The Best Tips and Tricks for Shopping a Flea Market

I’m sharing all my tried and true best tips and tricks for shopping a flea market! Make the most of buying vintage by following these simple rules.

Sundays just so happen to be my favorite day of the week. Why, you might ask? It’s our weekly flea market! So today I’m sharing all of my best tips and tricks for shopping a flea market.

I’m super lucky to live in a town that does a weekly flea market all year round. It’s a rain or shine event with over 400 vendors, and it has been a huge contributor to how I have established my design style.

The flea market is my go-to when I can’t find what I am looking for in any of my favorite stores. Or when I am just in a decorating rut.

So much of what you see in my home are very unique, original finds that you just can’t buy in any box store. And they are typically one of kind items you won’t find in anyone else’s home.  

I’ve been shopping flea markets for over 20 years now, so I have learned a thing or two here and there. Here are my best tips and tricks!

Be Early or Be Late

The saying “the early bird gets the worm” may or may not always apply when flea market shopping. Our flea market opens at 6am and runs until around noon, or later depending on the weather.

I use to try and get there right when it opened because I was afraid I would miss out on some good finds. This can definitely happen, but if you are an early shopper be prepared to pay the full asking price on most things.

If you are a bargain shopper like I am, I found that getting there closer to the time vendors are packing up is prime time for bargaining. Every vendors goal is to pack up the least amount of items they can. So if they can unload something last minute for a lower price, they will.

Don’t Be Afraid to Bargain

This is something I used to struggle with. I would feel bad asking vendors to come down on their price, but almost always, they will.

If you find something you absolutely love, offer them a price you are comfortable paying, the worst that can happen is they will say no. No big deal.

Another thing you can try is making bundle offers. If you find a few things from the same vendor, ask them if they will knock a few dollars off the total. You would be surprised how flexible they are.

There have even been times  the vendor offered a lower price just to unload it, without me even asking. Again, they want to sell as much as you want to buy, so compromise. That is the beauty of the flea market!

Bring Cash in Smaller Bills

I always make sure I stop by my banks ATM before I head to the flea market. Most vendors are cash only, and the ATM on the grounds will charge you service fees if it isn’t your bank. 

I also try to break big bills before I go so when I want to offer a lower amount on an item, I can show them the exact cash in hand. This tends to make the deal a lot easier and quicker for all involved in such a fast paced setting.

Be a Frequent Shopper

I started going to our flea market about 20 years ago, and I make it out almost every Sunday that I can.

Since I am a regular, I am very familiar with most of the returning vendors there. I know who is negotiable and who isn’t. This helps so much when I am looking for a particular item because I know who sells what.

If I am in a hurry, I can run through the grounds pretty quickly too. You should also be frequent because their inventory changes weekly.

Some weeks are a complete hit, and others a total miss. So if you go frequently you will find what you are looking for.

Keep an Open Mind

I have a very particular style, as most people do. When some people hear flea market all that comes to mind are used or old items.  To me, old things bring character to your design style. 

You would be surprised what you can find and use in your home. Today I found an old metal light fixture that I mentioned would make a great candle holder, and the vendor was amazed she didn’t think of that idea herself.

Think outside the box and have fun with it. Play with your style and make it your own.

Bring a Collapsible Shopping Cart, Wagon, or Tote Bag

Make sure you have something with you to haul all the treasures you buy. I couldn’t tell you how many times I found something, bought it, and had to run it back to the car so I didn’t have to carry it around.

You don’t want to miss out on potential buys by having to waste time going back and forth to the parking lot. Flea Markets can take time to browse.

Bring a collapsible cart, wagon, or large tote handy to carry it all. Although, if it’s a larger item, ask the vendor to hold on to it for you after you pay, and pick it up on your way out. They usually don’t mind.

Have Fun, Talk to the Vendors, Enjoy Yourself

Flea Markets are fun! Grab a coffee and some family or friends and make the day of it. Even if you aren’t in the market to buy, go and enjoy the atmosphere.

Talk to the vendors about their pieces, or their story, or where they go junking. Hands down my favorite part is learning about the items I buy, because there is usually a great story attached to it. And then that makes the piece even more special.

Grab some food or drinks from the food trucks, soak in the outdoors (dress accordingly), and finds some treasures! I hope these best tips and tricks for shopping a flea market come in handy!

More Tips and Tricks Posts

• Tips and Tricks When Buying Lamps and Lighting
• Tips for Creating a Vintage Art Gallery Wall with Online Printables
• How to Decorate with Taper Candles
• Antique Haul of Home Decor Accessories
• Five Tips to Liven Up a Neutral Space

Pin This Post for Later