10 Ways To Be The Best Buyer When Shopping At A Flea Market

You want to get there early to scope out the field, but you don't want to start rummaging before the vendors are all set up and ready for you. Watch from afar and make note of which places you want to hit up first without stressing out the sellers and forming a bad relationship.

Catching more flies with honey than vinegar definitely applies when it comes to the flea market. Never insult a dealer in any way, and that includes exclaiming that you can get something cheaper online. If you do this, there's no way that you'll get the best deal. If you make friends with the person behind the booth, they are more likely to barter to a point where it's best for both of you.

If you come to the flea market wearing that cashmere sweater and scarf paired with your favorite diamond dangle earrings, you may end up paying more for an item. If you wear jeans and an old sweatshirt, on the other hand, you’ll get a better price. It may seem strange, but the vendors need to make money too, and they are looking out for folks they think will give them a higher price.

Many booths are loaded up with items, which means that some of them get buried. You have to make sure that you're looking up high on the walls, and down low underneath tables. You never know where that one-of-a-kind find may be hiding out.

Outdoor flea markets will be bogged down with tons of good finds at the beginning of the season, so if you’re looking for quality and you’re willing to pay, do your shopping then. If you're looking for the best deals, though, you may want to wait until the end of the season, when the vendors are more willing to lower prices.

The same philosophy applies to the time of day.

If you see more than one piece that you like at one booth, make sure you barter for a bundle. If you don't see more than one piece you like, look harder, because you can often get a smaller item for essentially free if you bundle with a bigger ticket item.

Even if you find that one specific item that you've been searching for for years, don't act overly interested. That could drive up the price. Again, the vendor needs to make their living too, and if they see a glimmer in your eye they will know the stakes are raised.

Flea markets can be a lot to take in, and it's very easy to get distracted by shiny things out of the corner of your eye. If you are there on a mission for specific things, keep your blinders on and make a list so that you're one of the first people to lay eyes on your treasure. And make sure you know how much you want to spend on each item before you even get in the car.

One thing that many people forget is that you can easily change the color of a piece in an afternoon with paint stripper and wood stain. You might get a great deal on a lovely piece that was just painted the wrong color somewhere down the line. By the time you're done with it, the value could multiply exponentially.

You want to know the quality of the piece you're considering spending a chunk of your change on. Ask the vendor what they know about it, look for a designer's marks on the undersides of furniture, and pick it up. Chances are, if it's lighter than it looks, then it isn't worth the big bucks. When it comes to furniture, heavier usually does mean higher quality. Don't waste your money on a knockoff!

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