How to Make a Flea Market Trip Successful

A flea market bustling with activity. Vendors and booths are filled with items to sell and people busy shopping with wagons.

I have decided that I have a fondness for a lot of things…for vintage, nature, and flea markets! Yes, flea markets are right up there on the top of the list! Some might even say I have Flea Market Fever! For me, they are thrilling! Nothing is better than going to a flea market on a warm sunny day surrounded by folks who are just as excited as you are, and overjoyed to be hunting and foraging for vintage finds. It’s Shangri-La. I love it all! But even if the weather is not cooperating it can be a wonderful fun day as long as you are prepared. You just have to know how to make a flea market trip successful…and all it takes is a little planning.

A flea market booth under a white tent displaying large rustic wood furniture a table with brown ceramics, a large variety of pots, and a green Asian sculpture of a man on a horse. Two brown terrier twins rest and wait in the sun.

Now to be clear, flea markets are super fun, but they do take a little bit of prep work if you want to be successful. Trust me, it’s worth all the time and energy. I’ve been going to flea markets for almost 20 years now. And in those years I have learned a thing or two. I realized there are some things you can do to make your trip run more smoothly and make it more enjoyable. Some tips I have learned by trial and error, and some from good advice from friends who are dealers. I am confident when I go these days because I have a checklist in my head, the do’s and the don’ts….and having a plan is key! So here are some words of wisdom to follow, from one friend to another.

A flea market table under a white tent filled with antique and vintage rustic items: a school bench, adding machine, scale, baskets, and more.

MAKE A List

I like to have a list in mind of things I am looking for. I also take the time to research the prices of items that I am interested in. Checking the prices before you go on Etsy and eBay is a great idea. My goal when shopping at a flea market is to buy good quality merchandise for a super bargain price. Next, if there are any big items on my list, like furniture, lamps, or paintings, I make sure to measure before I go. And don’t forget to bring along a tape measure.

A flea market list of items to buy and their prices along with a marker, pencil, and coffee cup.

BRING Plenty of CASH

Don’t expect vendors to take credit cards, not all of them do. And even if they do take credit cards, most of them prefer cash instead. To be clear, cash speaks the loudest. Sometimes the sellers will give a discount if you pay with cash. And make sure you bring a variety of bills. Know your budget and try to stick to your budget. You can run through your cash very quickly if you are not paying attention, as sometimes ATMs are not provided.

A plethora of white and cream vintage ceramic vases, pitchers, and planters...even an elephant.

SNACKS

Bring snacks and water or better yet, pack a lunch! Sometimes flea markets have food vendors, and sometimes they don’t. And sometimes the lines can be quite long so it’s good to bring your own food just in case It’s definitely important to keep up your stamina while shopping!

TIME Management

Budgeting your time is a must! If you’re anything like me, once you are lost in the land of treasures time seems to fly by. If you think you are going to be shopping for 3 hours better add on another hour. I always allot myself an extra hour or so.

A large wood cutout with a pumpkin and two geese hand painted on it.

BRING A WAGON

Bring a wagon!! I can’t stress this enough. I used to use an antique rolly cart with wonky wheels… don’t ask me why! LOL. Then I got wise…I bought a new handy foldable wagon with fantastic wheels. It has made all the difference!!

A collapsible wagon holding many bagged and wrapped flea market finds: two metal dog bookends, vintage stoneware crocks, a glass white bowl, a wooden box, and a woven bag.

NEGOTIATE NICELY

Above all be respectful when negotiating! A little haggling is expected, however, I always try to be considerate. The vendors put a lot of time and energy into being there. They pack and unpack, load and unload, and may have driven a very long distance to attend, just to share their treasures with everyone. A polite way to ask is “Is this price firm?” or “Is this your best price?” My goal is to not lowball, I don’t want to insult the dealer. Sometimes if I find more than one item from one vendor the seller may be more willing to lower the price… it’s called a bundle discount. Also paying with cash instead of a credit card might get you a discount as well.

A small white table with many flea market finds on display: two aged stoneware crocks, two cream-colored horns of plenty vases, a wooden box, and two Cocker Spaniel metal bookends.

If you do not feel comfortable with the price they are asking, then just walk away. Not every dealer will give you a deal. Some dealers are holding out for the big bucks, which is their prerogative, and that is okay. Also, if you are looking for a good deal, the very beginning of the show may not be a good time to get big bargains. If you can wait until closing time, the vendor may be more willing to come down in price as they might not want to load it back on the truck and take it home again.

Two min chalk sheep figurines from an Italian nativity scene.

THE SNIFF TEST

The sniff test is crucial! Smell It – Don’t forget! Vintage things are not perfect. There is no mistaking the smell of mold…my nose always knows. So do not be afraid to smell all your items before you buy. I am ashamed to say that on my last trip to the flea market, I did NOT follow my own rules. I purchased a vintage wood toolbox..I smelled the outside but not the inside. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized my mistake and the inside reeked of mold! Needless to say, I had to discard it. It was a complete BUMMER!

A vintage wood box holding three colorful white and green pumpkins and a few dried oak leaves.

BE DECISIVE – THERE’s NO GOING BACK

See it – buy it. Don’t hesitate! I have learned that if you see something you really love and it’s a decent price…get it when you see it. I have made that mistake more than once! Many years ago I saw a vintage porch glider I wanted but was on the fence about it. I passed on it and thought I’d go back later to purchase it…it was gone!

Two metal Cocker Spaniel bookends hold up four colorful books.

DONT BE AFRAID OF A Little DIRT

Don’t be afraid of a little dirt. It is called a Flea Market after all! That’s why you can get such bargains. I bought a stoneware crock recently that was filthy, but it was only 10 bucks! It was such a deal that I didn’t mind spending the time to shine it up!

Two beige vintage stoneware crocks and a jug displayed in front of a woven basket.

A close-up view of an antique cabinet shelf painted cream with a dish of vintage bracelets, a white marble horse head bookend, eight vintage books, and a sepia antique family photo.

I definitely have Flea Market Fever! What I like the most is that I can share my love for the hunt with my daughter and hubby. It’s always more enjoyable when you can experience the adventure with family or friends. And once you know how to make your next flea market trip successful you’ll be off on a new excursion ready to plunge into Vintage Fun Land full of confidence! So locate your closest outdoor flea market and don’t be intimidated. Whether it’s sunny and warm, or cloudy and wet, make a plan, take a friend, and give it a whirl! You’ll love it! And so will your decor. Let’s get HOMEY!

Two beige vintage stoneware crocks in a rectangle basket tray displayed with dried pine sprigs, dried oak leaves, and three mini white pumpkins.

If you enjoyed this post, see my related article “A Flea Market Extravaganza: What an Amazing Time!“
No flea market excursion can be complete without a collapsible wagon for carrying all of your fun finds (paid link).
One of the top ten flea markets in the United States is the Nashville Flea Market, which is held monthly, and has an average of 800-1,200 vendors. My daughter is very excited to join in the fun this November.