Lara Croft's Haggling Hints: Flea Market Scores on a Dime

This weekend's flea market hunting outfit was inspired by Tomb Raider's luscious Lara Croft, she's a professional badass and the ultimate antique hunter! It's like the costume was good luck, I scored a huge haul and kept finding Lara Croft-like accessories!

Summoning a Lara Croft approach, I haggled and came home with a great haul of vintage goodies for the best prices. Actually, I always do, silly "costume" or not. Here are my top Haggling Hints that will help you get the Lowest Prices at the Flea Market, too!

1. Have Change and Organize it Wisely

Bring plenty of cash because you never know if you'll have a block buster weekend, you could run out of funds before you know it! Keep ones and quarters accessible (perhaps in your pocket, front pocket of your purse, or in a fanny/side pack) and keep fives and bigger bills in your wallet or in another pocket. It's tricky to haggle when you pull out your cash and the vendor sees you have a wad of twenties!

2. Never Pay The Asking Price and Befriend Your Vendors...

 These two vendors are the SWEETEST! They had so much positive energy.

If you don't think the asking price is fair, don't pay it. Ask if they'll take a lower price. This is easier when you befriend your vendors. My favorite vendors give me free or discounted merchandise all the time, it's fun to give merchandise to people you make heart-to-heart connections with; I do it all the time!

3. ...Yet Don't Complain About the Price!

I don't like it when people complain about my "high prices" to me, you wouldn't like it if someone did that to you, so don't do it to the flea market vendors. You never know if what they're selling is a priceless family heirloom that's close to their hearts. There's no universal set of ethics for pricing and you don't have to pay their price. Just move on the next find. 

4. Don't Be THAT GUY....A Dick!

And remember, don't  be a dick! It's hard not to be a dick when you see a price you think is obscene at the flea market. Don't exclaim things like, "No way I'm paying $50 for that junk!" and be polite when your lower offer is refused. Walk out of earshot, THEN turn your friend and dish about the high prices, if you must ;)

5. SMILE! Have fun and make it a game

I love to laugh at the flea market. I also LOVE rabbits!

Haggling is fun. The vendors love the thrill of it as much as you do. Engage them, and have fun. When you're having fun you'll find the best vintage treasures and receive the best deals in return as a reward for your positive attitude. 

Now Get Thee to a Flea Market, Fellow Thrifty Tomb Raiders!
What are your favorite Flea Market Haggling Hints? Dish!

Also see: Top 5 Flea Market Shopping Tips for Florida and Beyond 

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Top 5 Flea Market Shopping Tips For Florida and Beyond

I've taken my vintage hunt beyond the comfort of air conditioned thrift stores to the Hot-as-Hades heat of Florida flea markets and hole-in-the wall thrifts this summer. Many others are staying inside the avoid the heat stroke. That's fine, that means more goodies for us! 

If you're brave enough to risk the elements, you'll be rewarded with vintage treasures. Here are some tips for vintage hunting at the flea market!

1. Market Carts Come in Handy 

If you're lucky you'll find so many vintage goodies for cheap that you'll need a flea market cart. You won't be able to juggle all those finds in your arms, trust me.

Don't be a fool like me, line those carts. I lost a couple of items last week (2 Demeter perfumes, bargained and got 'em for free, but still!) because they fell out of a bag and the cart had no liner.

2. Cash and Change, You'll Need It

Break out the fanny packs, change purses, and wrislets, you want your cash accessible so you can pay quickly and easily, then move on to more vintage finds. Keep plenty of small bills quarters, nickels, and dimes on hand. Isn't it nice to buy things for nickels and dimes again? Good times...

3. Haggle, It's the Name of the Game

I rarely pay the asking price. Always ask for deals and discounts. Don't be shy, they'll just say "no," if it's no-deal and you just move on to the next score or swallow their price. Don't worry, they almost always say "yes!" They want the sale!

4. Pack Sturdy Boxes, Newspaper, Water, Hand Sanitizer, and Handkerchiefs...

Sturdy boxes and newspaper in your cars to keep your finds safe on the ride home. Water to keep yourself hydrated outside in the heat, hand sanitizer and handkerchiefs 'cause you're going to get sweaty and dirty. (You're not hunting right if you don't get dirty.) If you're hitting multiple fleas, you might want to pack snacks or a lunch, too.

5. Wear Something Comfortable for the Hunt

Dress appropriately for the weather since you're outdoors. Dress in layers in the cooler months, dress in thin clothes in the summer. Wear things you won't mind getting dirty and don't forget sunblock, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the brutal sun.

Bring your camera, bring your friends, and have fun! The flea market is full of unique items (Hello Golden Vagina!) to amuse you, like a wunderkammer outdoor museum of awesome. Just make sure to only bring willing victims with you. Other vintage-nuts will hunt with the same rapture you do and make the trip funner!

What are your flea market hunting tips?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.