Flea Market 101

I’m headed up to the Renninger’s Extravaganza in Mount Dora, Florida, this week, and I couldn’t be happier! Big outdoor markets are my idea of a GREAT time and I’m always ready to jump in the car and GO!

Renninger's Mount Dora - it really is that big!

 

Over the years friends have asked if they could come along. Some have loved it and some have found it more than they bargained for. I learned that they would have a better experience if they had some guidance about how to manage a big market. Maybe you’ll find these tips helpful too!

DRESSING RIGHT

Being “market ready” starts with getting dressed with a long day in mind.

1.       Dress in layers. The day can start out cold and warm up fast. Lightweight layers will help you get through the day.

2.       Comfy, supportive shoes. Can’t stress this enough. You’re running a marathon here!

3.       Wear things with functional, secure pockets. You’re going to want to have your phone and notepad readily accessible. I like cargo pants for this very reason.

TOOLS TO HAVE WITH YOU

1.       Sunscreen and bottled water are essential. Hat and sunglasses also handy.

2.       Hand sanitzer or wipes

3.       Notebook and pen

4.       Phone

5.       Magnifying glass

6.       Use a shopping cart. Whether it’s a luggage kind of thing, a wire shopping cart or a little red pull wagon, it’s handy to have something in which to haul purchases. There are often people who sell carts at the markets but if you can get one beforehand, it will save you from spending valuable shopping time at the market looking for a cart.

7.       A good bag that keeps your cash and wallet secure. I like a cross body bag – easier on the shoulders – with multiple compartments. I keep my cash in a bank envelope, accessible but secured in a zippered or closed compartment.

8.       Power shopping snacks. Nuts, string cheese, granola bar. You can eat them on the go for a little boost!

Power shopping! Not even injury interferes!

 

 BE PREPARED FOR PORTA POTS

However you need to prepare yourself for this, it’s the reality of big outdoor markets, and there’s no getting around it! 

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

1.       Write down all your purchases – item and price

2.       Write down everything you need to go back and pick up and WHERE IT IS

3.       Write down things you want to go back and look at again and WHERE THEY ARE

STRATEGIES FOR SHOPPING / HOW TO KEEP FROM GETTING OVERWHELMED

1.       Know your shopping style. If you are an “on the fly” shopper and you’re going with a friend likes to look at every little thing, don’t be afraid to say “Let’s meet up at noon at the car” so neither one of you is hindered.

2.       Plan to spend the day, and plan your shopping accordingly. For example, for my first walk through a market I generally “walk and scan”, stopping to shop when I see a booth that has an overall look or items that interest me. Things that are a definite “yes” I buy on the spot. Things I’m considering I’ll make note of to come back to. On my second walk through I’ll look more closely at things in many booths.

3.       Use your phone to look things up. If you’re not sure if something’s worth the price, or if it’s common or rare, or if it’s just not “right”, you can often find a reference online (search by images). Be polite and don’t do this while in someone’s booth, taking up valuable space for others who are shopping.

4.       Unsure whether or not to buy something? Ask yourself “Will I be sorry if I come back to get it and it’s gone?”. I find this really helpful, and the answer can be crystal clear sometimes!

5.       TAKE A BREAK. Go find the “food court”, sit down, drink some water, eat a little something and REVIEW YOUR PURCHASES. When you’re “power shopping” it can feel like you’ve bought A LOT and SPENT ALL YOUR MONEY. Taking a break and reviewing your purchases tells you what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way – after leaving a market thinking I’d bought and spent a lot when actually I could have stayed and bought more. Reviewing your list also helps you decide whether to run back and get something on the “go back for” list, to keep it on for later or to cross it off.

6.       Figure out the market’s layout and walk it strategically – by rows and sections so you’ll know what you’ve covered and what you haven’t.

7.       Don’t let your collection rule your buying decisions. Just because you collect cat figurines doesn’t mean you need to buy every one you see. When in doubt, pass.

WORKING WITH DEALERS

I’ve gotten to know dealers over the years and my “favorites” are always the first ones I go to. Many are happy to interact with you and are often able to provide information about things you’re interested in. Getting off on the right foot lays the groundwork for a good relationship.

1.       Negotiating is fine, insulting not so much. Ask for discounts nicely. “Can you do any better on this?”, “Is this your best price?”, “If I buy more than one item can you offer me a discount?”. If you want to just make an offer, as in “Would you take $X for this?”, don’t make a really low offer; it gets things off on the wrong foot.

2.       Sometimes dealers will tell you to “make a pile” if you’re looking at more than one thing. This is fine with items that are priced but if things are not priced I ask them to give me an idea of what they’re asking; no sense making a pile of items that I think are $20 each and they think are $100 each.

3.       If you’ve bought a big item, the dealer is often willing to put it aside for you to come back for it; no reason to lug it around, as long as it’s convenient to come back.

4.       Be mindful of the traffic in a booth. If there are a lot of people shopping and trying to look at things, taking a selfie or talking on the phone is preventing commerce from taking place. Step outside the booth so others can shop.

5.       If you plan to return to the market again and you like a particular dealer’s items, ask if they’ll be back next time and in the same spot.  They might give you a card, give you their social media link or a phone number so you can find out where they’ll be set up next time.

So that’s my Crash Course in Flea Marketing #101. Now I’m out the door. Look for lots of new goodies coming to my shops soon!! 

Happy Trails! – Marilyn