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Flea Markets

Flea Market Shopping Tips

Most people shopping at flea markets are looking for bargains. Some might also be looking for an unrecognized gem being sold by an amateur flea market seller.

Some people go to browse while others will be looking for specific items.

If you attend the same flea markets often enough you will probably find some regular sellers that you can establish a relationship with.

What Are Flea Markets

Flea markets are usually traveling outdoor affairs - mostly taking place on the weekends. However, there are also what you might consider "permanent' flea markets in an old building or shed that is open daily and features the same sellers.

Sellers at flea markets can be junk collectors, garage sale shoppers trying to make a profit on their purchases, regular dealers looking to unload excess inventory or homeowners looking to clean out the attic and make a few bucks.

Flea markets tend to cover a bit of ground. They also usually take place in the warmer months so dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes are a must. If you are planning on making a big purchase, furniture for example, be prepared to haul it off yourself. Few sellers will deliver.

Make sure you bring enough cash. Checks and credit cards are generally not accepted. The organization running the market might cash a check for you if you need extra cash or you might have to find the nearest ATM machine if you need more.

Most flea markets feature a mix of new items, antiques, vintage items, used items and junk.

Get there early if you know what you are looking for.

Go late on the last day (usually Sunday) to get the best deals and free stuff. Some vendors just want to get rid of whatever they can and will make amazing deals, especially on bulk sales, just so they don't have to pack the stuff up and cart it back.

You might get many things for free at closing time on Sundays.

Beware of a vendor who doesn't have prices on his items. Most likely he is sizing up potential customers to see how much he thinks they will pay. Keep this in mind when you dress for the market. Don't look too prosperous.

Bargaining At Flea Markets

If you see something you want to buy, you should have a set price in mind.

You should know the general price of things that you are in the market for. If necessary check out eBay auctions and discount stores to see what the going price for the items you want is.

If you find someone selling what you want at the market, you will be in a better position to bargain.

If a similar item can be bought new for $50 - you have a starting point in your negotiations. If the item is new, will the seller take it back if it breaks the next day? How would you find him?

If it is used, what is the condition? How much are you willing to pay for it if you can just buy a new one with a full warranty?

Most sellers at flea markets, even those with price tags marked firm, expect buyers to haggle. The worst that can happen is the seller will refuse to lower the price.

But it you have a few facts on your side, you will probably be able to save a few bucks.

There will be some items that you see that are rare or simply worth the price being asked. In those circumstances, you can simply pay the price.

Even if the seller can't lower his price, he might throw in a freebie to sweeten the deal, so it really doesn't hurt to ask.

One thing you must remember is that you don't want to overpay. If the seller is being unreasonable, just walk away.

Finding Rare Treasures

If you are looking for unrecognized treasures being sold well below their true value, you need a good eye and a lot of knowledge.

For this reason, you should stick to shopping for your favorite collectible. You might recognize an original being sold as a copy. Or an artist who is relatively unknown, but whose works are valuable.

You might find a rare coin in a box of junk or an old piece of jewelry with no markings on it that you know is made of precious metal.

You are more likely to find such a bargain if the seller is not very knowledgeable. But even experts let these things slip through their fingers.

Being a Steady Customer

Certain vendors will return to the same flea markets regularly. If you meet some that sell good quality merchandise at fair prices, stop by whenever they are there. Once you are recognized as a steady customer, you might find yourself receiving better discounts, more freebies and other favors. For example they might hold items they know you are interested in for you.

You can find bargains on all sorts of merchandise at flea markets if you are knowledgeable about what it is you wish to purchase and its value.

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