Flea Market Finds

Flea market finds make the perfect cottage style accent for budget home decorating. Flea market shopping has become the number one pastime in the United States. Not only can you find better prices than in retail stores, but you can often find unique articles that have been hand-made. Considering the economy, it is no small wonder that it has become so popular. A day at the flea market is not only entertaining, but you may well find that treasure you've been looking for years!

When you get back home and start unwrapping your flea market finds, you may wonder what you were thinking of when you bought them. But the beauty of this kind of item is that it doesn't have to be used for its originally intended purpose. Oops…no lid on that teapot you just bought? No wonder you got it so cheap. Wait! Plant flowers in it. That framed photo of Clark Gable you grabbed for $2.00…guess what? That frame is an antique and would have cost you hundreds. Put that tintype of your great-grandparents in it. Perfect!

Granted, flea markets aren't quite what they used to be. They used to be more like gigantic yard sales, but now they are so large that they resemble huge outlet malls. Everything you bought before at these markets was used goods, but now many artists produce new items for the only purpose of selling at the flea markets. There are still wonderful deals to be made by the savvy shopper, but you also will find shysters who are looking for naïve, inexperienced beginners to take advantage of.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for flea market finds, is that your purchase is made “as is” and cannot be refunded. So look it over and haggle for lower prices when you find that flaw or missing part. Be polite and firm when you are bartering. It is rare that a seller will allow you to return an item.

You should never take the vendor at his word when he says an electrical item is in fine working condition. Test it. Who is going to spend the time and money chasing the crook all over town for the few dollars it cost you in the first place? Another thing to be careful of is that there are so many copies of name brands now. Often a seller will try to tell you it is the real thing. Make sure you know what the real thing is before you buy it! In fact, you should always be prepared before you head out for a day of flea market shopping. Here are some suggestions you should consider before you even get in the car:

• Do not dress up. Not only is it preferable to be comfortably attired, but you also do not want to make the impression that you can afford to pay top dollar. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses if it is a hot day. Comfortable shoes are a must.
• Have some sort of plan in mind. If you are looking for a special piece of furniture, for example, make sure you have measured the space it is going in. Bring a sample of the colors it has to coordinate with. Bring a photo of the room if you have one.
• Know how much you are willing and able to spend.
• Prepare a list of things you need and want. Prioritize it.
• Be aware of the market prices of those flea market finds…both retail and used. This is easily found by surfing the net.
• Keep in mind that there is a greater selection early in the day, but the prices are usually lower near the end of the day.
• Try not to go alone, especially if you are looking for furniture or large pieces.
• If you have more than one car, drive the one that won't be damaged by odd shaped, large, heavy, or dirty purchases.
• Bring your own blankets, rope, bubble wrap, shopping bags, a folding shopping cart if you have one, so you don't have to keep bringing things back to the car as you buy them. Bring a small tool kit…you may have to take that table apart to fit it in the car.You will want to protect your treasures.
• You'd better bring some food and water with you…it is going to be a long day.

Okay, you are just about ready. Got your wallet, checkbook, credit card, and small bills for cash purchases? You have your list, tape measure, notebook and pencil. If you are shopping for jewelry, a jeweler's loupe is a great tool…it makes you look like you know what you're doing!

Once you are there you need to be aware of a few things:

• A savvy shopper will start in the middle of the flea market. The most expensive flea market finds are usually near the front.
• Be prepared to bargain; 20% to 40% is possible with polite haggling.
• If you don't see something you are looking for, ask for it. There might be another in his truck.
• Exchange business cards with a dealer whose work you like. He will call you when something special comes in.
• Always offer less for damaged goods or those missing parts.
• Test electrical devices, make sure doors and drawers open etc…BEFORE you buy.
• When an item is made of ceramic or wood, make sure it is level and sits nicely on a flat surface.

Expect hand-made or original items to be costly. They are unique and often made just for you. If the quality is good they are worth it. Many of these vendors travel from one flea market to another so don't fret if you miss out on something at this one. The old adage “the early bird gets the worm” is definitely true when you are searching for flea market finds. So my final advice to you is to go out there and have some fun. Happy hunting!