A Beginners Guide to Flea Market Shopping

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.

• 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.  

• 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.

• Bring a Tape Measure: You never know when you might find just the right thing for just the right spot.  Be prepared.

• Look in the Cardboard Boxes: You never know what treasures lay beneath.

• 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.