How To Find Your Treasure At The Flea Market
If you love to shop for collectables but happen to be thin on funds, why not check out a local flea market for fabulous bargains? If you are new to the flea market experience, this information will show you how to save a ton of money and have yourself a good time too!
Step One: Finding Yourself a Flea
Flea markets can be found in nearly every American city. You might want to look into your local phone book first. Most permanent year-round flea markets have listings. Seasonal operations often advertise in newspapers and shopper guides.
Ask a neighbor, fellow bargain-hunter or a friend. And, of course, if you have Internet access, consult your favorite search engine.
Step Two: Be Prepared
If you are wanting to find a really special bargain, make sure you do your homework in advance. If you happened to be on the lookout for a specific antique, research the item before you buy.
Find out what the true value of that item is on the market. Be sure to look at condition, model, rarity, etc. For example, would the Takamine electric guitar be worth less than a similar Fender acoustic electric guitar? Is the black electric guitar model harder to find than a red one?
Take plenty of money. Most of the vendors prefer dealing in cash rather than with checks. Larger operations may have ATM machines, however, you should not count on it. Many vendors might not have correct change, so large bills are not recommended.
Step Three: Finding the Deals
You need to be their early to play the flea market game and there is nothing worse than getting there too late and watching someone else take away that special item.
Dig deeply into it. Many sellers law will not be professionals and are sloppy in the way they display some of the merchandise. Pick things up and look around underneath them. Something could be hiding under there.
Step Four: Get Your Deal
When you have found what you are looking for, the only thing left is to get the price you want. The true beauty of the flea market is that sellers are flexible and nearly everything is negotiable.
Haggling is customary at flea markets and you should not be embarrassed to ask for a break in the price. Do not, however, insult a dealer with a ridiculously low offer. He might likely determine he does not like you very much and decide to not give you any kind of break at all.
Talk to them. Compliment them on the merchandise if you like it. Be pleasant and friendly. You will get a better deal if you seem like you deserve it.
