Flea Market Finds

Flea Market finds: Where to look, what to do and who to take along! "The Queen of the Fleem", Madame Rustique clues you in on all the basics.

I don't know a single person who can pass up a bargain.

Clearance, you say? Thrift shop? Even better. My sort of vintage living is almost entirely supported with the aid of church sales, thrift stores and auctions.

Sometimes I'm looking for something else; a veiled garden party hat, perhaps, or the perfect castaway farm implement to fashion into a plant-stand. Where can a girl find these things - and more! - without relinquishing too much of her wallet-burning cash?

The flea market is it!

I've been going to flea markets over the last few years, and I've spent some time making great flea market finds and I have experience of reselling, as well. I'll provide you with just a few tips on finding what you need to keep you in the high style of vintage living to which you are accustomed

Learn How to Haggle

If you're like me and you come from a place where people are generally very passive and polite, this may come as a foreign concept. This goes, as well, for those who do most of their shopping in commercial centres where prices aren't exactly negotiable.

Remember, though, that this is one of the oldest techniques in the history of commerce - nothing can contribute more to vintage living (as well as your bank account) than learning how to haggle!

First of all, make sure you're going to be leaving soon. Being able to tell the truth in this regard will give you leverage. If you've been there awhile and you absolutely cannot live without that pre-war Ingraham electric clock with the baby blue face (but you're not willing to pay the $40 asking price,) it never hurts to present a haggle to the seller like so:

Step 1: "This is the most adorable clock I have ever seen! I'm surprised it's gone so long without falling apart entirely... $40, you say? Oh, I wish I could. I've just arrived and besides, there's a beautiful standing ashtray by the door that I need to have a second look at." Promise you'll come back, then leave.

Step 2: Have another look at whatever article it was you bluffed with, and talk to the seller. Mention the clock. Most flea market folks know each other, and she may give you tips on how to haggle the chap down.

Step 3: Go back in a few minutes and tell him, "I'm leaving right away and I must go round and gather everything up. I would love to have it, even in its present condition, but I can only offer you $25."

***NOTE: Only use the "present condition" line if it shows signs of wear or damage! If it's in perfect condition, your bluffing credability will plummet, leaving you with the seller's blank stare and reiteration of the asking price.

The haggling will proceed from there, but hold your ground, ladies! Try to pay only up to 80% of the asking price for your flea market finds, if you can't let them go. I have the highest hopes that you will emerge triumphant with your clock, kid gloves or stack of rare tango records.

Try to Trade

You're well on your way to a trading position.

First, look on eBay and other auction sites for how much your figurines are worth in the buyer's market. If you feel that it wouldn't be a good deal, you have to weigh her desire for figurines against this - you can always tell her no.

Take the figurines to the flea market, making sure they're well-packaged - this will show the seller that you care about your artifacts. Offer them to the vanity set seller, showing her what lovely condition they're in, and asking if she would be willing to trade.

If she agrees, try to offer as straight an exchange as you can. This will involve haggling a little bit, but if money doesn't have to change hands, it's much easier. If your figurines are worth a bit more than the vanity set, you can always ask for another article on her table to go along with it. It's better than cash in the long run, because it gives you more to trade with for other flea market finds!

Bring A Friend

A friend is helpful at a flea market in many ways. You have someone to gloat with, someone to help you carry things back to the car and a preventative measure against loneliness (in the event of non-chatty sellers) and boredom (in the event of dull merchandise.)

Besides, who else were you expecting to do lunch with afterwards?

There you have it for now, ladies. There will be more tips to come on flea market finds in later articles.

NEXT ISSUE: How to properly excavate your local thrift store for maximum wardrobe and home decorating potential.

Au Revoir from The Queen of the Fleem,

~ Madame Rustique