Flea market tips: Clever buying & selling

The best way to quickly and easily turndiscarded items back into money or, conversely, to pick up a new favorite item at a very reasonable price is at a flea market. They take place almost every weekend and usually attract numerous bargain hunters. If you want to sell things you no longer need, you can get even more out of your "treasures" with these tips from Lea editor Maren Albertsen.

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via Sabrina
05/25/2018, 13:08
Zwei Frauen mittleren Alters an hinter einem Stand mit Bilderrahmen, Lampen etc.© iStock
Finding new owners for old junk is even more fun in pairs.

What kind of things usually sell very well?

"At general flea markets, for example, tools, vinyl records, decorative items and old silver cutlery. It's better not to take bulky furniture - unless you're selling at an antique flea market. Always consider the current season for clothing. There are usually special markets for baby and children's clothes. A rummage box with colorful odds and ends magically attracts many people."

Stall rent - what prices are reasonable?

"The rent is usually between 5 and 15 euros per meter, anything more would be overpriced. To save money, try out at home how you can present your goods in the most space-saving way. Also consider in advance whether you can sell enough to go home with a profit in the end."

What time of day do I earn the most?

"In the early hours of the morning, because that's when the dealers come. The rule here is: don't sell immediately, but wait a bit. At peak times, it's all the more important to present the goods in an appealing way."

What is the best way to place my junk?

"Always arrange them by category so that the buyer can find their way around. Hang clothes on a clothes rack, otherwise everything will quickly get rumpled. A good, plain-colored tablecloth makes the goods look more upmarket. And: put an eye-catcher on the table, it can also be something funny. This will definitely attract attention. Smile at prospective customers and strike up a conversation to actively attract customers.

Tip to prevent theft: separate pairs such as shoes and earrings and only display one at a time. Unfortunately, things are often stolen at flea markets."

How can I calculate the prices correctly?

"Find out in advance on the internet what certain items are worth, for example at online auctions. Then look around other stalls at the flea market and check the prices there. When haggling, always quote double the amount you want first."

How do I get good bargains as a buyer?

"Never show your true interest in an item straight away, otherwise the price will go up. Compliment the seller on the pretty things and ask for the item you want in passing. Smile and haggle confidently at the same time: For amounts under 20 euros, hold out for a third of the price; for higher amounts, a discount of around 10 to 15 percent is possible."

Berlin: Flea market, Straße des 17. Juni. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm.

Hamburg: Flohschanze, Alte Rinderschlachthalle. Saturdays, 8 am to 4 pm.

Munich: Olympiapark. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 am to 4 pm.

Hanover: Trödel- und Antikmarkt, Altstadt, am Leineufer. Saturdays, 8 am to 4 pm.