Flea markets, farmer’s markets, arts and crafts fairs, artisan festivals, swap meets; the list of places to secure a bargain goes on and on! Here are some helpful guidelines to follow to ensure it is a positive and lucrative adventure.
Sometimes a visit to your town’s flea market is simply that. Grab a coffee from a local vendor, gander at the goodies on offer, and enjoy the fresh air. But when hunting for a specific piece of treasure, you need to educate yourself a little.
Let’s say you always wanted a vintage fur coat. Fur coats have been popping up at open-air markets recently, and the urge to drape one over yourself grows. Before beginning the initial haggling, you need to know what the item is worth. Check out fur coats online or in local thrift shops. Familiarize yourself with potential price points so you don’t try to haggle for something too over or under-value.
When determining a price, in your own head or verbally with the seller, consider the effort that was put into bringing the item before you. An antique wooden wardrobe requires a lot more work to load into a truck, probably with more than one person, and carefully set down at the vendor’s stall. Whereas, say, some vintage graphic tees did not require heavy lifting or such careful handling. Be mindful of the work people put into these sorts of events.
Continuing with the wardrobe, if it requires a lot of refinishing, maybe you should stick to your guns while haggling. Perhaps the item has had a long and busy life and has lots of sanding and repainting required. Keeping in mind now your own required effort, offer what you think would be fair for a work-in-progress sort of item.
The only way to make a deal more exciting is to make it even more of a deal! Go for value. If someone is offering one fabulous 1970s lamp for $15, but they have two lamps, ask if they would consider $20 if purchasing both. They may be pleased that they can now return home with two fewer items!
If an item catching your eye already has a price tag you agree with, there is no need to haggle. A shopkeeper will be glad for one less potentially arduous conversation and will appreciate their fair decision being respected.
When bargain hunting, be prepared for potential purchases. Bring cash as literally no flea market or farmer’s market vendor will have a way or want to take plastic cards. Also, keep smaller bills on hand, for convenience, as the seller may not have a lot of change.
Be mindful of checking for wear and tear on your finds. Even well-cared-for belongings will give in a little to the ravages of time. Check clothes for tears in the seams, shoes for holes in the soles, furniture for scuffs, and electrical wires for frays. And then haggle appropriately if need be.
Always remember that we are all fellow humans! Consider your words carefully. Ask if the shopkeeper will take $8, don’t simply tell them that’s what you will give. Show appreciation for their time and anything purchased, using “please” and “thank you.” Some people only sell goods at markets for fun, but some folks need an extra income, so this could be their part-time job.
Bargain hunting is a satisfying affair that everyone should experience at least once. Or maybe twice. Three times, if you find it very enjoyable.
Remember, if unsure if a seller will take X amount of dollars for Y item, ask! Haggling can seem intimidating at first, but it never hurts to ask a question.
Happy treasure hunting!
