a lower price. Sellers have their own baseline when it comes to pricing their goods, and if you think that their last price is too high for you, bow out gracefully and walk away.
Being friendly doesn’t hurt, either. You catch more bees with honey than vinegar. Maintain a cordial manner when asking about a certain item you’re interested in, and you’ll find that some sellers are willing to give you an amazing price. Friendliness also makes you memorable to the sellers, and they just might give you special treatment when the next flea market event rolls around.
5. Inspect Each Item Carefully
An item you’re interested in may look undamaged at first glance, but make sure that it doesn’t have permanent and irreparable damage before handing your money over. Check for broken parts, chipped sides, cracks and missing pieces.
6. Don’t Rush the Purchase
Whether or not you buy the item, be sure of your decision before you leave the booth. There are plenty of people who can still make use of whatever item you leave behind, and more often than not, it’ll be sold by the time you decide to go back to the booth. Try to shop often so you get to know the going prices for items. The more often you go to flea markets and antique fairs, you’ll get a better feel for what reasonable prices are, and this will help you make better decisions.
7. Search Everywhere
If you don’t find what you’re looking for from the items on display, ask the seller if you can look in the other boxes they’ve brought with them. These boxes often contain items of value that you might like. Some big-ticket items are even stacked on top of one another to save space, so check everything out to make sure you’re not missing out on an amazing find!
8. Make Exit Plans
You have everything you need and now it’s time to take your purchases home. It’s best to bring a car so you can put all your purchases in the trunk. You can also carpool with friends to save on parking costs and still have an easy time transporting everything back home. If you plan on purchasing big items such as furniture, ask a friend if you can borrow their truck, or you can rent one beforehand.
Get to know people in the business and ask lots of questions. If you’re new to the flea market circuit, shopping with a more experienced friend can make all the difference. Whether you’re a flea market first-timer or a seasoned veteran, you can enjoy the entire experience and buy the items you love at great prices.
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