Buying at Flea Markets 101! I'm sharing my tried and true tips!

It’s me at the flea! Photo cred: Marra Creative

Memorial Day Weekend is here, which means it’s the unofficial start to summer and the official start to Flea Market Season, here in New England at least! So are you hitting up the fleas this weekend? If so, here’s some of my best advice for you so you can make the most out of your buying trip!

Since I’m known to wear both hats (selling at the flea is wild!), I have both the buyer and dealer in mind and I want to see everyone end up happy. These tips are a win-win for all!

  • Arrive as early as you can as dealers are usually there to get a spot at dawn, so I’d say 7am-8am unless there’s an actual start time to the market. It will be less crowded in the early hours, you’ll get first dibs, not to mention you’ll beat the heat. If you arrive later in the day, some dealers may have already packed up and you’ll have missed out on a full house of goodies. However, if you can only go in the late morning or afternoon, by all means, still go! This is the time where you may even get something for free or for next to nothing! Ka-ching!

  • Don’t be intimidated by dealers. It sometimes it feels like they are just sitting there staring at you. Say hello with a smile! Ask q’s! Prices are usually determined on the fly so if you’re nice, you may just get a better deal.

  • Look and touch as much as you want (unless there’s a sign that says “do NOT touch” 🙅‍♂️) and don’t feel awkward or bad walking away if you try to negotiate a price and it’s not what you had hoped for. No hard feelings.

  • Check out the dealer’s entire table before you go to “check out”, set aside what you want to buy, and then ask for a price for all or name your price. If I know the dealer or if there are price stickers to give me an idea of what the items cost, I’ll say something like “how about $20 for all of this? Will that work?” Oftentimes, they’ll say sure. You’ll get a better deal when you bundle! You can also ask for a few individual prices to get a feel for the cost and then go all in on your offer!

  • Negotiate for a lower price but don’t insult the dealer. Neeeed that piece of art? If the dealer asks for $25, don’t you dare offer $10. Offer $15 and then hopefully you’d meet in the middle at $20. Or better yet, offer $20 and they will probably say yes without hesitation. Win win!

  • On the other hand, pay that extra buck or two. It’s not going to break your bank and if you really knew how much time and energy dealers put into this business, you’d ask why they aren’t charging 20x more. (FYI, we do it because we effing ❤️ it)

  • Bring a lot of smalls, as in small bills. $1s and $5s are key. Dealers appreciate small and exact change and you won’t look like an a-hole when you talk them down to a lower price and then hand them a big bill. It’s just insulting!

  • If you have time, go around the horn again in the opposite direction. Dealers may restock as the day goes on and you could see something you hadn’t noticed the first time around. Ooh la la!

  • If you see something you love, buy it. If you take a lap to think about it, it may be gone when you come back!

  • Bring sturdy reusable bags with you and have empty boxes in your car with packing materials to protect your finds!

  • Let dealers know what you are looking for and ask around! They may have it at home and can bring it next time or they could know someone else that has what you’re looking for.

  • Play it somewhat cool and try not to act too excited about an object in front of the dealer (I’m guilty of this as my husband has to remind me, and I should know!). They are trying to read you and you may get a better price if you look like a hard sell. Half the time, the dealer doesn’t even have a set price in their head until the buyer comes around.

  • Use it as an opportunity to learn about vintage and antique objects - their history, where they came from, what they were used for. Dealers really know their stuff and they may love chatting with you!

  • Don’t buy from racists even if they have something you absolutely love. I see dealers selling c*nfederate flags, N*zi memorabilia, and offensive depictions of Black people, Asian people, and women. I’ve engaged when I feel like I’m able to have the conversation and I feel safe, and I also just walk right past and don’t even give their table another look. If someone is selling something that doesn’t align with your values, don’t give them money. Sorry to end on a sour note but it has to be said!

What fleas are you hitting up this weekend? Got any any more great tips or questions for me? Happy hunting!

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