How to Get Best Deals at Flea Markets

Learn how to bargain with these tips from sellers and the Flea Market Flip team.
Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.
June 05, 2015
Related To:
Upcycling

Cash is King

To get the best deals at flea markets and yard sales, Lara says get to the sale early, stay late, bring cash, don't be afraid to negotiate price and if you see something you like, take it or someone else will. 

Code of Conduct

Unspoken rules of bargaining include if you break it, you buy it, and if you let go of something, it's fair game for another shopper. Also, don't ask for half price immediately, be open to negotiation. And remember, niceness goes a long way. 

Go Ahead, Haggle!

Get what you really want by always being charming, bundling your purchase, and buying at the end of the day. 

Hidden Treasures

Don't just stick to familiar territory. Look through boxes, go to the back of the shop and look for good "bones" on furniture. 

Look Beyond Its Original Purpose

A little digging paid off for Stephan when he found this antique street lamp, which he transformed into a fish bowl. 

It's All in the Details

How can you tell if your piece is really an antique? Furniture guru Mark DeVito says if it was made before electricity, then it's an antique, and imperfections often mean handmade. 

Take a Close Look

Also look for a maker's mark, a stamp or engraving on the bottom of the piece indicating the manufacturer, country of origin, manufactured date and even how many were created. Maker's marks help determine the value of the piece. 

Slow and Steady

Flea Market Flips' David offers the following advice for fixing up antiques: Hide imperfections with paint or fabric, add heavy-duty hardware and take it slowly. 

Paint Like a Pro

Spray paint, block aging, a paint gun and mercury glass transformed this bookshelf from old to new. 

A Little Paint Goes a Long Way

A bright new color made this kitchen cabinet look new and modern. 

Just a Little Elbow Grease

A new finish and hardware brought this old table back to life. 

Rescue Antique Seating

Seat weaving, painting and new upholstery can make outdated furniture llook new. 

Think Funky

These patio chairs got a fresh makeover with new paint and contemporary fabric. 

Customize It How You Want

Paint and printed fabric brought this outdated and worn antique chair back to life. 

Shop This Look

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