How to Hit the Flea Market Like a Pro
A Designer’s BEST Tips for Flea Market Shopping
It’s May!
You know what that means?
The Brimfield Flea Market is coming!
If you live in the northeast, and you love hunting through flea markets, then you’ve probably been to The Brimfield Antique Flea Market.
If not, you NEED to go!
But, I will tell you, it’s completely overwhelming, even for me, and I’ve been more times than I can count.
So here are the best flea market shopping tips to help you get through the day or week.
- Dress appropriately
Wear the right shoes for your day at the flea market! If it’s raining, wear rain boots. If it’s sunny, wear sneakers. Whatever you do, do not wear sandals! Brimfield, like most flea markets, is a series of fields. They get muddy in rainy weather. They are dusty and dirty in sunny weather. Believe me, if your feet hurt, or are wet, you won’t find that perfect piece!
Make sure you wear the appropriate clothing as well. Check the weather and dress for the extreme of that forecast. Definitely wear sunscreen and a hat. You forget when you’re on the hunt! And nothing ruins the thrill of finding a great bargain like a sunburn!
- Bring a rolling cart
For years I resisted the advice of bringing a rolling cart. I’ve been hit with those crazy carts and I didn’t want to be one of ‘those’ people. But, in all honesty, you need it. It never fails that you’ll be 2 miles from your car when you find that great, and super heavy, piece. So, trust me, buy one of those rolling carts. Your arms, and back, will thank me later. If you don’t want to get the cart, at the very least, bring a backpack. But, seriously, get a rolling cart because your backpack will be for items 3, 4, 5 & 6.
- Bring water
You don’t want to get dehydrated in the dusty fields.
- Bring hand wipes or hand sanitizer
See number 3 - Bring cash
Cash is king. Most dealers only deal in cash and even the ones that take cards will give you a better price for cash.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate
Dealers expect some negotiation and price their products accordingly. If you don’t negotiate you’re paying too much.
However, when negotiating, don’t be rude. I usually ask, “What’s your best price?” I then follow up with “Would you be able to do ___?” And then we end up meeting in the middle. You’ll get the best price by being respectful and nice. Smile and be conversational. Don’t be afraid to walk away. Sometimes a dealer will call out to you and give you a lower price. But, be prepared to actually walk away without the item if they don’t. Otherwise, you end up looking silly.
- Get there early or Get there late
If you want to see the most inventory get there early before the best items are sold. But, if you want the best deals go near the end. Dealers don’t want to pack their stuff back up and will sometimes let it go for a low price in order to avoid that.
- If you want an item buy it when you find it
If you see something you definitely want buy it right then. Chances are, if you don’t, when you go back it’ll be gone. If you can’t take it right then, the dealer will usually hold it for you until you can come back and pick it up, as long as you pay for it. I’ll be honest, I was nervous doing this at first. I mean, leaving your money with some dealer and hoping your item would be there when you got back! But, I’ve done this repeatedly in Brimfield and never had a problem. Just be sure to remember exactly where the dealer is, so that you can find them to pick up your item. I recommend taking a picture of the booth and the surrounding area so you can refer back to it.
- Start in the back
Try to go to the back end first. It’s hard not to stop at everything along the way, but try. Go to the back. Start there and work your way back toward your car. Some of the best deals are in the back. Plus, then you’re not carrying as much.
- Look for items that are not already refinished
Lately I’ve seen a bunch of dealers with pieces that are already refinished. But, to me, that’s why I’m there, to find items that I can refinish myself, put my own stamp on and get exactly the look I want. Plus, it’s much less expensive to buy the item and finish it yourself.
- Know your antiques!
If you’re looking for an authentic antique then know all you can about that antique. Most dealers are forthcoming and will give you the real deal. But, unfortunately, there are some dealers that will try to pass off replicas as real antiques. Do a little research before you go. Know what questions to ask. Know what to look for and where to look for it. Don’t be afraid to turn a piece over, or look inside and under drawers, for markings or labels. Look for marks on the wood. If you see circular marks then you know it was made using a circular saw, usually after 1880. If you see straight saw marks it was probably made prior to around 1910. Check how the wood is joined. Are the dovetails consistent? Do they look hand cut, uneven? If so the piece could predate the Civil War. Know before you go so you don’t end up paying for a replica.
- Go with an open mind
Don’t get stuck on that one thing you’re looking for. With so much to see you’ll be missing out on some great pieces if you’re focused on one thing. So, go with an open mind. Just because you’re looking for a foyer console table doesn’t mean that you won’t find a gorgeous dresser that you could be fabulous in your foyer!
Have fun! Go with some friends. Make a day of it. I’ve had some great times in Brimfield. There are usually some great food booths as well. If you’re in Brimfield you have to try the homemade lemonade! I don’t even like lemonade and it’s awesome! Take the time to chat with dealers. Most of them have been all over and have some great stories. You’ll learn a ton talking to them and hear some unbelievable things!
Dream Big. Never Give Up. The Sky’s the Limit.Why I Might Just Be Your Knight in Shining Armor!
Nice job giving the insider tips on going to the show! It can be lots of fun. The food court serves craft beers and pretty good food as well!