top ten flea market tips

Quick. Tell me if you can guess: What do all these photos have in common?

Hint: It rhymes with Gee Carpet. 

Yep you guessed it. These fun vintage items were sourced at the flea market. And I didn’t even post all my little finds here! My favorite part is that they all come with a story. And if you’re looking for interesting pieces and layers to your home, I think it’s important to remember to have fun and go treasure hunting every now and again. I mean, you never know when a boring dinner party can take a turn because someone asks you about the nakey pic you purchased at the local flea market…duh. Jamin and I visited the Nashville Flea Market again on Friday, and it’s our very favorite day date kinda thing to do together. So I was inspired to share my top ten flea market tips!

A little common sense… a little superstition… what could go wrong? Not buying this nakey pic with creepy guy. That’s what.

1. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Do Your Research –

Based on where it is and what there is to do, look up the flea market you plan to attend, and know what you’re in for. Look up parking. Search for their facebook page with hashtags and more, along with vendors. If you always visit the same flea market, take a different path each time. You never know what you’ll notice when you walk a different way. Some of my best finds have popped up, by simply looking up. Note where your fave vendors are, and what you might want to see. Have a plan and it helps!

2. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Dress Comfy –

And in layers, too. Be ready to walk. It helps to be ready with comfortable shoes and a sweatshirt you can peel off when it gets too hot. Watch the weather and plan accordingly. Instaworthy pics are totally tempting, but you’re never sad with good shoes, and a plan. 

Psssttt… these promptly came home with me. 

3. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Bring Something to Shop With –

Yes, you read that right. Someone, can help too. But something is super amazing. It’s kind of annoying to buy an item and have to come back for it later, especially if parking is crazy. Though most vendors are understanding, if you need to. Take a cart and walk around. We have a fabric wagon with off-road wheels that I keep forgetting to bring. The irony. But it helps to carry the bulky items like books and larger things. 

4. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Be Prepared!

{Sing it in your best Scar from the Lion King voice.}

Pack a bag with hand sanitizer, waters, and more… or at the very least, know where the food trucks and restrooms will be. {See: planning, above} Sunscreen, y’all. And bring cash. Most booth owners don’t have electronic ways to save their moolah, so the way to go is cash. They’re also more willing to give you a discount, if so. It helps to be prepared.  

You basically never know when you’ll need an old bomb. Or shell. Or whatever this is. Which brings me to…

5. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Keep an Open Mind.

And a sense of humor.

Some of my best treasures have come to life with a touch of paint in a new location. You never know what you’ll find. I spied half a casket last week, and the guy blatantly told me, “You never know when someone will have a project.” He’s right. He also made a joke about dead bodies and cemeteries and I was equal parts amused and curious as to how he actually came across half a casket… Cue me, chuckling quietly to myself as I sauntered away, still wondering. He never gave me a straight answer. 

Also, I would turn it into a coffee table. 

6. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Don’t be Afraid to Ask for a Discount – But Know Thy Audience.

Repeat after me: “I will not insult the local artist. This is not Burger King. I can not have it my way.”

I think that common sense should reign here. For instance, don’t ask an artist for a discount on something when it’s not warranted. If someone created it with their own hands, it’s probably a little insulting to ask for a deal. On the other hand, if it’s outrageous, the worst they can do is say no. I just think we can get caught up in the excitement sometimes and as an designer, I feel this for the creator. So use a little common sense and go with your instincts. I just think the artist bit is worth mentioning here. 

When vintage items are concerned, be ready with your google machine if you’re not sure what something should cost. I walked away from some beads just last week because they were broken, and his offered discount wasn’t much. Then I found some on Etsy, and they were HALF the price. No regrets. 

7. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Be Chatty With the Vendors. 

And keep your ears open.You never know what you’ll find out about someone else’s booth… or life. We’ve met so many kind people and we love hearing about what they do. Ps. They’re also more willing to cut you a deal if you pay attention and are kind. But for the most part, just sit back and listen. I was quite entertained the other day, when one woman proclaimed to another woman, how good her barbecued ribs are. Apparently there’s like this whole flea market after-party subculture, where everyone knows everyone. And if you’re anyone, then you’ve DEFINITELY had Kathy’s ribs. True story. My day would have been incomplete without her side convo whilst perusing the micro mosaic brooches.

Which leads me to…

8. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Don’t Be in a Rush.

Part of the experience of looking, is taking your time and enjoying the thrill of the hunt. Truly. Be prepared to spend a few hours there, at least before hitting Barre Taco for a late lunch + a side of margs.

It’s worth it. 

9. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: If an Item Speaks to You, Buy It. 

We all have stories of the ones that got away. And maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. But if you love it, buy it. {Being mindful of your budget, of course.} Pay attention to those Spidey senses. It may not be there when you get back. I have zero regrets on purchasing the stained glass for our home that we have now adored for years. And I have zero regrets on walking away from a red rotary telephone we thought our daughter might want and then promptly circling back around after texting her, to purchase it. We’re designing her room you guys. This is a BIG DEAL. We were triumphant. Except now she’s asking for a phone line, smart phones be darned. 

{Immediately no. Immediately no.}

10. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Don’t Take a List. 

Fun fact: I’m actually superstitious about the flea market. I have hard and fast rules. Because it’s my very favorite thing to do, I believe that it’s like a wild {slightly bedazzled with feathers in it’s cap} pony and will be easily spooked if I spoil it in any way. Kind of like fight club, don’t talk about fight club. Or something will come up, and it won’t happen. And don’t go with a specific list, or you won’t find it. Some of my best finds have been right out of the blue. TRUST ME. 

Now, contrary to my superstition, most people would say do take a list. 

They’re wrong.

The end.

Unless you’re there for something specific, like flowers… don’t do it. It messes with the intergalactic flea market juju. Or something. 

I’m creating a project with my daughter right now, and I am looking for brooches. Guess what I didn’t find last week? Guess what I would have found if I didn’t jinx it and put it on my list? Then I’ve literally uttered a word on a whim, rounded the corner, and summoned it before my eyes. That’s how it works. Don’t question the system.

These are my top ten flea market tips! What are some of your faves? We’d absolutely love to hear. 

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For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Nashville Flea Market, {check out my last post here} It’s open at the Nashville fair grounds on the third weekend of every month. {Except December} They were hit hard by Covid and are currently making a comeback… and it’s my favorite place to go. Let’s rally and support these small businesses, no matter where you live. Be sure to check out your local flea markets!

Have an inspired day!