Here is the inside scoop (from a vendor's perspective) for shopping your next antique or craft fair this Fall.
I had such a blast at ZINC Vintage Market in Greenwood, Virginia last weekend! It was my first time attending as a vendor. Needless to say, I learned a lot. Here are my top 3 tips for shopping Antique and Craft markets.
Tip 1: Cash is King - shop with cash for your best deals. We all know there are fees associated with credit cards. Paying with cash at a Craft or Antique Market has two major benefits. First, it gives you more freedom to buy the things you really love. Some of my favorite market purchases (not to mention some of the best deals) have been in the $1-3 range. Imagine trying to charge $1.50 to your American Express! Because of credit card fees, some vendors set a minimum purchase (ex. $5) to pay with credit card. So if you really want that macrame plant hanger for $2, you had better have cash. The second major benefit of paying in cash is that you often get a better deal. I'm not a natural "haggler." Nonetheless, I do feel comfortable asking if the vendor will offer a discount for cash. (Very demure, very mindful haggling). At a favorite antique store in my hometown, you automatically earn 15% off your entire purchase when you pay in cash!
Tip 2: Shop early or shop late - There are two great benefits to shopping a Craft of Antique market early. First, you get the best selection. While vendors do sometimes keep a little stock back for later in the day, most of their favorite things make it out in the morning. The second benefit is amiability. Even if they are a little sleepy after a late night setup, most vendors shine during the morning market buzz (especially if there is a coffee vendor within the vicinity). You're more likely to have a genuine interaction over some fabulous knick-knack you both love. If you aren't a morning person, you can always shop late. And by late, I mean 1.5-2 hours before the end of the day. Food vendors like bakers often begin offering a discount on perishable items after lunch time. A few hours before the end of the market, other vendors start thinking about what they don't want to schlepp home, too. Which means just one thing. Discounts. Try to avoid arriving within the last 15-30 minutes of the scheduled end time since vendors will likely already be packing up.
Tip 3: Bring your own bag or box - Make shopping more comfortable by bringing your own bag, wagon, or basket. Before you head out, have something of an idea of what you might like to find at the market. For example, I often look for "smalls" or decorative items that have a lot of personality. I usually bring a good sized woven basket because it has a sturdy, thick bottom that protects delicate items much better than slippery plastic bags with octopus handles when transporting items home. If you like heavy or cumbersome pieces you might consider a "trolley" (very Grandma chic) or little wagon so you can pull your items along. Most vendors are happy to hold purchased pieces at their both until you are done shopping. Just have a good system in place that will help you remember where you left things. For example, I often take a photo of the booth so I have a better point of reference. Plus, if I'm on the fence about an item I can scroll back and see it again before making a decision. At larger events where you might be going through dozens of booths to track down a lead crystal coaster, photos are an absolute must.
So, get out there and get shopping! If you're in Virginia, we have a great lineup of Fall Festivals, Antique and Flea Markets, as well as Craft Fairs and Art Expos. Checkout them out at https://www.virginia.org/events/antique-shows-and-flea-markets/
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