How to Score Great Finds at Flea Markets
I sure do love a manicure or lunch with friends. I love my morning latte. And I love a good documentary. But nothing...absolutely nothing makes me as happy as Flea Market. I love every single thing about them. I love the sense of community. I love the energy in the air. I love the smell of the concession stand. And I crave the hunt.
We've all the heard the same tips time and time again when it comes to Flea Markets....
Arrive early for the best selection and stay late for the deals.
Bring a tape measure.
Bring cash.
While those are all true and valuable to know, I thought it might be helpful to go through some other tips you might not know to help make this process seem a little less overwhelming. So, I present to you..."Capitol Vintage Charm's Ultimate Flea Market Guide."
Scan the Market
When I first arrive, I like to enter and walk directly to the back and start walking around all the tables, seeing if anything immediately catches my eye. I save the digging around for the second lap. This helps calm my FOMO (fear of missing out). Starting in the back will also keep you away from the crowds that typically start at the front of the market.
Bring Cash…and an ATM Card
Yes, bring cash. But, also bring your ATM card. A lot of markets these days have ATM booths set up in or around them. And, I know you should set a budget. I do. But sometimes you really find that AMAZING steal at the end that you really want.
Over the summer, I found a great deal on a rug at Elephant Trunk Flea in Connecticut. It was the kind of deal that would have haunted me. I was so happy to find an ATM machine inside one of the concession vans. Now that little beauty sits under my kitchen table so my dog can be comfortable as he gets all the dropped Cheerios from my son!!!
Pack a Smart Tote or Wagon
I love my Lands End tote. It has pockets inside to hold all of my items and keep things separated (make sure to get the longer handles if you can, get the extra large with no zipper). It is dirty and has my monogram of my maiden name but I refuse to get rid of it. She's like my good luck charm. If I do give her up, it is going to be for a folding wagon like this one.
Now that you have your carrier, here are a few things to pack to make your day as easy as possible:
NOTEBOOK - Here is where I keep a list of things I am looking to purchase. I keep lots of notes about friends and family and things they collect to make sure I am hunting for not only what I want...but what I need. I do a good deal of Christmas shopping at flea markets. I also keep a list of projects I want to tackle through out the year. Even if it is summer, it might be worth grabbing that box of vintage ornaments if you know you want to make an ornament wreath come Christmas! Lastly, this is a great place to make notes about measurements of tables and tape in pictures of collections you are trying to complete.
MAGNET – Copper and Bronze are not magnetic. Neither is brass. If the magnet sticks to something, it is most likely that the piece is actually just plated and it is actually made of something like cast iron. This is a great way to know if the price they are asking is fair.
RAG – A rag is crucial. It will help clear away dirt to see what lies underneath!
TAPE MEASURE – This suggestion may be slightly obvious. But, depending on what you are looking to buy, you may want to consider also packing a seamstress measuring tape to be able to wrap it around the object with more ease.
PERSONAL BAG – Chapstick, Sunscreen (absolutely obsessed with this stuff) , Lotion, Hand Sanitizer. I love to carry a little bag like this with me full of these essentials.
WATER AND A SNACK - If you are anything like me, you can stay at a Flea Market for hours. Making sure you stay focused and energized is so important so pack some water and snacks to help! (I’ve linked some of my favorites here.)
Ask If They Can Hold the Item
Many vendors are willing to hold the item for you after you have purchased it in case you have more shopping to do and don’t want to carry it around. Just ask…it will save you lots of trips back and forth to the car!
Negotiate within Reason
Be careful about your starting number when negotiating. If it is too low, you run the risk of insulting the vendor and and then he/she might be too frustrated to work with you.
Turn It Over
I was at a flea market this summer where a vendor was definitely trying to up-sell me on a set of China. He was claiming that set was from the 1800's. There was not a scratch on the plates and the color was pristine. I was suspicious. I turned it over and noticed immediately that they were reproductions by their markings. I got them for a fraction of the price the vendor was asking.
Business Cards
I always carry a stack of business cards with my cell phone number on it and a pen when I am at a flea market. I know this sounds unorthodox but I have great success with this method. If there is an item I am really hoping to get at a discounted price, I will leave an offer with the vendor and write down the piece and the price I am hoping to pay. I leave my card with them and tell them if it doesn’t sell at the end of the day, I’d be happy to purchase for the price I am offering. I have had many vendors call me at the end of a market telling me they would accept my offer!
Some venders won’t negotiate like this so feel them out before you proceed. But, if done nicely, it never ever hurts to ask!
Don’t have business cards? Don’t worry, grab a box of these and even just write down your name and phone number with a pen. It doesn’t have to be fancy to get the job done!
Ask Questions
Many of the folks you will encounter are avid collectors and experts. They are a wealth of information so ask questions on history, materials and uses of the items you are reviewing.
What are your favorite tips for Flea Markets?!?