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Plan ahead -

Plan ahead before you go to a flea market or an antique show. Some people travel far to go to a specific event, so consider how you’re getting there.

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Plan ahead -

Depending on the event, it’s also important to check the weather. Many of these are held outdoors, meaning you’ll be exposed to the elements.

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Not having cash -

It is true that nowadays some vendors do accept different methods of payment, but this doesn’t apply to all of them. Some do like to stick with cash.

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Not having cash -

Even if you’re going to a place that you know has an ATM nearby, that’s not a guarantee that there will be cash available. So, it’s best to be prepared and bring cash with you.

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Not wearing the right clothes -

It's important to think about your outfit if you intend to go shopping for vintage clothes. Why? Well, to begin with, many places don’t have fitting rooms available. So, the alternative is for you to look at it and assume it fits you.

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Not wearing the right clothes -

Unless, of course, you wear fitted clothes, which will allow you to try on the piece of clothing you’re interested in. Something comfy but tight enough to allow you to try other clothes on top is the way to go.

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Not taking measurements -

This is really important when you’re shopping for furniture. First, you want to buy a piece of furniture that actually fits the space you intend to place it.

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Not taking measurements -

And second, you want to make sure it fits in the trunk of your car. Otherwise, you'll need alternative transport solutions that will allow you to take the item home.

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Don’t assume large items will be delivered -

More often than not, large items sold at flea markets and antique shows have to be taken with you on the same day. This adds to the importance of knowing how you’re getting your items home.

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Bringing the wrong people with you -

Flea markets and antique shows are not for everyone, and that's fine. It’s important to bring people with you that are as enthusiastic about it as you, otherwise they might just get bored and wonder why you’re taking so much time looking at “old stuff.”

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Heading for an event without any info about it -

Check the location in advance, its opening hours, available facilities, and even if pets are allowed, in case you’d like to take your dog with you.

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Getting there too late -

If you’re looking for a specific item and you know there is a high demand for it, perhaps it’s a good idea to get there early, to increase your chances of buying it.

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Getting there too early -

On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best possible deals, the later the better. This is when vendors will give you the best discounts, so if you’re not shopping for something in particular, go for the buy just before closing time.

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Assuming you’ll be able to carry everything -

Flea markets and antique shows are not supermarkets, so you won't have shopping carts available or baskets to transport your purchases.

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Assuming you’ll be able to carry everything -

The best way to go about it is to bring your own. A cart with wheels and a backpack, as well as a few spare bags, can get you a long way.

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Not bringing any food or drinks -

It is true that most markets will have food vendors, but if you want to avoid long queues and save money, then bringing drinks and snacks can be a good alternative.

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Expecting something like you watch on TV -

This is particularly true for those less experienced in these kinds of things. Some TV shows glamorize these events and indeed make it look really easy to haggle and get amazing deals. This is not always the case in real life.

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Not having a budget -

Budgeting is important when you’re attending a flea market or antique show. Having a goal with regards to what you’re looking for and how much you are willing to spend on it can help you make a good financial decision.

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Not being open about other possibilities -

While it certainly helps to have a goal, it’s also part of the experience to keep our minds open to other possibilities. The magic of these places is that we can find something rather unique that we fall in love with, so embrace this spirit and keep your mind open.

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Thinking you’ll always get the best price -

Prices at these events vary a lot, depending on a number of factors, including the location and clientele. So be prepared to find items at the same price as you’d find in an antique shop, for instance.

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Being rude when haggling -

Haggling is to be expected at flea markets and antique shows, but going about it in an aggressive and rude way is a big no-no.

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Not haggling properly -

Begin by asking a vendor the best price for an item. You can then ask something like “Can I make you an offer?” Depending on the answer, you can proceed with the haggling.

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Harassing for a low price -

Vendors will often go down in price, but they need to make enough money. Sure, you can always refuse and say you can’t buy it at that price, but to keep asking the vendor to accept your offer comes across as rude.

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Making an offensive offer -

The purpose of haggling is for you to get a better deal, not to offend a vendor with a ridiculously low offer. If a vendor tells you the best price he can do is 100, offering 10 would just be offensive.

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Pointing out an item’s flaws to get a better price -

This sounds a bit desperate. It’s a used item, it will have faults, and while some may be considered valid to get you a discount, the vendor is well aware of the faults and how much they affect the price.

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Not having smaller bills and change -

If possible, try to have smaller bills with you, especially if you’re buying cheaper items. Vendors can quickly run out of change, and you might just lose a good deal because of it.

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Not making a bundling deal when buying multiple items from the same vendor -

Always try to make a bundling deal if you’re buying a few items from the same vendor. Just make sure you ask first if they do bundle items. If they say yes, then it’s game on.

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Always ask for the story behind an item -

The beauty of buying a vintage item is that many of them have pretty cool stories. Some are more elaborate and impressive than others but, nonetheless, do not leave without asking the story.

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Don’t arrive home and regret not purchasing an item -

Don’t come home thinking about “the one that got away.” Many of these items are unique, so if you can afford it and really love an item, buy it.

Sources: (Architectural Digest)

See also: Compulsive Buying Disorder: when shopping becomes an illness

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