i can’t/she can: a flea market “primer”

I’m VERY excited about today’s guest.

I met Sara Peluso a few years ago, in her “former” life as a professional organizer. We hit it off right away and she soon joined my local blogging community. About a year later, Sara shut down her organizing business, as she explains:

A lifetime of picking, garage sales, and antiquing lead me (with a few minor detours) to where I am now.  An Estate Sale Organizer, and Etsy Shop Proprietress and I love it.

image credit: Brad Trent

I don’t know about you, but I get totally overwhelmed whenever confronted with a flea market. Eating good food? Check. Finding an adorable bag/dress/bracelet? No problem. Picking up a mason jar or two? I am ON IT. But beyond that I just cannot see past all of the “stuff” to figure out a) what’s worth getting, and b) what I’d do with it when I got home.

As I’ve been watching Sara’s new pursuits evolve and grow, what’s impressed me most is her ability to see the “re-use” possibilities in almost anything. She’s done so many clever things with her “junk” finds that I knew she’d be able to share some helpful hints and tips to navigating a market.

And boy does she share!

Fall is a great time to hit a few (or ALL!) of your local markets.  Whether you’re looking for a nice way to spend a Sunday, or you’re “hunting” for that one (or six) must-have Industrial/Victorian/Shabby Chic/French Country piece, there are a few things that can make your experience smooth and regret-free:

A little research.  Check out a market’s online presence. You’ll be able to get a good idea of what type of items to expect, and here’s a little hint: by checking the seller fees you can assess prices too.  High vendor overhead ALWAYS means higher prices; however, lower fees usually mean a little more digging – but with a higher likelihood of better deals. Check the market hours too – is there an early bird option, an entrance fee, a parking fee? Is there food available (or at least a picnic area)? The internet is also a fantastic resource for researching what you want to buy.  Study up on marks, logos and other signs of age and authenticity, as well as prices.  A simple Google Image search will point you in the right direction.  Remember that online prices are very close to retail, so expect to pay about half of what you see on Etsy or Ruby Lane.

Be prepared.  You don’t want to end up thirsty and hot, with sore feet after only an hour. Bring water and a snack, wear a hat and sunglasses, and please wear sunscreen (Flea Market Sunburn happens!). Here’s my list of “must-haves”:

* Cash! Sometimes – but very rarely in rural markets – vendors accept credit cards, and there may even be an ATM (which you’ll know because of your research on the market). But don’t assume it will be working, or have any money in it (I’ve made that mistake).  Take more money than you think you’ll need; you don’t have to spend it all.

* A camera. I’ll use my phone to snap pics if I want to remember a specific piece, or ask my hubby if he digs something. Just remember to always ask the vendor first.

* A bag. I keep an Ikea bag  folded up and stored in my handbag. You could use a shopping cart or little red wagon instead, but make sure you have something to schlep your stuff in.  Multiple trips back and forth to your car are a drag, and will shorten your day.

* A list and a tape measure. I keep a running list of things I am always looking for, including things I see on Pinterest or Etsy that I must have!  Make note of  the size, shape and colors of your dream finds, and ALWAYS check the measurements of a piece (dealers sometimes make mistakes).

Now that I’ve done my research and packed my bag, I’m ready to go!

Plan of attack.  Choose a route: left to right, top to bottom, an aisle at a time.  Are you browsing first, or jumping right in and buying?  There is something to be said for shopping around….but I don’t say that!  If you see what you came for, BUY IT!  You’ll regret leaving it behind. 

Stay focused.  It is very easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of stuff – but remember, QUALITY is the key.  Sturdy, timeless pieces – in good vintage condition – are what you want to take home.  Sometimes chips and rust are good; sometimes they’re just chips and rust.  And don’t buy a fixer upper if you are not a fixer upper.

Haggle.  It’s expected, and vendors price accordingly.  Be polite, know what you are willing to spend, and go for it.  If there is a price tag make an offer; if there’s no price ask, “What would you like to have for this?” (already knowing what you are willing to pay).  Getting a great deal is a rush, but losing something you love over a few dollars is a bummer.  When push comes to shove, if they have something you want, don’t be too proud to give in and pay the asking price.

Trust the vendors.  I have never known a vendor to purposefully and knowingly overprice an item, or sell something under false pretenses.  Vendors want to continue doing business with you, and will likely be back at the same market the next week, so they know you can find them.  That said, be wary of a deal that seems too good to be true … it usually is.

Know when to walk away, know when to run!  I usually start my market day by telling my shopping buddy, “Don’t let me buy another FILL IN THE BLANK ..”. I buy antique mirrors and Ironstone platters; I can’t stop myself (I *may* need to find an Ironstone support group, but that’s another story).  Ask yourself, “Do I really need another canister set?” or, “Is there room in my world for this?”, before you turn over your money.

Think outside the box.  If you try, you can see the beauty in almost anything.  A new use for something old, right?  You don’t always need paint or power tools for a great re-purposed piece.  How about an antique French mustard crock for your pens & pencils?  Or a fantastic vintage Philly Cream Cheese box to hold the remotes?  Antique leather-bound books make any shelf or vignette instantly more interesting.  Think about what you want to do with it, not what’s already been done. Go for it! 

Flea Markets are the best place for one-of-a-kind pieces, with a story to go along!  Everyone has “that vase” or “that lamp”; but only YOU have the one from “that guy” at the Flea Market!

Happy Hunting!

Seriously, don’t you want to find the nearest, soonest flea market and go?? I feel like I could really approach it with more focus and confidence, and come home with much less remorse. Thank you Sara!

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