My love for Flea Markets started with my parents. It seems as though their love for antiques has rubbed off on me over the years. (Even though as a kid I would always roll my eyes every time they came home with a “new antique” (wait, that’s an oxymoron) to add to their collection.
Ironically enough, I now enjoy every chance I can to go “hunt for hidden treasures” with them!
HOW TO SEARCH FOR UNIQUELY “YOU” ITEMS
- Bring a List
- For starters, it is always good to have an idea in mind for what YOU are looking for or what interests YOU. For me, I am always looking for unique old jars, bottles, or copper items. (Hence why I purchased the copper teapot shown in this post, even though I already one!—Shhhh Don’t tell my husband!)
- Or Don’t Bring a List
- If you truly don’t know what you are looking for, or are just “along for the ride,” no worries, something will catch your eye, I promise. Actually, there have been several times I went along with my family just to “window shop” and those were the times I found my favorite treasures.
Oh, and don’t forget to arrive early! The early bird always gets the worm!…I think that’s what they say?
HOW TO SEARCH FOR PRICELESS ITEMS
It is the priceless items that tell a story. For instance, at the last Flea Market I went to, I had a wonderful conversation with the kind old woman selling these rugs. During our conversation, she informed me that the rugs were made from scraps that she had saved over her lifetime (which I’m assuming was a long time). Each of the rugs is made with different fabric + had different textures, which also lead to other unique stories. — Whether she was telling me a LONG drug-out story just to get a sale I will never know, but either way, I ate up EVERY word.
As it turns out, I did not purchase any rugs, however, I did purchase a few antique feedbags from her (shown in the picture below). I know what you are all thinking, HAHAHA, “she got you!” But honestly, I did love the texture + patterns of the feed bags. —So, needless to say, when she told me the story about how her husband was a farmer and that she has been saving all of these bags from “god knows when” I just couldn’t resist! What can I say, I’m a SUCKER for a great story (call me gullable)! Plus, I also got a great deal!
WHAT TO BRING WITH
- Cash or checks ONLY, NO Credit Cards
- Most sellers prefer cash, and not in large bills. I have made the mistake of bringing twenties and they do not enjoy giving change, especially after you just spent the last how many minutes bargaining with them to lower their price (it can make the situation REAL awkward).
- It is rare that a seller will accept Credit cards unless they have an actual storefront location.
- Camera
- I usually take quick pics of my favorite items found, mostly those that I will need to revisit later because they were over my budget.
- This is also a great reference to use if you ending up not purchasing a particular item because the price was too high. This picture can come in handy for future searched for that item.
- Dress for the weather
- This is serious! If you truly want to enjoy “treasure hunting” make sure you are dressed for the weather. I made the mistake of not wearing enough layers, a hat, or mittens once and ended up freezing the entire time (trust me, this was not an enjoyable experience).
BUDGET VS. SPLURGE
- Budget
- I usually have a budget in mind when venturing to Flea Markets. I have found that a budget can hold you accountable for transforming an item from a “got to have it” item to an “I don’t actually NEED it” item.
- I know, I know, all budgets are different. However, if you are searching for a new chair, end piece, mantle, dresser, etc. make sure you bring some serious bargaining cash. But even then, make sure you don’t go over your budget.
- Splurge
- The only time I SPURGE on an item is if it is something I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT. How do I know this? Well, with each high dollar item I find that interests me I make note of where it is located, take a picture of it, then go on with my hunting. When I am finished hunting/shopping I always make sure to go back to that item and ask myself “do I absolutely LOVE it” or “can I live without it?”
- This particular Flea Market hosted several furniture pieces that have been refurbished and made new. If an item has been refurbished, know that you will end up paying top dollar for that item because the seller will make sure you know how much time was spent on creating that masterpiece.
ANTIQUES VS. JUNK
- Antiques
- One person might look at this old curtain rod and think it is “a piece of junk,” meanwhile, another may look at it and think it would be a perfect addition to their living room wall art.
- Everyone has a different connotation to what an “antique” actually is. But, for me, an antique is an old/timeless piece of art or furniture that has been passed down (through family or even bought and sold by strangers) for generations and still holds the unique design of the specific era in that it was built.
- Junk
- To me, junk is when people bring raggedy “garage-sale” like items to a Flea Market and try to pawn them off as “vintage” or “antique.”—FYI, I do not care for purchasing junk!
Always remember to search high and low. And know you might thave to dig (not actually dig a hole) a little to find just what you are looking for.
BE PREPARED TO BARGAIN!
Don’t forget to bargain EVERY CHANCE YOU GET (which is the majority of the time). You might surprise yourself, you may leave with a $30 item that you only paid $15 for!
The most successful time I had bargaining was when I was searching for wedding decorations. I TOTALLY played the “I’m on a budget card” with a guy selling vintage milk jugs, which worked great! He was selling ten of them for $2 each, without the crate that they were displayed in. It turns out that I had a nice conversation with him and I ended up purchasing all of the milk jugs + the crate for $15. What a STEAL! —That was just one example of many over the years. I promise you get better at bargaining the more often you do it!
Do you have the urge to “hunt” for hidden treasures?
Are you wondering where to search for Flea Markets in Iowa near you?
Check out these sites:
- http://americanfleas.com/iowa
- http://iowaantiquenetwork.com/events.php
- http://www.myfleamarketguide.com/html/Iowa/
HAPPY HUNTING!
#FleaMarketFinds #NotActuallyaHunter