Whether you're shopping for baked goods or used hand garden tools, the cheapest place to get what you want is usually at your local flea market. If you're relocating to Hartford you'll be pleased to see that the city has a large flea market in operation on Market Street from 9-5 April to December. To make the most out of your flea market shopping experience, follow the lessons in our Flea Markets 101 guide.

Best Selection

Flea markets are a treasure trove of unique items and the selection is never the same from week to week, day to day, or minute to minute. If you want to see the best selection of products for your modern glass vanity, you need to get up early and go right at opening. Things get sold as the day wears on, and when we're talking about second hand items or one of a kind homemade art, you could end up missing out on what you want forever by not being an early bird.

Best Deals

There is another school of thought when it comes to flea markets, however, and this one states that you should go at the end of the day rather than the beginning. This method is for you if you're less particular about selection and more interested on getting a great deal on used parts from the auto dealer supply. Often at the end of the day vendors drop their prices (especially on food that they can't sell again tomorrow or next week) to get rid of what's left. Go late and you can take advantage.

Negotiating

Though North American flea markets are not quite the same as Middle Eastern bazaars, where customers are expected to haggle over the price of every item, there is sometimes room for negotiation, so it never hurts to ask. Be polite, though, and remember that some things, such as tickets for a charity girls hockey tournament or homemade baked goods, are usually sold as-is for the sticker price only.

Finding a Specific Item

If you don't find that you're looking for at the flea market today, come back tomorrow, and next week, and the week after that. With an ever changing inventory, there's always the chance you'll get lucky and finally find those antique sewage pumps you need. Make sure to talk to vendors who have products in the category your item is in, too. They may be able to procure it for you if they know what you want.