It’s a common question: Where do flea market vendors buy their goods? Vendors have their secret spots, but many will point you in a general direction. And often they’re looking for items to sell in the same places you’re looking to buy. But collecting antiques and vintage goods for stock requires a slightly different mindset. Everyone wants to make a deal. Especially for sellers, the better the deal, the better the return.
So to answer the question of where flea market sellers buy their goods, here’s a list of sources and some tips on buying antiques for resale:
Flea markets
Vintage enthusiasts are well versed in flea markets, which include brocante, vide grenier and braderies. While it is essential to visit the top-tier flea markets, lesser-known markets are also great places to shop. Finding the perfect vintage and antique item for resale requires patience at any size flea market. But do venture off the beaten track. Unique discoveries are likely to await. While every stallholder has sellable staples, spice up your stall with unique treasures.
It may take some digging, but broaden your search to include a variety of events. Both professional vendors and private individuals will part with rare gems from their private collections. Last but not least, remember that haggling is one of the many ways to get a great bargain at the flea market.
Estate sales
Speaking of private collections, estate sales or house clearances are common sources of flea market items. There are many advantages to shopping at estate sales. Prices are usually reasonable and items can be in great condition, especially if they haven’t moved much. In addition, homeowners and even estate sale organisers may have stories to tell about particular items. Knowing the history can add to the resale value. Save yourself the time and hassle of driving around by doing some research. For example, there are dedicated websites that compile estate sale listings by location.
Antique fairs and flea market extravaganzas
Mega flea markets such as the Grande Braderie de Lille, Riesenflohmarkt München or Texas Antique Weekend only take place once or twice a year. As a result, they can offer additional benefits over and above regular flea markets. These annual extravaganzas attract thousands of vendors – and ten times as many visitors. Vendors anticipate the crowds. So they pack their stalls full of vintage collectibles.
Another attraction for potential customers is that many vendors offer discounts during these special events. It may seem like a contradiction, but lower prices can actually increase sales. In the US, Highway Yard Sales are another kind of antiques marathon, spanning hundreds of miles across several states and offering an incredible range of deals.
Thrift stores
Anything goes at thrift and consignment shops. You can find everything from high-end antiques to valuable vintage and funky whatnots. Thrift stores are a great source of vintage clothing. But you can also find other sought-after items such as vinyl, retro lamps, vintage wall clocks and upholstered furniture. Make friends with the managers of your local second-hand shops. They can tell you when new stock arrives. Negotiating prices isn’t guaranteed, but you’ll get first dibs on the selection.
Classifieds
Check the classifieds. Many people are looking to downsize. There’s a lot of accumulated stuff for sale. But it’s also possible to find antique and vintage goods in the classifieds. The asking price is often just a starting point. Sellers may not have enough items to hold a garage sale, but they’re still eager for someone to take what they don’t want. Furniture and knick-knacks can be a bit of a hassle for some, but savvy shoppers know a great flea item when they see one.
Live auctions
There’s a misconception that auctions are only for the big spenders. Sure, there are elite auction houses that deal in big-ticket items. But for the most part, auctions are a place to get a great bargain. There’s always room for a higher bid before the hammer falls. But the buyers are often sellers themselves. So there’s usually a common interest in keeping bids low.
When bidding, remember to include the buyer’s premium, or the percentage added to the purchase price. Stay informed by signing up for auction preview notifications and future sale dates.
Online shops and online auctions
Be thrifty from home. Shop online for vintage clothing, glassware and home decor. Ruby Lane is a great place to find jewellery and collectibles. You can also bid on live auctions from your computer or phone. Many sellers list live auctions on Facebook, which is also an active forum for buyers.
Although face-to-face transactions allow for closer inspection, there are guides to help you click with confidence online. Tips for buying flea market items online include examining photos, reading condition descriptions, and checking seller ratings and reviews.