Southampton - Summer means many things besides the beach and various barbeque opportunities. It's also the kick off time for the flea market season. In times of recession, retail therapy loses a lot of its appeal. A flea market however, can offer treasures you didn't even know you would love. The bounty is just waiting to be found by the savvy hunter.

Think outside the box. (wandasworx.com)

You might actually come across a prize hidden in a pile of otherwise certifiable junk.
Not to put too fine a point on it, while some sources insist that an antique must be at least 100 years old, all sources agree that a vintage item can be from virtually any decade or era. One man's junk is your fond memory, etc.

Then too, there is a lot to be said for developing the hang of thinking outside the box with regard to re-purposing just about everything in a clever way. Outdoor furniture can be used indoors, a dresser can become a sideboard in the dining room or a storage chest can double as a coffee table. Even worn items might be useful. A vintage rug, even with a few holes, can be re-used to upholster an ottoman or cover throw pillows. It's amazing what paint can do to change the look and character of an otherwise tired set of dining chairs. Look for old picture frames while you're at it. They can usually be picked up for the proverbial song and will add a lot of character to your artwork and the rooms where your artwork lives.

All together, flea markets can be a great way to augment your collections or acquire unusual "objets" to retrofit into your current décor.

Flea markets can be a great way to augment your collections. (rtmulcahy.wordpress.com)

Let your imagination out for a jaunt and jot down a wish list along with a general accessories list of items for which you might search. Enthusiasm is admirable, but everyone can use a check-list as a guideline and boundary to help curb the kind of impulse buying that would have you schlepping home something that gets a "what was I thinking" response in the morning.

Follow The Dealer
In these "off markets," make a Note To Self: "Buyer Beware And Be Knowledgeable." You may luck out and find a "real steal" sold by a dealer who doesn't have a clue of its actual value. Then again, you might also think you're getting a bargain by virtue of buying at a flea market, when actually you're paying regular retail, or worse.

Beware of a fancy, expensively set-up booths. There's a trade-fair axiom that the more fully a booth is merchandised, the more expensive the wares will be. It's possible such a well-heeled booth is actually an extension of a retail outlet, and you will pay the same as at the store location without the benefits of customer service.

Good dealers work the fleas and also sell their goods on E-bay, Craigslist, auction sites and blogs. Shop your wish list on these sites in advance and make note of prices and characteristics. You'll have a better idea of the going market rate for your second hand wares-of-choice and know for sure when a potential find is a steal in disguise.

Bring plenty of cash.

Reconnaissance Mission
Find out as much as you can about the markets you intend to visit. Each flea market can have a different personality and offer different types of merchandise. Some may feature primarily collectibles and antiques while others might offer a veritable "kitchen sink" of household items. And then, some "fleas" are just assorted junk repositories. This is not to say "junk" doesn't have its place. It's just that, "its place," may never be your home. The phrase "don't look for oranges at the hardware store" can be your guide.

Starting Time
If you want to be taken seriously by a vendor whose wares you covet, don't act like a tourist. Arrive early in the morning, when the market opens, just as the professionals do. This signals the seller you're a player and your offer comes with intention to buy. The other advantage of early morning shopping is that you will avoid the crowds of the afternoon. Then again, if you aren't on the lookout for anything in particular and really are just a tourist, there is something to be said for arriving late in the day when oftentimes, the best buys of the remaining stock can be had at a greater discount because the vendor doesn't want to pack them up to take back to storage.

Preparation Is Everything
 • Food - No one shops well when hungry and you can't count on the availability or quality of the fare at these markets. Packing a lunch, or at least a quantity of healthy snacks is smart. Bring liquids too, but be sure to scope out where the public facilities are located when you first arrive to avoid discomfort later.

Beware of a fancy, expensively set-up booths. (www.ppines.com)

 • Cash - Bring plenty in small denominations, $20 and under, with a quantity of single bills. Five-dollar bills seem to be the most versatile. Carry a lot of small change too, because vendors will appreciate a transaction that is right-to-the-penny exact. Most of these merchants won't accept credit cards or personal checks. Don't count on being able to return anything for a refund, but it's still a good idea to ask for receipts for purchase of collectible items or investment pieces along with any appraisals and other information about provenance and value. If no appraisal has been written for a collectible, ask for one from a qualified vendor. There should be no extra charge for this.

 • Travel Gear - Check the weather before you pack and dress for the day and don't forget your sun block. Apply at home and bring it with you. Hats are good on sunny days to prevent over-exposure and sunburn. This is not the time to wear your wealth, or in any other way, look prosperous. It's almost a forgone conclusion that you will pay more, because you look like you can afford it.

 • Early morning starts can be chilly. Wear layers that can be peeled off as the day warms up. Comfy shoes are a must. You'll be doing a lot of walking and nobody welcomes a walk with blisters.

Check the weather before you pack and dress for the day and don't forget your sun block. (pennsylvaniawanderer.wordpress.com)

 • Travel Light - Don't start your trek carrying more than absolutely necessary. For instance, don't carry an umbrella if rain is likely, when wearing a squashy hat will do. A large lightweight tote bag will suffice for the smaller things and a quick trip to the car for the larger or more fragile items is a good plan. Stuff the tote with plastic bags as back-up carry-alls. You get extra "smart points" if the tote bag is brightly colored so your companion can see you from a distance should you become separated.

Don't start your trek carrying more than absolutely necessary. ( www.wral.com)

 • Speaking of large items - if you are looking for them, plan for success and drive to the market location in a vehicle large enough for you and anything else you might find. A lightweight two-wheel cart can be very helpful too.

 • Small Indispensables - Pack a tape measure and be certain of the size of your entry hall(s) and doorways. Don't just guess something will "probably" fit or you may find yourself reselling your new treasure immediately. Handy Wipes are heaven-sent where washing facilities are scarce. Finger food is far less appealing when clutched with grubby "mitts."

The Art Of The Deal – It's All Negotiable
Great! You found "It." Now comes the fun part; engaging the dealer in a rousing game of Price-tag Limbo, as in "How low can you go?"

First, decide what your top dollar is and stick to it. Be ready to walk away. Ask the seller if the marked price is their "best price." Offer less, and be ready for counteroffers. A knowledgeable buyer is always respected. This is where the pretrip homework you did on Ebay or Craiglist will pay off. If you shopped your choice and found that it could be had for say, $200 on-line, you then have a strong position to negotiate with the vendor. You can leverage a lower asking price because you have evidence the item can be purchased cheaper elsewhere.

Try asking the vendor if another item can be thrown it to sweeten the deal. (newyork.timeout.com)

Your Friend Is Your Wingman Too
 • Coach your companion to say in a loud voice, at just the right time, "Do you really need that? You already have so many." Considering the possibility they might lose the sale some "line" like this can cause the seller to snap to attention with greater barter readiness. Yes, this is sneaky, but then, this is a game, isn't it?

 • If that ploy doesn't work, try asking the vendor if another item can be thrown it to sweeten the deal. Sometimes, especially at the end of the day, having fewer items to pack up is more attractive than a top dollar transaction.

 • Already buying several items? Perhaps the merchant would consider a group discount for the lot.

 • Not all sales have to happen on the spot. If you're looking to land big game, and the vendor is balking, get a cell number and give them a call on Monday. If the weekend was sluggish sales-wise, and the piece you want didn't move, you'll be in a better negotiating position.

Do's And Don'ts
 • Take your time and stay calm - it takes focus to concentrate amid the whirlwind of sights, sounds and even smells at a bustling market. Don't let a dealer distract or rush you. You'll want to do a proper inspection of every item of interest. Construction details are important, as is sitting on it (as is appropriate), picking it up and even flipping it over. In the same vein, only shop with someone who will stay out of your way while you zero in on a potential purchase. You don't want to be held back or distracted by friends and loved ones no matter how well meaning they may be. Sometimes the best stuff is hiding and you'll need a sharp eye and your wits about you to not miss out.

Don't let a dealer distract or rush you. (materialconcern.com)

 • Be friendly, never rude – many merchants work flea markets as a hobby and their wares may come from their personal collections. Have a chat; be respectful of the merchandise and polite when bargaining.

 • By the same token, don't patronize grouchy trades-people. It ruins the fun of the hunt and the acquisition. Is any flea market treasure really worth an unpleasant but avoidable experience?

Fine And Bottom Lines
There are fine lines between kitsch and memorabilia, or collectibles and dust collectors. Not that it matters, if the found item(s) light up your day. Think of this outing as an adventure, in search of a good time, a great purchase, and a laugh or two along the way. Who knows? You may even find, at last, the perfect solution for that long unresolved decorating dilemma and you even got a great bargain to boot!