by Kathy Stemke

Created on: April 15, 2008   Last Updated: October 18, 2011

It's a beautiful morning, and my heart is pounding in anticipation. With $250 cash in my purse, I can't wait to find that incredible bargain! The doors open and a crowd of hungry shoppers rush inside. Yes, you've guessed it.  My husband and I are about to embark on another glorious adventure at our favorite huge flea market. My husband and I decide to "divide and conquer" this massive market. Planning to meet back at the concession stand in one hour and armed with our cell phones, we set out in opposite directions. This way we can scan the entire place quickly to see if there are any items totally under priced.

When we meet up again, we go through slowly looking for hidden, rare or unusual items that we just can't live without. If you go to the same flea market often enough you will develop friendships with some of the dealers and they may even save you some goodies that they know you will adore.

Because there are several types of flea markets, there are smart ways to shop each one. The year round, seven days a week shop usually has numbered booths and the dealer isn't present to negotiate. If you ask there may be a standard discount policy or you can have the clerk call the dealer for a better price. Be sure to offer a reasonable amount so you don't insult the dealer.

With a seasonal flea market there is more opportunity to negotiate prices because the dealer is present, and the booth rents are usually much lower. Although many of the tips I'm about to list will work in either type market, they were designed with the seasonal market in mind.

1. WHEN TO SHOP
The two best times to shop at a weekend flea market are early Thursday morning to get first dibs on merchandise, or late Sunday afternoon to get bargains from dealers that don't want to pack their items and take them home.

2. TYPE OF BOOTH
If you go to a booth that has mostly pottery, you can assume that the dealer is an expert in pottery. Although you are less likely to get a bargain, the advantage to shopping this type of booth is the large variety of goods available and the knowledge of the dealer. If you're collecting you can learn quite a bit from a knowledgeable dealer. When you shop a booth with many different items you have a better chance of finding a bargain because no dealer can be an expert in all areas.

3. LOOK FOR QUALITY
You should buy the very best quality you can so that it will hold its value or increase in value. Most evaluations depend on rarity, condition, age and quality.

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