How to Shop at a Flea Market

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Shop at a Flea Market

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Shopping at flea markets is a great way to find everything from antiques to appliances, clothing, household goods, tools and toys as well as unique items and save money in the process. You can do everything from decorate your home to dressing for success all by shopping the flea markets.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Blankets
Tape Measure
Comfortable clothing
Flashlight
Wagons
Cash

Step1

Get to the flea market early as possible for the best selection or late for best bargains.

Step2

Browse a few aisles first to get a feel for what is being offered, unless you spot a must-have item such as the platter to your discontinued china!

Step3

Inspect items closely, checking for flaws such as cracks, poor construction and damaged areas. Goods are generally sold as-is and few vendors will take returns.

Step4

Bargain with a light touch. It's half the fun of shopping flea markets but bargaining nicely often gets the best results. For example, a good strategy is to ask if the price is firm instead of immediately offering half the quoted price. Also, many vendors will give bigger discounts if you're buying several items at once.

Step5

Ask and ye shall receive. Especially if you are looking for a specific type of item, ask the sellers. Often they don't have room to put everything out and may just have your item in the back. Also, they will often hold bulky items until the end of the day if you have paid for them, leaving your hands and arms free to hold smaller purchases.

Step6

Think creatively when shopping. New uses for old items means unique decorative accessories: old balusters can become candlesticks or shelf supports, anything sturdy and big enough enough can become a coffee table with a sheet of glass across its top. Vintage clothing can become a chic new outfit or a costume.

Tips & Warnings

Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing; also bring along a hooded poncho in case of rain.
Pre-measure spaces at home that you wish to furnish. Carry this information with you.
Be prepared with cash in a variety of small bills. Few vendors take checks, even fewer take credit cards. A fanny pack is ideal for money and I.D. because it leaves hands free to pick up and carry.
A tape measure and small flashlight are a good for inspecting items both to ensure that pieces will fit in at home or that there are no structural defects such as cracks that impair the integrity of the piece.
In a pinch rememember that a dollar bill is about 6 inches long.
5. It's wise to bring along some blankets for wrapping furniture (leave in vehicle) and some plastic bags for small items. Vendors usually don't offer either bags or wrapping.
6. Bring along a little wagon to tow purchases.
1. Goods are sold by professionals and regular folks at flea markets, but they are almost always as-is.

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Comments

mroyusa said

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on 9/16/2007 keysfleamarket.com has the largest directory and community sites geared towards flea markets , vendors and wholesalers.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Most vendors rarely bargain on new items. Don't be discouraged though, because the same vendor may bargain and drop prices all day long on their used items. The exception to this is if you are buying more than one thing. Every vendor will give a discount for multiple purchases of new items. As a vendor myself, I usually take off $5 for each additional purchase, as long as it's not a cheap pair of sunglasses.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 In the northeastern part of the United States, Flea Markets aren't so nice. When I was in Florida, I went to one. There is just about everything you could imagine and for great prices, their products are great! Never underestimate a Flea Market!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Often times Flea markets end on sundays and re open on wednsday or thursday. the best time to buy fruit is on the last day becuase vendors will want to get rid of as much as they can before they have to close for a couple of days. they will be more willing to bargain and give you larger amounts for cheaper prices.

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