We're excited that it's Alameda Flea Market weekend. It just doesn't come around often enough for us. What? You've never been? Well, we've put together a few tips for you...
Preparation:
• Dress in layers
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Don't bring your dog -- it will have to stay in your car, and it will get too hot (Yes, really. Even if you think you're just going to run in and run out... no one runs in and runs out. We're talking 750+ booths)
Bring with you:
• A list of what you're looking for -- including dimensions
• A measuring tape
• Cash -- small bills
• Sunblock (and a hat, if you're a hat person)
• A sweater/jacket
• A bottle of water
• A snack like raisins, a protein bar, string cheese
• A notepad and pen
• Some people bring wheeled carts (which we find awkward and always in our way -- but we're usually only buying a couple of little things)
When you're there:
• Some people swear it's best to start at the back and move forward -- the booths in the rear aren't professional dealers, and often prices are cheaper (we don't do this because we've never found anything in the back)
• Some people swear that it's best to show up as early as possible (we're no longer early morning people, and we don't want to pay the higher entrance fee)
• If you're purchasing something large and/or unwieldy, pay for it and then leave it at the booth. Don't forget to write down the booth number, and don't forget to pick it up on your way out (speaking from experience, those wool blankets may not seem heavy, but they will be after you lug 'em around for a couple of hours)
• Generally, if you set something down after looking at it, it's fair game for another shopper
• Bargaining is acceptable
• Dealers will usually give you a lower price if you buy more than one item from them
• If you're unsure about an item, write down the booth number and go back for it -- but don't count on it still being there
Related Posts:
• Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire
• Come Early - Antiques Faire is a Buyers' Market (SF Chronicle: 03.19.08)
• Design Board: 40s Finds at the Flea Market
Top image: Diane S. - Yelp
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Those are great tips. Unfortunately none of the flea markets around where I used to live where that great and now I'm pretty suspicious about wasting my time. I wish that I had a really cool flea market or thrift store around me but what I probably need to focus on is finding the patience to the hidden treasures in what I do have :)
i want that daybed in the background of the first pic! kudos to anyone brave enough to do this. my favorite flea market is the dinky-in-comparison one at fairfax and melrose on sundays.
There are a lot of flea markets near me, but many are smaller, 1/3 are new cheap products, 1/3 want to be antique dealers selling so-so or nice products for hundreds or thousands of dollars (out in a grassy field), and 1/3 are people selling nice things at reasonable prices. The trick is to find out which flea markets are worth stopping at. I skip the ones I know are 50/50, new/high prices and frequently visit the flea markets and stores that have cool stuff at reasonable prices.
I know that antique furniture can be worth thousands, but why try to sell it in the rain on the dewy grass, instead of a nice store. I have also seen dealers selling new cement flower pots from chain stores as antiques for triple the new price they paid for it yesterday.
These are good tips however.
We love the Alameda Antiques Faire! Last month we saw David Bromstad from HGTV's Color Splash. He was so nice when I stopped him to say hello!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/19/HOU7VGKS6.DTL&hw=alameda flea market&sn=002&sc=450
Hey, I work with Kent KB. Cool to see a photo of his here!
In reference to tip #2, it IS better to come early (6/6:30am) if you want to save time, not be in the sun for longer than needed, and get have the most to choose from. Yes, it's $15 to enter that early in the morning, but come 10am, the line to buy tickets to enter is horrendously long (we're talking weaving all the way through the parking lot), and the sun is beating down on you while you wait. So honestly, if you're really serious about having the best flea market experience possible, wake up at early, get yourself a cup of strong coffee, and get there by 6:30. Then, you'll be ready to head home by 11am and you can nap the rest of the day :)