With the Downtown Flea only a few days away, making its debut on July 28, 2013 in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles and reoccurring every 4th Sunday of the month, it is important to be skilled on the do’s and don’ts of flea market shopping. The Flea will be comprised of four parking-lots, containing hundreds of vendors and thousands of items to sift through, so attaining expert advice, tips, and techniques will assure that everyone is headed for success. Downtown Flea vendors will represent various fields of interest, including fine arts, collectables, antiques, home décor, and fashion. To cover these topics, professionals gave their insider perspective on how to prepare, navigate, bargain, and conquer the Downtown Flea like a vintage virtuoso.
Artist Tip #1: Embrace flaws: “The items at flea markets often have cracks and rust, which come with age and tell a story about the piece. While I strive for realism in my imagery, the surfaces I enjoy working on the most are rugged and worn. Many of my paintings are done on found/repurposed silk screens that have ghost-like images from the past that I then work on top of. These pentimenti can inspire the subject matter, and sometimes I find a connection between the old and new images/textures as or after the work is completed.”
Artist Tip #2: Go with an open mindset. “It is better to go for a new and unique shopping experience, to find inspiration and to explore the items and flea market “culture”, rather than having something really specific in mind that you are looking for. I like to walk around the entire area, without spending too much time in one spot, and jotting down the area/vendor/items that I’m interested in so I don’t forget. Taking an overview of the flea market also allows you to compare prices and even chose to do business with a vendor that is more knowledgeable than another or has an item more authentic than another.”
Artist Tip #3: Converse with interesting and eclectic vendors. “Flea market vendors often come from other countries and may import items from their native land. Chat with vendors, take an interest in their items, ask questions about where an item came from, the age of the item, etc. It’s a more personal shopping experience than going into a chain, retail store. Be warm and smile, this can pay off when you’re trying to score a deal!” Learn more about Hilary Wooton and view her work at http://www.hilarywootton.com/.
Antiques & Home Décor Tip #1: Feel Furniture. “Lightly run your fingertips across the top of the piece, a ridge or waviness will indicate that it is older and more valuable.”
Antiques & Home Décor Tip #2: Be technologically savvy. “Because of smart phones, you can look up the brands from labels or markings to gain a better knowledge of what the piece is worth. I also look up an artist’s name to see if he or she is listed.
Antiques & Home Décor Tip #3: Lateness and bargaining pays. “If you buy later in the day, you will have a chance of getting a better price. Also, be sure to have a lot of small bills on hand so you can bargain successfully. For example, you’ll want to be able to say “I don’t have that much on me” and give that exact amount. If they still don’t budge on the price, don’t be afraid to walk away- there are a lot of great finds in the flea.”
Antiques & Home Décor Tip #4: Think big picture. “Buy what you like and be sure you have the ability to transport it. Buy items that you’re personally fond of, even if you plan to resell the item, that way you won’t feel stuck with the item if you are unable to sell. If you buy a large object, it is important you have the means to get it home. Choose to drive the biggest car you own (or rent a moving van) and remember to measure!”
Antiques & Home Décor Tip #5: Buyers Beware. “Vendors don’t always know what they have, which can work in your favor or not. They may claim that an item is something that it’s not or be unaware of its value. But remember, all is fair in love and flea marketing.” Learn more about Leslie Westbrooke at http://www.lesliewestbrook.com/. You may also think about looking at pawn shops, there you can find amazing one of a kind treasures from throughout the ages and from different corners of the world, they have a vast range of items from the small to the large that may just look right for you and your home, pawning items happens a lot, meaning that if you can’t find something right away it’ll only be a matter of time until you do.
Fashion Tip #1: Go Early. “I cannot stress the importance of this one. Flea markets function on a first come, first served basis. If you go early, you have access to everything before others and get first dibs.”
Fashion Tip #2: Do your research. “If you are interested in a particular type of item, like vintage leather boots, for instance, do some online research so you know the ballpark price range in advance. Otherwise you might end up spending a fortune on something that was not worth it.”
Fashion Tip #3: Ask for 20-25% less. “Even if the price is marked, ask what the seller would like for the item. After they give you their price, no matter what, ask them if they would take it for 20-25% less. Any more of a discount, and you might be running the risk of offending them. For instance, if there is a vintage bracelet and the seller wants $100, offering the seller $80 for the item wouldn’t hurt. Most of the time, the sellers are willing to negotiate a price.”
Fashion Tip #4: Know what’s hot. “My most desired finds at flea markets: Vintage boots, silver turquoise jewelry, ethnic pendants or bangles, fringe kimonos or jackets, frayed denim shorts, vintage leather bags, scarves, and brimmed or floppy hats.”
Fashion Tip #5: Buy things in a condition which you’d wear them: “Buy items that semi-fit or don’t need much repair or alteration. Yes, these items are used, but if they are falling apart and need more care than you have time for, it’s better to spend your money on an item that you can use immediately.”
Fashion Tip #6: If you want something, get it. “This isn’t a department store – if you don’t buy something you really love at a flea market, chances are you won’t find it elsewhere because it’s vintage. Also, if you do end up miraculously finding it online because you searched for hours, you will probably end up paying way more than you would have bought it for in person at the flea.” Learn more about Naz Ramezani and her style tips at http://thelanative.com/.
About Downtown Flea
The Downtown Flea will feature hundreds of vintage dealers, talented designers and creative crafts people, guest DJs, an exclusive Scavenger Hunt (with prizes), and a private VIP ‘chill zone’. The Flea will take place within four parking lots located between 2nd and 4th and Main to Broadway. Admission cost is $5, which allows you access all four lots. Tickets may be purchased on location at the ticket booth or online at www.dtflea.com. VIP tickets are extra and feature executive restrooms, complimentary beverages and lounge seating. The Downtown Flea opens at 10a.m. and ends at 4p.m. Ample parking is available at Joe’s six story structure located between 2nd and 3rd on Spring Street. Follow Downtown Flea on Twitter @DTFlea and Facebook at www.facebook.com/downtownflea. Downtown Flea in the Historic Core, 246 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, telephone (323) 391-3378.