Welcome to the Beginner's Guide to Flea Market Shopping. There is nothing I love more than a great vintage treasure! It takes work to find just the right thing. But the hunt is what makes it so great. I don't know about you, but I really take pride in the items I have collected and the pieces I have given a new life. I hope this guide will help you enjoy the hunt as much as I do. Shopping days like these are what has made my great milk glass collection possible. Enjoy!
- Arrive Early: My advise is to get there when the doors open, earlier if possible. Remember, the early bird gets the worm.
- Bring Cash: It is rare to find a flea market vendor that has card swipe capabilities. Bring a variety of bills, lots of ones and fives.
- Be Friendly: Being friendly is just a good idea in general, but you never know when you might meet someone really interesting or when a little friendship might lead to the vendor showing your their best stuff, striking you a good deals, or giving you some valuable insight.
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- Don't Hesitate: When you find something great, don't hesitate. There is a time and a place to mull over a purchase... a flea market is not the place.
I came across this awesome vintage water dispenser bottle as soon as a walked in. I walked away for a moment and realized that if I didn't grab that bad boy for $20 someone else would.
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- Bring Snacks: If you are in it for the long haul then throw some granola bars in your purse. It's tiring and you are sure to get hungry.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes: Just say NO to high heels. Wear jeans that you don't mind crouching down in or squeezing into a corner. Dress in layers.
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- Bring a Tape Measure: You never know when you might find just the right thing for just the right spot. Be prepared.
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- Look in the Cardboard Boxes: You never know what treasures lay beneath.
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- Bring Bags: A few of those sturdy, reusable shopping bags will certainly come in handy!
- Make a Day of it! Go with friends, have fun. Stop somewhere fun for lunch. I totally ate alligator sausage pasta (pictured above). It was a little scary but actually really good.
