How to Get Free Stuff From a Flea Market

There is something for everyone at a flea market.

Being a savvy shopper at a flea market takes some technique and a lot of tenacity. Arriving early, buying in bulk and negotiating carefully can land you many items for free. In a tight economy, knowing how to shop at a flea market can save your hard earned cash and land you some unique finds.

Things You'll Need

• Local newspapers
• Tote bags

Instructions

1. 

   Check out the advertisements before you hit the pavement.

   Canvass your local community newspaper or PennySaver for upcoming flea markets, which are open-air markets or bazaars that sell inexpensive or second-hand items. Avoid venues such as shopping malls or commercial strips that advertise sidewalk sales -- the merchandise is barely discounted and never for free.

2. 

   Late afternoon or early evenings are the best time to shop.

   Arrive at the flea market late when vendors are shutting down and may be willing to give away items they could not sell. You can be the recipient of their donation, rather than the local Goodwill or Salvation Army.

3. 

   Unique items can be yours for free if you are not afraid of going out in the rain.

   Use the weather forecast as a barometer. Inclement weather means fewer shoppers, less demand and items just waiting to be carried home for free by an intrepid shopper.

4. 

   You would be surprised what you get for free.

   Barter if necessary. The transaction at a flea market is give and take, meaning if you agree to buy one item at the vendor's price, make sure you get something extra "thrown in" as a thank you for your purchase.

5. 

   Use a little elbow grease to pack your own fragile items.

   Take all items in a lot, meaning if the vendor is selling 18 drinking glasses, but you need or want only a dozen, the extra six do not have to be a sticking point. The vendor may agree to give you all 18 at the price of a dozen if you do your own wrapping and packaging.

6. 

   Great items at flea markets can be yours for nothing.

   Exchange your services, for example, tutoring or pet sitting, for free merchandise at a flea market. Members of freecycle.com communities often know where the best freebie markets are in your town.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your homework and know the going rate for specialty or vintage items, such as old records, or hard-to-find clothing labels.

• Be realistic; you will not get antique or hard-to-find items for free.

• Authenticity or originality is often questionable if the item is for free.

References

• www.thriftlocator.com: "The Swap Meets and Flea Markets of Today"