Perusing flea markets is a popular summer pastime, and you never know what you might discover! Increase your chances of success with these tips for finding those hidden gems.

Flea markets are a treasure trove of antique and vintage furniture, decor, jewellery, and more. While stumbling upon valuable items at flea markets requires a bit of luck, there are a few steps you can take to fortify your fortunes. Whether you want to find something to resell, restore, or display in your home as-is for some extra character and charm, follow this guide to help you track down those treasures.

Show up early in the day

The best deals and the most valuable items at any flea market are naturally going to go quickly, so you better get there early in the day if you want to snag them before other treasure hunters do. In fact, you can even try to show up before the official opening time, when dealers are still unboxing and setting up their wares. A lot of flea market deals happen in the parking lot before the bulk of the day’s visitors even arrive, so make sure you are one of the first.

Come prepared with the right tools

Tracking down those valuable flea market finds is a lot easier when you have the right gear. If you are looking at jewellery, for example, then bring along a jeweller’s loupe or a small magnifying glass. This will allow you to see the identifying marks on sterling silver. A magnet is likewise useful for identifying real silver, as it won’t stick to silver, but it will stick to steel and iron. Make sure you also bring along a penlight, so that you can more easily find the maker’s mark on furniture pieces. A notebook to jot down what you’ve found and your smartphone to do some quick research will come in handy as well.

Chat with the dealers

Antique dealers are, of course, avid and passionate collectors as well. That makes them some of the most enthusiastic teachers. These experts will often be happy to chat and provide you with tips and advice. If you find a knowledgeable and trustworthy dealer and you become one of their regular customers, you may even get sneak peeks at their new wares and receive some special deals.

Keep an open mind

If you arrive at a flea market with a fixed idea of what you want, then you might miss out on some really great items or deals. Perhaps you are looking for a beautiful vintage dining table but your singular focus stops you from noticing the exquisite side table that would look amazing in your entryway. Try to keep an open mind while you browse so that you can imagine how a particular item that wasn’t previously on your radar might make an excellent addition to your home.

The fact that you never know what you will come away with is what makes flea markets so exciting. Sometimes you might leave empty-handed but other times you might come away with a striking new centrepiece for your home. The key is to have fun and focus on enjoying the experience–any treasure you discover is an added bonus.