Sunday, May 24, 2009

Flea Markets 101


Because we wanted to enjoy flea markets more, we researched tips and suggestions for flea market beginners like us. We learned treasure hunting is beginning before a flea market. We need to plan and to prepare for treasure hunting!

  1. Check location: Visit web site if available. Sometime we can get a coupon for admission/parking.
  2. Do our home work: Research about item(s) before going flea market. The value in today’s market, availability, rarity and color etc…
  3. Get Cash and bring a check book.
  4. Don’t overdress and be prepared for anything: Wearing jeans and a T-shit is comfortable but we found it can help us to stay on budget/good deals. According to flea market pros, vendors often use our clothes/shoes to decide how much we can afford. Also, bring a jacket/an umbrella/a raincoat to prepare for any weather condition (including sunglasses, sunscreen etc...)
  5. Pack lunch and drinks: save more money for our treasure.
  6. Bring a bag/a cart
  7. Arrive early/Come late: To hunt treasures, get the flea market as soon as it opens. To get the best bargain/good deals, go late in the day/the end of the market.
  8. Browse vendors, dig later: We hunt our target item(s) first and dig later.
  9. Make a friend first. Respect vendors: Giving nice impression and making a good relationship with vendors is connected to good deals.
  10. Be prepared to walk away: The pro said “In the end, the person who is willing to walk away is going to get the best deal” A vendor might change his/her mind when we walk away.
  11. Don’t outsmart ourselves: According to the pro, we should not call attention to the brand or manufacturer. We will have to pay more!
  12. Don’t pay store price. Negotiate.
  13. Group purchases: Then we can negotiate a price for the group!
  14. The most important! Enjoy and have fun.

    We will post about recent flea market experience soon!

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