To haggle or not to haggle
If you have been shopping at a flea market you'll know that people are looking for deals and haggling is a major part in that. Now, you wouldn't go to a grocery store and haggle over the price of an orange with the clerk, but you certainly would at a garage sale, flea market, or other "used item" venue. Generally speaking, people are happy to work with you in order to get a sale. My #1 philosophy when out shopping is to just ask. It never hurts to ask. And if you're afraid of offending someone, don't be. If you ask politely and are coming from a place of earnestness, you'll be fine. The worst they can say is no. So how do you start that conversation...?
What's your best price?
I find that the best way to approach someone about an item you are interested in is to ask, "What's your best price?" or something along those lines. You'll develop your own style after some practice, and it won't seem so intimidating. I usually ask, "Can you do any better one this?" It opens the door for conversation and lets the seller know you like their stuff and are interested.
Have a price in mind
Whenever you approach a booth and see something you like, the first thing you should ask yourself is, "How much am I willing to pay for this item?". If you have a price in mind, it makes the "ask and haggle" less stressful and easier. If you know you want to pay, at maximum, $20 and they are coming in at $75, you will have to either politely pass on the item, attempt to haggle without offending them, or accept that, if you really want the item, you will have to adjust your expectations. Also, don't be afraid to take a step back, take a moment, and think. Think about what you really want to pay, what they're offering, and if you will be happy at the end of the deal.
Something to also keep in mind is that they buy items and mark them up before they get to you. So they have to make money as well. Usually the mark-up is 2-3x or more. Thinking again about that $75 item you want for $20, they probably paid $20 for it. Make sense? And that leads me to my next point...
Know what something is worth
When shopping at flea markets and garage sales, it is easier than ever to look up items online and know what they are selling for. Sellers know this as well. They are going to try to get market price for valuable or trendy items. They may have purchased an item at $10, but after internet and market research, they know they can get $100 for it. So in that case, the mark-up "rule" goes out the window. Doing a quick search on an item can also let you know if they are asking too much for, below, or at what the item is worth. That gives you a jumping off point. However, and I can't stress this enough, it is very disrespectful to suggest to the seller that their price is unfair based on internet research or what others in the same venue are selling theirs for. Just don't do it. If you don't want to pay what they are asking and you don't think there is middle ground to be reached, politely thank them and move on.
Bundling
Another fun aspect of haggling is the "bundle". The bundle is my best friend. If you find a seller that you really like, and you want to buy more than one thing of theirs, try bundling! Ask for prices on a few of the bigger ticket items you want and keep those numbers in the back of your head. Keep shopping and make a little pile of all the things you intend to purchase. Then when you go to "check out", have your items ready and ask them if they can do any better if you buy all the items in your pile. Usually, I'd say 9/10, people will, and want to, work with you. Their end goal is to sell as much as possible because at the end of the day, they don't want to pack up all their merch again. That transitions to...
Best times to shop
It depends on if you're looking for bargains, or you want the freshest and best merchandise at your disposal. If you go early morning at opening, you're going to find the most exciting and unique items. Set your alarm; it's worth it. However, on the flip side, if you go later in the day, closer to the end of the event, you can find some amazing deals! Sellers don't want to pack up everything and go home. In a perfect world (which never happens), they want to sell out. Therefore, at the end of the day they are more motivated to make deals. But once again, be polite and not pushy when asking for a bargain. A lot of the vendors host markets several times a month, and don't mind trying to sell an items again at a different venue.
Build a rapport
If you are a serial flea market shopper, get to know your favorite vendors. They often make the local circuit and do many events a month. Ask them if they are on social media so you can follow them and see all the new items they may be bringing in. Often they sell online too and/or will sell something to you privately (especially if you're local). Vendors love to meet their customers and value their feedback and engagement. Genuine relationships built on respect and trust can go a long way. They will often reach out to you if they find something they think you'll like, or they will keep an eye out for things you've shown interest in. Who knows where the road will lead?
Cash is king
One thing to always remember when attending flea markets is to bring CASH. Cash is king. I know apps like Square are becoming more common, but cash will always get ya there! Small bills are a must (have lots of $1s, $5s, and $10s at the ready). Vendors appreciate the smaller change and often, especially if you go early to markets, they won't have change for $50s or $100s yet. It puts them in a compromising situation because they want the sale, but they also don't want to wipe out their change reserves.
Ps and Qs
Being a seller isn't easy. Customer service is a tiring profession with one goal in mind: make the customer happy. That's a lot of work both mentally and physically. Sellers at markets have to "be on" the whole time. That includes standing on concrete 8+ hours, making deals, moving items (sometimes huge pieces of furniture), using math (we all struggle), making deals, all while maintaining a smile and cheery disposition. So being kind and courteous goes a long way as a customer. I've been on both ends and I know how hard sellers work to keep customers happy. Even if you aren't buying and just walking by a booth and a vendor says "hello" or "good morning", don't ignore them. Smile and say "hello" back and keep moving. They're not all trying to sell you on their goods, most genuinely want to be there and talk with you. Kindness goes a long way and sellers will be much more willing to work with you if you're polite.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me below in the "Comments" section, or reach out to me on Instagram @m.jaehomeco
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