Flea Market Tips
Come to the Flea Market Prepared
March 14, 2013
Arriving at a flea market without the right supplies leads to missed opportunities and frustrated sellers. Prepare the night before so your morning runs smoothly.
Essential Items
- Substantial cash in small denominations: $5s, $10s, and $20s. Many vendors do not accept cards, and breaking a $100 bill at 7 a.m. creates problems for everyone.
- Checkbook with unused checks: Some vendors accept personal checks for larger purchases.
- ATM or debit card: As a backup when cash runs low.
- Two working ballpoint pens: For writing checks and noting prices or booth numbers.
- Tape measure: Essential for furniture and any item that needs to fit a specific space.
- Magnifying glass: For reading maker’s marks, hallmarks, and fine print on antiques.
Additional Recommended Supplies
- Large cloth bag with handles for carrying smaller purchases
- Shopping cart (position it away from booth entrances so it does not block traffic)
- Wrapping paper for delicate items like glassware and ceramics
- Blankets and rope for securing furniture in your vehicle
- Appropriate vehicle: If you are shopping for furniture, drive a van or truck, not a sports car
- Index cards, masking tape, and markers for labeling items and noting prices
- Flashlight with fresh batteries for early morning shopping in dim conditions
- Moist towelettes for cleaning hands after handling dusty merchandise
- Bottled water for hydration during long shopping sessions
- Parking change for metered lots
- Band-aids and work gloves for handling rough or sharp items
Create a checklist the night before and gather everything in one spot. An organized shopper moves faster, buys smarter, and enjoys the experience more than someone scrambling to borrow a pen.
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