Outdoor financial markets are in full swing right now! If you value them for his or her big bargains, very good news: Our flea market insider shares his hacks for saving a whole lot more. Read these tips before you buy so you understand what to anticipate, how much money to provide, and just how and where to find the best deals.
Snag deals from hobbyists.
There are a couple of types of vendors at flea markets: experts who sell as their full-time job and hobbyists who sell like a part-time side gig. “Operating costs for pro sellers are more than those of hobbyists simply because they usually have a brick-and-mortar or online shop they have to purchase, so they have a tendency to sell their items at a high price,” notes Nicolas Martin, founding father of FleaMarketInsiders.com. What this means is you'll get bigger deals from the part-time non-pro. Plus, you can often scoop up collectibles, antiques, along with other goods from them for less, since they might not be aware of their value like pros are.
So, how will you spot a hobbyist? One giveaway is the fact that their booth might be cluttered and include a mix of odds and ends, unlike a pro's booth. Another clue: “Ask if the vendor can issue a bill for items sold,” says Martin. Unlike most part-timers, pros are required to pay taxes, so they'll have invoices available, while non-pros may not.
Nab p.m. bargains on these.
This is among the best flea market hacks: If you are seeking furniture, visit the market at the end of the day, when it's time for vendors to bring along up. “The nearer you get to closing time, the larger the probability that you will get large, heavy items, for example armoires and couches, in a discounted price,” Martin reveals. Why? It's not only exhausting to pack up bulky furniture after a long day, there is however also a risk the pieces will get damaged every time they're moved. Once, after your day, Martin spotted a pair of vintage side chairs worth $1,200 each selling for just $190 each, then bargained the vendor right down to just $150 each as he was putting the items back on his truck. The seller agreed so he wouldn't have to bring it well home.
The rain is the friend.
If the forecast requires rain, grab your umbrella and visit your favorite flea market. “You'll tight on competition from other customers to find the best items,” says Nicolas Martin. “Plus, sellers will probably offer affordable prices to entice the few customers that do appear to purchase!”
Haggle by doing this.
Shy about negotiating down a price? You shouldn't be! “Most merchants like to bargain!” insists Martin. They might even get insulted if you don't haggle. “As crazy as it might sound, some vendors dislike the cockiness of a customer prepared to pay the selling price.” Being polite and showing appreciation of their merchandise is key. “Congratulating a dealer around the quality of the goods and taste, engaging in a passionate conversation about an item (without showing an excessive amount of interest) and sharing anecdotes almost guarantees you will get a better price,” he states.
Extra tip: When requesting a price reduction, Martin advises suggesting up to 30 percent under the selling price, which most vendors consider reasonable. Don't get the cost you want? “Be ready to leave,” he says. “Giving the impression that you're leaving may motivate the seller to agree with a more favorable price.”
Ask about bundled offers.
Before inquiring concerning the cost of one item, ask sellers when they offer reduced prices for multiple purchases. “It's common for vendors to provide a two-for-one or three-for-one special, especially for items which fit in with the same group. For example, old photos, LPs, tableware, glassware, cutlery, linens, and so on,” explains Martin. “A good customer who buys several items may be the dream of every seller, very few will refuse you a good price.”
Know your prices.
Think you've locate valuable antique or collectible for a steal? Martin recommends double-checking by using the free app Google Lens (Android) or CamFind (Apple). Simply take a picture from the item and the app will instantly scour the internet for the similar or similar items, giving you a concept of how much it's worth if you decide to resell it. Among the easiest flea market hacks, indeed.
