Flea Market Tips & Tricks

It's October and that means its time for a trip to the Nashville Flea Market. It's no secret I love this place.

Check out my past trips to the flea market here, here, and here.




I have a few things I am looking for this trip (if the price is right). Here is what is on my list:

Antique Spindels

Old Globe

Fishing buoys

Old maps

Old Scale

Wire basket (locker)

vintage games

vintage fischer price

chair

old books

flashcards

letters/numbers

vintage Christmas ornaments

The big question is how to navigate a flea market. Here are a few tips.

1. Educate. Treat your time at the flea market as a learning experience. Pick the brains of the dealers. They are usually very helpful!

2. Make Your List. Have some kind of an idea of what you are looking to buy. DON’T stop at every booth. Learn to assess quickly to see if they have what you are looking for, and if they don’t, move on. Keep to your list!

3. Haggle. Dealers expect to negotiate. Don’t insult them; be reasonable, but don’t pay the listed amount right off the bat. Be prepared to walk away from a deal if you feel like you are getting ripped off.

4. Shipping. If it is a big fair, make sure you bring a vehicle large enough to carry all of your goodies. If you know you are looking for hefty items such as furniture, check on shipping options with the dealer before you hand over your credit card or cash. Another smart option is to rent a U-Haul.

5. Parking. Arrive bright and early at the fair. Parking is hard to get, and you want to be close to the fairgrounds so you won’t have to haul your loot miles to your car later.

6. Toting. Bring something to carry all of your purchases. Big tote bags or wire shopping carts are the best ideas. I usually carry a backpack or a large reusable shopping bag. If you buy something too big to carry around, most dealers will put a "SOLD" sign on it and allow you to stop and pick it up on your way out.

7. Clothing. Wear comfy clothing and shoes. 

8. What to Bring. Bring your cell phone, cash, a bottle of water and your shopping list.

9. Food. I usually like to bring a few healthy snacks so I can munch and go.

10. Weather. Do not let the rain deter you! Many outdoor flea markets have tents and are rain-or-shine events. Those are the shows where you can find some of the best deals!

I can't wait to show you the goodies I come home with!