Flea markets tend to provide a very interesting shopping experience especially for someone who enjoys thrifting. While it may be quite different to the classic shopping experience we’re accustomed to at malls or department stores, you can still have a good time and you’re sure to find a few gems that you’ll love. However, we should point out that different rules apply when shopping at a flea market if you want to get the most out of your experience. Below are some tips to help anyone shopping at the flea markets in Dallas for the first time.

Dress Down

Your dressing says a lot about you so it is important to get the dressing part right when going to a flea market. Avoid flashy clothing or anything that may suggest or give the impression that you’re loaded with cash. This includes branded t-shirts, sneakers, or even jewelry. Haggling is a significant part of flea market shopping and sellers could easily judge you based on what you’re wearing. The more unfashionable or off-brand you are, the better position you are in when bargaining.

Carry Loose Cash

Not many flea market sellers accept cashless methods of payment such as Cash App, Venmo or credit cards so it is important to have cash with you. Carry a reasonable amount that you plan on spending plus a little extra to cover those amazing finds that you hadn’t budgeted for, but you simply can’t leave (you’re guaranteed to find a few of those). Also, make sure to carry small bills as most vendors rarely have change and it would take a lot of time if for example one has to start looking for change for a $100 bill.

Bring Along Company

You might want to have someone with you during your flea market explorations. Make it someone you’re close with who understands you and is capable of having a good time with. Remember that shopping in a flea market in Dallas should be a fun experience and you ought to make the most out of it. Other than helping you have a good time; your companion could also be of help in those moments when you’re undecided on a particular item. Just make sure you bring someone whose taste and judgement you trust.

Arrive Early

The saying early bird catches the worm couldn’t be more fitting than in this scenario. To get the best items, make sure you arrive as early as possible. It would help if you got in around the same time the vendors are starting to open up. However, this is like a double-edged sword as prices are usually high at the time and reduce as the day comes to a close with vendors trying to offload as much inventory as possible. So, it is up to you to decide whether you’d rather risk missing out on rare items or get good deals which is also not guaranteed as some vendors run out of inventory early on. 

Now that you know all this, you’re ready to rock up to that flea market and find some good deals.

Edward Bertrand