How to Buy Deals at a Flea Market

Flea markets offer a variety of items from food to antiques. Generally there is a vendor willing to make a deal with shoppers. Each weekend the items and vendors can change making the flea market a good place to bargain shop.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look around at your options. Walk around the flea market and note items of interest as you go. Although most vendors have unique items, it is possible to find the same item from different vendors. Check out what each vendor is asking and plan to negotiate with the vendor offering the lowest price.
2. Time your offer. It is essential that you time your offer. Not all vendors negotiate at the beginning of the day, although many will. Plan to negotiate near closing when vendors must decide how much they want to get rid of the item. Vendors are generally tired after selling their merchandise all day and are more willing to accept a low offer.
3. Negotiate a deal. Generally vendors plan on bargaining with customers. Ask for a deal in order to get a deal. If the offer is too low, the vendor will decline your offer or may invite you to come back at close.
4. Carry small bills. Once a vendor sees you have cash they raise their prices. Carry and pay with smaller bills in order to get the best deal possible. Make sure the price is set before you pull out larger bills.
5. Buy more than one item. Get a better deal when buying more than one item from the same vendor. While they may not lower the price on certain items, they could throw another item in for free.
6. Get to know regular vendors. You need to pay attention to which vendors regularly sell at the flea market. If possible learn their names and locations. Vendors are often more willing to give repeat customers better deals.