Top Ten Tips: How to be a Savvy Flea Market Shopper

29 Mar Top Ten Tips: How to be a Savvy Flea Market Shopper

Show up to the market prepared like a pro.  You’ll be ready to indulge in the social atmosphere of shopping locally and supporting small businesses.

1. Cash is queen, although many vendors are modernizing to accept credit cards on mobile devices.  These devices are mostly reliable, but most markets have ATM’s available just in case.
2. Know how to haggle.  Haggling is an art form.  Do it right, and you get a great deal.  Offend the seller, and the sale is off.  Being respectful to the vendor’s business is key to haggling a fair price.  Vendors work all week long to make or collect their goods, and it needs to pay off on a market day.  Haggling too low shows that you do not value the item or the human selling the item.
3. Bring a bag.  We all have shopping bags for grocery shopping, why not have some for flea market shopping?  You may not want to mix the two unless you regularly wash your bags, but designating a flea market bag or two helps you maintain your status as a savvy shopper.
4. Building a relationship pays off.  If you really like a booth, chances are you’ll really like the vendor.  Many vendors put their personalities and style into their booths; setting up a booth is an expressive art form.  A compliment to the vendor may build a friendship or may pay off with a discount.  Being a return customer may pay off with a friendly discount every so often too.
5. Look for quality.  If a vendor has high pricing, there is a reason for it. Don’t be afraid to ask the vendor how they came to the price they did.  Artists, designers and collectors may account for time, supplies and higher quality materials.  Many vendors love talking about the quality of their product, especially if they have taken the time to carefully pick materials and ingredients.  Artists may be reserved when asked about their process, but some may be willing to give a few creative secrets away or brag about the time it took them to make the piece in question.
6. Walk through the whole market.  It can be a lofty goal at a larger market, but you never know what you will find until you see what is out there.  Your dream booth may be down an aisle you sometimes skip!
7. Tip musicians, food and service-based vendors.  You can be proud knowing that you are supporting a small business or artist.  They’re working hard for their money!
8. Dress for the weather.  Many markets are open rain or shine, and vendors with tents and goods that won’t be damaged in the rain are set up and selling.  Bringing an umbrella or rain coat makes sure Mother Nature won’t stop you from visiting your favorite vendors.  On the same note, if it’s hot, wear a hat or sunglasses.  Put on your sun block and enjoy the summer rays.  Also, remember to drink PLENTY of water!
9. Buy Art.  An artists you see at a market today could have their artwork in a museum in the future.  The $100 painting you bought for your new apartment could end up putting your kid through college!  Artists have been selling their art at markets and festivals since the late 14th century.  The exposure and relationship building helps artists create a following for their work. Follow them on social media and see where their art takes them!
10. Prepare for buying furniture and large items. Measure the spaces you have in your home and take photos of them.  This is particularly important for a custom-build piece. Bring a measuring tape to the market to measure the pieces you’re thinking of buying to make sure they fit in your space.  Ask for a receipt, especially if paying a deposit or the entire amount in cash.  If having the items delivered, make sure you have the vendor’s contact information including their cell phone number.  The more information you have, the easier the delivery will be.