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Flea Market Etiquette 3 tips to follow for treasure-hunting happiness  Image courtesy istockphoto It may seem like a glorified rummage sale, but a flea market has its own class of conduct. Here's how to deal with the dealers, blend with the buyers and walk away with your prize, and your politeness, in tact. Artful negotiation Keep your conversations in the courteous zone, says Tom Delavan, decorating expert and former editor-at-large with "Domino" magazine. The art of the inquiry sets the tone for future negotiations. "Just ask what the best price is for the piece. Or if already marked, offer up a price anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent off the tagged amount." Buying in bulk gives you more leverage. "If you purchasing more than one item, ask for more off the total," says Delavan. Dealer-side chats? Wait your turn - interrupting the dealer during a conversation with another potential customer creates a major flea market faux pas. Beth Harlow, owner of the Chicago antique décor shop, The Painted Lady, suggest waiting until the previous transaction completely closes before stepping in. Hold, please Depending on the time of day, a dealer might put an item on hold. For Delavan though, "Don't expect a dealer to put a piece on hold for more than an hour. Asking for 20 minutes keeps your request within reason." And if you decide not to purchase, make sure to go back and let the dealer know so the item goes back on the market. "If you say you are going to buy a piece and ask to put it on hold, you should follow through on your word," says Delavan. Choose your words wisely when requesting a timeout for your timeless treasure. |
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