How to Barter at Flea Markets

Flea markets are an excellent source for art, clothing, furniture, jewelry, and a variety of one-of-a-kind wares. These nomadic shopping centers offer local small business owners and artisans the opportunity to sell and display their goods. The trade-off is the competition which literally surrounds them --an ideal situation for the savvy consumer who realizes the power she holds as a coveted buyer. Here you will find techniques for successful bartering at flea markets.

Instructions

1. Do not flaunt wealth when shopping at a flea market. You don't want to look as if you have a lot of extra money to spend, even if you do. This includes clothing, accessories, jewelry, and cameras.

2. Ask flea market vendors substantial questions about their goods. You want vendors to think of you as a serious shopper, and not simply someone drifting through the market with no intention of purchasing anything.

3. Visit a variety of shops, even if you find exactly what you want early on in your search. It's a win-win situation: either you will find an item you like better than the first one, or you build positive anticipation of a sale in the original vendor's mind upon your return.

4. Inquire about the price of the object you wish to buy with a neutral response, such as a nod or a slightly raised brow. If the price is well below what you'd be willing to pay, give a counter offer slightly below the first one. The vendor may scoff, but they will most likely accept a compromise which in reality is still much less than you were initially willing to spend.

5. If the quoted price of an item is well above what you would pay, give a very low counter offer. In this instance the vendor will almost definitely scoff or staunchly refuse, in which case you should politely thank them for their time and walk away. This tactic will not work every time, but if a market vendor is desperate for a sale they'll cut their loss by offering you some sort of discount.

Tips & Warnings

• When bartering at flea markets, take your time and peruse each shop for similar items you admire before buying them. You may find that one shop offers a better price for a comparable or even higher quality item.

• Don't spend too much time assessing an item you really like. Vendors will pick up on your admiration and realize how interested you are in purchasing it. Maintaining an air of casual nonchalance is an important tool for successful bartering.

• Don't be rude to market vendors. They may not be willing to compromise with you on a lower price, but keep in mind that many items require a lot of time and effort to create and the seller is trying to recoup that in the form of profit.

• Never celebrate a successful barter in front of other customers or vendors. This can be seen as mean-spirited, especially when the vendor is barely breaking even on a sale.