If you like going to yard sales, consignment shops, or secondhand stores,
you will absolutely love going to a flea market. While the name “flea market”
may not sound too enticing, a flea market is a thrift shop, a yard sale, and a
consignment store all rolled into one big, glorious ball of great finds, unique
merchandise, and fabulous deals. Check your paper or the Internet for listings
of a local Sarasota flea market or flea markets that are happening in your area
this weekend.
What’s
The Plan?
The most important thing about shopping at a flea market is
to have a plan. It will be too easy to lounge in your bed on Saturday morning
when you should be up early and on your way to the market to get the best deals
and have access to the best merchandise if you do not have a set plan. Invite a
friend so the incentive is a little greater at the crack of dawn on Saturday
morning. Although, once you score a few fabulous finds, you could easily become
a flea market addict and will no longer need incentive to get out of bed early
on Saturday; the find of the century will be incentive enough.
Cash
and a Smartphone
Bring cash. Most flea market vendors are not able or willing
to take checks of credit cards. Another great thing to bring is your Smartphone.
With your phone you can easily authenticate anything labeled “antique” as well
as making sure that you are getting a great deal.
Hold
and Haggle
Don’t be afraid to ask a vendor to hold something for you
for an hour. This way you can be sure that you don’t find a chair or a picture
that you like better or that is a better deal than the first one that you come
upon. If you conclude that the price may
be a bit steep for that one thing that you really want, don’t hesitate to offer
a lower price. Try not to offend the seller by asking a large amount under the
asking price, but most vendors will be willing to negotiate to some degree. A
little haggling and horse-trading is half of the fun of venturing into a Sarasota flea market.
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