In Praise of Flea Markets
I like flea markets– I like finding deals– I even like bargaining. If you know what you want they can be great, if you don’t they’re just a massive money sink.
We’re lucky, there are a couple of flea markets not too far away, and it’s great to throw everyone in the Jeep, put the top down and head out for the afternoon. It’s great because it’s something we can all do as a family, and so long as we watch what we’re doing it doesn’t turn out too expensive.
One display we always check out is the one with dollar bins of everything from tools to toys. What I really like are the batteries. The closest market sells 60-packs of AA batteries for $4. That’s right, 60-packs. If you think these batteries don’t compete with Duracell or Energizer, you’d be right– they aren’t even alkaline.
So, what are they good for? Remotes.
These batteries are perfect for TV remotes and anything else with a similar usage pattrn. All they really have to do is hold a charge, they don’t really draw a lot of power. They don’t last very long in game controllers: the Xbox360 controllers will drain a set in a week or less (much less if the recent graduate decides to hold a marathon gaming session).
Still, so long as you pay attention to usage patterns, these batteries are a great deal.
You can get great deals on socks there too: and yes these are new socks still in the plastic.
Having said that, there are definitely things to watch out for when you’re cruising a flea market – and not just the water. Some vendors really don’t know the value of what they’re selling (or don’t think you do) and mark things up the moment you show any interest.
I’ve seen people ask $25 for a simple wooden box that I thought was only worth $5, so you do need to be careful. A lot has to do with the so-called “Collector’s Mentality.” If someone thinks you’re buying something because you have to have it to fill out a collection they’re going to try to get as much as they can. It’s only human nature.
That’s one reason why I tend to focus on basic consumables like batteries and printer paper. I know what it costs and can make a judgment about whether I’m getting a good deal or not. Sure, I may not always come back with that great one-of-a-kind item that someone else found at the flea market– but I’m happy with a year’s supply of printer paper for the price of a single pack at an office-supply store.
Still, sometimes it is fun to bargain.
I remember one time I found a box of comic books– probably about forty or fifty of them– that I found at one flea market. It was a random collection, but I figured they would be worth getting so long as they were cheap, so I offered $15 for the box. Before they had a chance to answer, my girlfriend’s son piped up saying we could probably go a bit higher. Luckily, the person didn’t hear him (they had gone into a tent to check with the owner) and I was able to get the collection for $15.
Even so, it was a perfect example of how not to bargain. Never raise your offer before the seller has had a chance to respond.
Anyway, that’s all I have for this week.
As always, feel free to use the comments below.
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