Flea Market Shopping Tips with Kelly from High Street Market

My go-to source for vintage decor is High Street Market. Kelly finds the best pieces--see below!--and right now she's having a huge sale. If you buy one item, you get a second item of equal or lesser value for half price! And just in case you're itching to hit the antiques scene yourself, Kelly's here to share her pro tips on how to get the most out of your flea market excursions!

1. Leave the house wearing comfy clothes and appropriate shoes! You might be walking on loose gravel (or worse, mud!) and you don't want to be wearing fancy sandals! 2. Bring some reusable canvas totes. The vendors at the flea market don't always have plastic bags to package your goods. I like to bring extra bags so I know that everything will be safe, and I will be comfortable carrying everything around. If you really want to go the extra mile, bring a section of the newspaper for safe wrapping.

3. Make sure you have ample storage space in your vehicle (and maybe a blanket or two)! You might come home with two small bags, and you might come home with two chairs! Leave room! 4. When you get to the flea market, remember where you parked! You might need to make a couple of trips to the car if you buy a large item!

5. Bring plenty of cash! I always bring more than I think I will need (just in case you spot that treasured piece you can't go home without! You don't want to be left with an empty wallet!). Then, separate your cash into different pockets, or sections in your wallet. This helps me stay on track with my spending and also serves as a valuable negotiating tactic! Keep most of your money hidden!

6. Be polite to vendors. Say hello and smile. You'd be surprised how far common courtesy will get you. 7. If you spot something that you are interested in, don't act like you've struck gold! Calmly ask for a price. If you seem overly interested or too excited, vendors may think that they can get more money for the piece!

8. When negotiating: don't insult the vendor! A good rule of thumb is to offer about twenty five to thirty percent lower than the asking price. You may need to meet somewhere in the middle.

9. If you see that one item that you have to have (you might even trade your husband for it!), pick it up! You are touching it, it's yours until you can make a deal (but still remain calm). If you leave it sitting there while inquiring about a price, some other lucky person may snatch it up!

Thanks to Kelly for the inside scoop! Be sure to check out the High Street Market sale, and also pop by Kelly's charming blog. Happy Monday!

Comments

[Kotori]

All great tips - I'm off to check out her shop now. How cute are those owls? Seriously.

[el3phant]

Such great tips! And, thanks so much for the heads-up about the sale! =D

[shilvia]

awesome tips!!! even better goodies :)

[Shell Sherree]

How flukey- I was just looking at Kelly's store earlier today. Lovely, and very handy tips. Thanks, Anne and Kelly!

[Kelly Galvin Robson]

Thanks, Anne!!!

xoxo
Kelly
High Street Market

[blair]

Oh, my goodness! I just have those owls--adorable! Can't wait to check out the rest of her items. Hope you had a great weekend Anne! x

[miss aimee]

those pillow with the blue trim are AMAZING!!!!!! Oh I want those same pillows!

[Chic Coles]

Great tips! Thanks. Those owls are fun (I am in a sorority and owls are our "animal symbol") and I would love to have that zebra ottoman!

[tanya]

great tips!! Those owls and that ottoman are to die for :-)

[Kristin @ Contented Me]

Thanks for the great tips!
I love those embroidered pillow shams -- so lovely!

[joanna goddard]

great tips! she has such great taste. xo

[simply hue]

What a great idea for a post! I haven't been to a flea market in a long time. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Heidi]

I love those exquisitely detailed pillow cases.

[Rachel (Heart of Light)]

I always love getting flea market tips from experts! I'll have to put these to use.

[PS~Erin]

I just went flea marketing this past weekend. LOVE IT!

[erin]

such good advice! thank you, both!

[Melanie]

Great tips!

Im loving those pillowcases! I want some.

[Paula Grace]

I just missed the Washington, DC flea market because I was out of town. I really wanted to go. No matter, I'll save this advice for the next one. Thanks!

[Susan]

wow, great items! I love the pillows and the owls :)
happy Tuesday, xoxo

[please sir]

Great advice and I agree...also get there EARLY! The early worm really does score the best vintage find.

[Joan]

Fabulous post! Thank you both!
One other hint. . . let your fingers do the walking when it comes to glassware. Instead of looking for tiny chips, carefully run your finger over the rim, and inside the rim as well. You'll be amazed how often you'll discover a small chip that you missed. Sometimes we don't mind a chip; but if we do, it's better to discover it while we're at the seller's table!
And going early and shopping by flashlight can be thrilling. Just be very cautious to check things even more carefully than you would in daylight. It's easy to miss features that would cause you to pass something by in good lighting.
Most of all, have fun!

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