How to Haggle at a Flea Market

There are lots of great deals to be found at flea markets, but you have to know where to look and perfect the art of haggling. Once you know the rules of the game, you can haggle at a flea market like a pro. Keep reading to find out everything from how to act when you first spot an item you want, to what initial price to offer.

Instructions

1. Look uninterested. When you spot something at a flea market that you just have to have, keep your cool. Don't act too excited or you'll give away your bargaining power. Instead, walk up and casually look the item over, then move on to something else. Then double back and pick up the item again and ask how much they want for it.

2. Ignore the sticker value. If you're going to haggle at a flea market, you have to learn never to accept the offered price on an item. Use the sticker value as a starting price and then haggle down from there.

3. Start your price low. When you haggle at a flea market, the starting price is crucial. Tell the seller that you're prepared to spend about 50 percent less than what you actually plan on spending. That way, you can go up a bit in price and still get a really good deal.

4. Be prepared to walk away. If you don't get the price you want, don't hesitate to walk away from the deal. Chances are, the merchant won't let you get very far before trying to strike a deal.