Flea Market Etiquette: Tips From A Dealer

As the flea market season begins here in New England, I thought it might be a good idea to offer some flea market tips from the perspective of a dealer. 

All photos courtesy of www.countryliving.com

What to wear:

• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes: Many flea markets are on fields that can be dusty, muddy, or full of gravel, dress accordingly.
• Layers: Temperatures can vary greatly from morning to mid-aftenoon.
• Sunscreeen (and bring a hat)

What to bring:

• Cash (please don't ask to write a check)
• Bottled water and snacks
• A large bag or, even better, a rolling cart to put your items in
• Some bubble wrap or newspaper
• A pen and paper and a map of the grounds (if available). This is to keep track of booths you want to come back to and/or to note where you left a large piece.
• A measuring tape and measurements for any spaces you are trying to fill.  (Take this opportunity to measure the opening of your trunk so you don't buy something that is too large to fit in your vehicle.)
• A magnifying glass (if you mant to check maker's marks, jewelry, etc..)

For your car, bring:

• One or two blankets to protect any large items you purchase (and your car).
• Some rope or bungee cords and a pair of scissors (to tie down anything that may hang out of the back or have to be placed on the roof).
• Cardboard boxes to contain purchases.
• If you are planning on buying art or frames, bring cardboard to place in between each piece and stack vertically.

Negotiating with Dealers:

Part of the fun of flea markets is finding something you love at a great price.  Most dealers expect that you are going to negotiate on price. 

1. Start by greeting the dealer and making some small talk.  Ask a question or two about the item you want.   This is a good way to see how friendly and receptive the dealer is.  It also gives you a chance to establish rapport and become comfortable talking to the dealer.
2. If it's unmarked, ask, "How much is this?"  The dealer will give you a price.   If it's already marked, proceed to the next step. 
3. Ask:"Can you take $__ for this?"   "Do have any room on the price?"  "What's the best you can do on this?"
4. Most dealers will either accept your offer or come back with an amount that is better than their first price. 
5. Now, either say "ok" or move on.  Further negotiating from this point is usually not appreciated.  (Unless, you buy multiple items. Then it is acceptable to say, "Can you give me a price on all of this?"  or "What (price) can you give me if I buy x, y and z?"  Only ask this if you haven't already negotiated for every single item. )

Here is what I'm usually willing to accept on my items:

If it's priced at $250, I'll take $200.
$150--$125
$100--$75
$50--$35 or $40
$25--$20
$15--$10
$12--$10
Under $10, it gets risky.  Offer what you are willing to pay, within reason.  Maybe $6 or $7.

There are deals to be had at the end of the day. 
It is true that at the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is pack everything back up to bring it home.  So the best prices can often be found at the end of the day.

Here's where I differ from other articles I've read.  DO NOT NEGOTIATE at the end of the day.  If there is a tag, yes, make an offer for less.  But, if you ask, "How much is this?"  I guarantee you, the answer is going to be the absolute rock bottom price because the dealer wants to get rid of it. 

By the end of the day, most dealers have been up since before daybreak.  I'm usually tired and hungry and just want to get home.  Most serious buyers are also gone.  The last thing I want to do, as I'm packing up my things, is barter on prices.  I have no energy left.  So, if the dealer gives you a price that is too much, just say thank you and walk away.  Trust me if there's any wiggle room at all, the dealer will call you back and give you a better price.


DO:

• Know what you want to spend
• Know the market, so you can spot a good deal
• Make offers
• Buy it if you love it.  Odds are that if you love it someone else will too, and it won't be there for long.
• Ask the dealer if they can hold the item for you (If it is large or really heavy).  Make note of the dealer location and make sure to ask what time you need to be back to get the item.  (Always pay for the item first.)
• Get (or leave) contact information with dealers that you like

DON'T:

• Barter on items that are already priced really low
• Expect the dealer to take an offer if it's early in the day
• Pretend that you only have "x" amount of dollars, and ask if you can have it for that price (especially after you've negotiated a better price--trust me we've heard it all)
• Be rude
• Say negative things about the items in my booth
• Break something and walk away (offer to pay for it--most dealers won't make you)
• Allow your children to touch breakable items or play with antiques. Take this as an opportunity to teach them about flea market etiquette.
• Leave your trash in my booth (empty coffee cups, etc..)

I hope this helps.  Feel free to leave your own tips here and happy hunting!  I will see you at the flea market!