10 Tips For Flea Market Shopping From a Photo Stylist

As our Blog here embodies ~ “luxe styling with a wink of whimsy”.  I love a clean, neutral aesthetic ~ but I gotta have some whimsy in there!  There is no better place to bring on the whimsy than at a flea market, tag sale . . .

One of my favorite places to source for styling jobs and to shop for my own prop collection is Flea Markets! I live in the Northeast where there are so many.  My absolute favorite is Brimfield Antique Show Flea Market in Brimfield, Massachusetts, which is a huge, outside Flea Market that happens three times a year between May and September. 

The markets are a great place to find unique items for your home. I like to mix high and low. (So luxe and whimsy)  Styling your home should be fun and creative.  The markets bring the fun and creative every time.  You can find great, unique pieces to style your home.

You have to go to the Flea’s with a strategy and plan in mind.  Here some shopping tips when you head out to the Markets:

(1) ARRIVE EARLY.

I like to arrive early.  But, there are different thoughts on that. Some believe that the best deals are as Flea Market closes for the day and vendors are looking to sell their remaining inventory and will do it at a discount.  But, I believe that items may be "picked over" as well.  (I do a little of both.)

(2) CASH IS KING.

I always bring small bills. 1, 5, 10's. I feel like you get better deals with cash.  Although vendors do offer credit card for purchases.
 

(3) MORE BEES WITH HONEY ;)

If you want to pay less for something pose it as a question ~ not a statement.   So, ASK: “Would you be willing to take $5 for this ~ not TELL them “I will give you $5 for this”.  Also, if there is not a price on something instead of saying “How much is this” SAY “Would you take $5 for this?” Again, not a statement.  Ahhhhh . . . the fine art of negotiation. Don’t go into  full out “haggle mode”.  Use that honey, it = more bees ;)

(4) BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.

Relationships are always key (with everything!) When you find a place or a Flea Market show you LOVE, introduce yourself to the owner.  Tell them what kind of items you always look for, etc.  As you style your home and need items, you can contact and call and ask them if they have items ~ you have a relationship, they now KNOW you. I do this all the time.  The show in Brimfield I mentioned, vendors come from all across the country to this show 3 times a year.  I look forward to seeing & purchasing from them and I have called upon them during the year to either get from them or help me find items for photo shoots I style.

(5) DRESS DOWN.

I always share the "real deal" round' here.  Sooooo, first rule of flea market shopping ~ Don’t look like you’re on your way to a dinner party, or even heading off to work. Instead, dress down ~ way down. Wear comfortable, low-key clothing. Avoid clothing that’s obviously expensive or even overly stylish. (& leave jewelry at home.) People do make assumptions about us by our our appearance.  All styled up = you don’t need to shop at a Flea Market or Tag Sale and your price tag may be higher because they “think” you can afford it. "Haggling" is common at Flea Markets, but many vendors are reluctant to entertain offers from dressed up buyers for whom money appears to be no object.


(6) GET FLEA MAP / NOTEBOOK / PHONE.

Big Flea Markets have hundreds of vendors selling so much! Keep track of your favorites you might want to go back to with notes, map and your phone. (Also, remember introduce yourself, get their name, business card, follow them on IG & socials ~ keep notes.)

 
(7) BE PREPARED AND ORGANIZED.

Bring a great (light) totebag, bubble wrap, sunscreen, hat, umbrella (if needed) water, snacks, hand wipes, sewing measuring tape (pack light, retractable tapes are heaver) and cart if you are purchasing alot or heavy items.  Also: rainy days are actually great to go the Market.  With less people, the vendors are more  likely to make deals because there is less customers. 

(8) DON’T LEAVE A  "I GOTTA HAVE" GEM.

Your favorite item may not be there when you come back!  If you love, can afford it ~ get it!  If you procrastinate, you can (& probably will!) lose it. Gotta scoop up the gems you love!  Make a decision on an item right when you see it. If you procrastinate, and go back to get it ~ it may not be there!

 
(9) FOR CLOTHING (& SOME FURNITURE).

Always bring measuring tape.  Keep in mind vintage clothing sizing is not the same as modern day sizes. Looks for tears, rips  stains and imperfections. Look for washing instructions, fabric also may not be dry cleanable  Also, note that the musty smells that are often in vintage clothing will not go away.  ( I usually get them anyway because they are props, clothing or furniture for a photo shoots~ so that will probably not be an issue.). But, if you love vintage clothing and accessories ~ just know that the smell will probably not go away even with pro dry cleaning.  And also many vintage garments can not take the process of dry cleaning ~ it may end up damaged through the process.)

You can find great, uniques pieces for your home through shopping at the Fleas.  They can add uniqueness, character, joy and (whimsy) to your home.  It can be a nice break from the "mass produced" items in the chain stores.

Hope you find this list and tips helpful!

Bonnie ~

Image Credit │ Timeless Designers