Ways To Locate Furniture Bargains At Flea Markets

People commit a lot of time waiting for discounts, scanning the newspaper for sales, and clipping coupons when trying to save money on typical household expenses. However, who stops to consider the prospect of a flea market when shopping for home furnishings?

Flea markets are a great place to hunt down some serious furniture bargains. From the antique chair that’s begging to be reupholstered to that hidden gem of a coffee table that just needs a new coat of varnish, you’re going to find them at the flea markets.

Keep reading for 5 hot tips that will teach you exactly how to find furniture deals at the flea markets.

1. Go Early

Especially if your local flea market is only open one day a week, go early to snag the best items.

2. Go Late

Though very contradictory to the last tip, you can sometimes snatch up some great deals by going to the flea market later in the day. While you won’t find the selection that’s available at the start of the day, you will find vendors that are more eager to sell and willing to part with an item for less than they would have at 8am.

So if you have the time and inclination, do both - go early and late.

3. Have a Plan

If you approach your flea market shopping with a plan, you’re less likely to spend money on impulse buys. For example, if you know you need a chair and you’re planning to find one to reupholster, then you’ll be less likely to leave with a kitchen table that needs re-sanding, especially if you don’t even own a sander!

4. Negotiate

Haggle, barter, or negotiate - whatever you want to call it, do it. Remember that with bargaining, the first person who says a price is usually at a disadvantage. First, ask the seller how much they were thinking of selling an item for, then go in with a price that’s about 25 to 50 percent lower than what you’re willing to pay.

When haggling, always be cordial, never overtly insult the item or the seller and try to play fair.

5. Be Ready to Repair

It’s unlikely that you’re going to find a pristine, unmarked piece of furniture for a great discount at flea market prices. Instead of holding out for that holy grail of furniture finds, look at items that may need just a little loving care to bring out their beauty. You’re more likely to find what you’re looking for and at a good price.

Basically, the keys to flea market success are knowing you’re not going to find perfection, being wiling to negotiate, planning ahead and timing your visits. With these 5 great tips, you’ll know exactly how to find furniture deals at the flea markets.

Originally posted 2008-11-01 09:49:24.

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