Flea market season is never over! If you have never visited a flea market, you don’t know what you are missing in terms of value. As a matter of fact, you can find your favorite household items in a couple of minutes.
However, before going to the best flea market, you need to do some preparation. Visiting a flea market on the day of reopening can be a pretty wild thing. But that is the only day of the month when you will find all sorts of different things.
If you don’t have plenty of money, don’t worry because suppliers will be more willing to negotiate prices later in the day so that you can get the best price.
Tips to follow when visiting a flea market
Here you have some essential tips for finding treasures and antiques at the flea market:
Early risers will get the most out of it
This really applies to the flea market culture. At flea markets and antique fairs, most of the activities take place in the parking lot during the set-up period before the start of the exhibition. It’s still fun to go to the flea market at any time of the day, and it’s always possible for everyone to miss their prizes on the spot.
However, if you really want to find a good deal, try to get up and be the first to the flea market.
Prepare some equipment to aid you when looking for great deals
Bringing several simple tools to help you find treasure and avoid mistakes is necessary. If you like antique jewelry, then a magnifying glass is essential to see the sterling silver markings or the “925” markings.
Magnets can help you detect real silver, as they will not stick to the magnet like steel. The magnifying glass can also be used to find important marks, signatures, and patterns. Pen lanterns can also help you see these distinctive markings, and for indoor flea markets or antique fairs, it can help you see the details when there isn’t enough light.
With a notepad, you can write down information and conduct research when you return home. In addition, for huge flea markets, it is helpful to write down the booth number or the name of the supplier and the quotation to go back to it later during the visit when you are ready to make a purchase.
Look for signs of antique
If you are looking for antique items, first look for signs of old age. Many antique replicas look old because they look old: gloomy glass, wrought iron furniture or baskets, rusty chandeliers, broken boxes, and cabinets, etc.
This kind of item can be counterfeited to look very old when in reality, it is a couple of weeks old. Perhaps the most effective detection of counterfeit products is scrutinizing the object to see if it is worn out.
This is where the magnifying glass and flashlight come in handy. A genuinely old item will have dirt in cracks that have accumulated over decades or even hundreds of years. Also, rusty nails have penetrated the surrounding wood.
You will also notice dark stains on the edges or bottom of glassware. Look for all of these characteristics as they usually indicate old age. But always keep in mind that everything can be faked.
If you want to buy expensive antiques, the best way is to talk to the dealer, understand the background of the item, and ask if you can return the item to the dealer if you find it defective, cracked, or repaired.
Best finds at the flea market
Baskets
Flea markets have a large market of old baskets for a great price. You can fill them with flowers, use them to store items, or use them as decorations. Every room in your house can have some kind of basket to meet a different purpose. Baskets are great for storing shoes, blankets, books, magazines, etc.
One thing to keep in mind when buying baskets is to make sure they are in good condition. Make sure they are great not only visually but also on the inside. It is difficult to judge the state of a basket unless you pick it up and exam it from top to bottom. Don’t hesitate to put some weight on it as well.
Vintage pottery
Vintage pottery is always famous at the flea market. There are not too many unpleasant places on pottery in the house. Regardless of your design style, most ceramics can be used. It is a staple in any stylish household.
Antique Furniture
The best antique furniture can be found at the flea market in good condition. If you find one that you like, always open one of the drawers and see the dovetail joint that connects the drawer to the front of the drawer.
By doing that, you can tell if it is a solid piece of furniture. Even with new furniture, this is a clear sign of quality work.
Multifunctional items
Anything beautiful and valuable is a hit! In flea markets, you can find all sorts of different things like vintage suitcases, gift boxes, or even shoes. Never be afraid to explore. As a rule of thumb, you need to buy something weird that can later be a great souvenir of the experience. Rare finds are the best finds!
If you believe that you don’t want something after buying it, you can simply sell it and get money out of it. People have a wide variety of tastes, so you will always find a buyer if you know where to look.
Terra Cotta
If you like having Terra cotta at home, flea markets are the best places to get these items for a bargain. There are usually plenty of sellers of vintage or new Terra cotta. It’s up to you to decide.
Retro mirror
When it comes to mirrors, retro is beautiful. If you want to have your very own vintage mirror at home, chances are you will find a nice one at the flea market. Generally, there are plenty of mirrors in all shapes and sizes on the market.
You can find a new one or a 50-year-old mirror. It depends on your tastes. Nevertheless, vintage mirrors can be more expensive.
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