I confess, my friends and I like to spend a bit of time at flea markets, estate sales and of course, charity and thrift stores. I also like browsing antique stores, but they tend to be much pricier than I am usually willing to pay.
Flea markets, however, are an animal unto themselves and as such, can be a lot of fun. They are also well-suited to the frugal mindset especially if you are a collector of sorts.
Some hacks and hints to keep in mind:
● Be Flexible. A list is great but keep an open mind. The unspoken joke/rule we have is that whatever we are seeking we won’t find until we stop hunting for it. So, keep an open mind. I was not looking for most of the items I purchased during my last field trip to a flea market, but I surely wanted them all. The prices were correct and they were things I truly wanted and would use.
● Useful is Better. Collections aside, I always try and purchase items I will actually use in some form or other even if they are vintage or antique. Case in point, I found a very heavy, very old sandwich press at an estate sale recently. It literally cost me a few dollars, and I knew I would use it when I cooked. I did have to remove a considerable amount of rust, but it was worth it. The number of burgers and sandwiches I make om the griddle is proof. Functional yet vintage is my favorite buy of all. At that very sale I found a perfectly preserved, ready to wear, Jessica McClintok party dress. It was in pristine condition for just $5. I snapped it up for one of my four granddaughters who, by the way, all adore vintage.
● Worth the Work? Be sure you are willing to put in the effort for something you buy. There is still a wonderous antique child’s vanity in my garage waiting to be refinished nearly a year after I bought it. Enough said.
● Vote with Your Feet. Bargain yes but also be willing to walk. I recently had a frankly unstable vendor scream hysterically at me when I politely offered her a dollar less than the sticker price. I shrugged and walked away without a word. She then tried to continue to negotiate but I don’t work with abusers. Period. My silence and turned back were louder than any words I could have uttered.
● Remember the Good and Bad. They are rare but you should keep a silent ‘no buy’ list of vendors like the one above. That crazy will never get my business. Ever. But I also will go back to friendly and flexible vendors every single time. If you really hit it off, ask them where their next show will be and if you attend, be sure a call them by name and let them know you are a repeat customer.
● Get Dirty. There are often vendors with tables full of frankly dusty, dirty items. Don’t be too picky. Wear disposal gloves if you prefer but some of the greatest bargains I’ve found have been at tables full of frankly filthy stuff. You can clean up most things at home. I found a vintage Merano glass vase that the vendor had piled in with other dusty items. It had some reside at the bottom, but I knew I could clean it. Once I bought it for an absolute steal, I took it home, poured in some white, distilled vinegar at the bottom and let it soak for a couple of hours. The residue washed away handily, and I now have a stunning designer glass vase for just a few dollars.
● Clutter is Better. Check out the tables and vendors that are not collections. The tables and vendors featuring all depression glass or other specific collectables are going to charge far more than the vendors who only display a piece or two along with many other items. I found a footed green depression glass bowl for less than $10 and then literally saw the exact same bowl at a specialty vendor the next aisle over for four times that price. Score.
● Walk it. Start at the back of the flea market, not the front. It is worth the walk because vendors with less optimal positions are often more willing to bargain and negotiate.
● Don’t Hesitate. If you love it, get it. I thought for sure I’d be able to snap up a couple of items the second day of our last flea market trip for a better price, but I was oh-so-wrong. Nearly everything I decided to wait on was gone by Day Two. Lesson learned.
● Think outside the box. Sometimes a strange antique tool, figurine, odd painting, etc. Can become a treasured family heirloom. Ask questions. Let the vendor entertain and educate you. Learn their story and the background of an item you are thinking of buying. It’s part of the experience and the fun of flea markets.
● Come Prepared. Bring dimensions and phone photos for things you need such as frames. Wear supportive shoes. Use sunscreen. Tuck cash (including multiple dollar bills) in your wallet. Don a hat to guard against the sun. Pack snacks. Stop for water breaks. Remember, flea market magic is a marathon, not a sprint.
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