Finding Hidden Gems in Flea Markets

As a flea market novice, you should be willing to take the road less traveled when it comes to sourcing items of interest and value. Often this is where many of the true treasures can be located. They may be sitting at the bottom of a bargain basket or among a crowded table of what seems like 'junk'. This is where a keen eye for detail should come in to practice.

Note an eye for this type of detail does not come naturally to everybody. A large part of it plays on instinct and trusting your gut feeling, but another important part of flea market hunting is deciphering the good from the bad, the valuable from the worthless (of which there is plenty). It is to your own benefit to arrive early to the market, as you will find fellow enthusiasts will be of a similar mindset and just as excited as you to find the next gem.

Upon planning a visit to a flea market, do question your motives for going. Of course, pleasure should enter the equation but perhaps you are looking for a specific item or hoping to profit from some unusual finds. I'm sure you be will be reassured to hear that there is no particular customer that visits a flea market. The diversity of people is as great as the items on display, so you should not feel daunted by this prospect. A companion can be of great benefit on a flea market excursion, not just socially but also as a second opinion on hand to assist you in your decision-making. Bring along someone who you trust will be honest with you and who has a similar style to your own. If they have experience with flea markets then all the better, they may be able to teach you a thing or two about the art of haggling, a subject (often unnecessarily) met with trepidation.

The thing to remember about haggling is that experienced sellers will practically expect it of you. Dealers and sellers are ready and prepared to barter for a deal. Often their prices will be adjusted in order to cater for this so don't feel you are being pushy or brash by insisting on a lower price. Be confident, stick your ground and if the price is not to your liking simply walk away. The sale is ultimately your decision so it is their loss if you do not go through with it.

Profit-makers they are but do not dismiss antique dealers as simply 'sellers'. They are often enthusiastic teachers as well. Therefore a visit to a flea market can be a lesson in antiquing in addition to an exciting day out. Why not bring a notepad to indicate pieces of interest and you can then do further research at home. The Internet has no shortage of information with regards to antiques and collectables. The more you accustom yourself to flea markets, dealers and antiques the further you are training your senses to discover that next gem. If you are willing to learn and accept mistakes on your chosen path then you are well on the way to your prize already.