Vintage Pro: Flea Market Edition

How to Master the Art of the Flea Market

Next week marks the start of The Brimfield Antique Flea Markets in Massachusetts, a tri-annual event that’s one of the largest flea events in the country. I’m excited to be attending for the very first time! I’m a Brimfield newbie, but luckily I’m going armed with a lifetime of flea market experience under my belt. I’ve been exploring markets around the world with my mom since I was a little kid, and I’ve vended at fleas throughout NYC for several years. Shopping a flea is very different than any other kind of shopping, and you’ll have the most fun and leave with the best scores if you show up prepared.

A trio of homemade clown dolls, an all-time top flea find shared with my best friend.

So firstly… what makes a flea market a flea market?

Generally, a flea market is any (mostly) outdoor gathering of vendors selling primarily secondhand goods. The term “flea” is pretty widely used to describe a variety of markets, and I find that they generally fall into two distinct categories: curated fleas and traditional fleas. 

Curated fleas are most often in urban areas, utilizing city spaces such as paved lots and public parks. The prices at a curated flea will generally be higher. These markets are made up primarily of vendors with stylized merchandise and branding. The pieces sold at curated fleas are mostly hanging, folded, or displayed, and are more likely to be in ready to wear condition. Vendors and/or the market itself often have full length mirrors, fitting rooms, and tents or other coverings. The vendor fees are typically much higher than at a traditional flea, and there are more rules and restrictions regarding display and merchandise. The curated flea markets I’ve sold at only accept select vendors that meet specific criteria, and have requirements like table coverings and branded hang tags. You still get the magic of the hunt, but with less dirt and less digging.

Part of my booth at the Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO, a popular curated flea in NYC.

Traditional fleas are usually larger and found in more rural areas, most often taking place in big fields or lots. Outside of America, large traditional fleas are commonly in more urban locations. The prices at a traditional flea will generally be lower. Most of the vendors will not have visible branding or highly stylized merchandising. The items being sold are typically on the ground (often on tarps or blankets), piled in bins, spread out on tables, or displayed on shelves or crates. Some dealers have clothing racks. The vendor fees tend to be much lower, and there are usually fewer rules and restrictions in terms of how your booth looks or what you’re selling. The vibe is generally much more informal and random - vendors will be offering everything from baseball cards to cowboy boots to extension cords. Many things sold at traditional fleas are offered as is, which means you’re more likely to find items that are in need of cleaning, mending, and other repairs.

The guide below will give you everything you need to know to have the best day ever at a traditional flea! Most of this advice can be applied to curated flea markets as well, though they’re usually less intense. They tend to be much smaller and more stylized, so you don’t need as much prep and know-how to find something good. From here on out, assume that I’m referring to traditional flea markets. Let’s get into it!