Flea Market Tips and Tricks

[@tikiduck]

Love the "kick it" strategy.

[@ChopWithChris]

It’s more of a toe tap. If you kick too hard you’ll get punched in the face. 😄

[@Aquatic_Adventures]

Lightly kick someone's goods (even rusty tools) at a open air flea market down here in FL and they are likely to tell you to get the hell away from their booth... I've found that respect and courtesy go a long way towards cheap prices :)

[@ChopWithChris]

+Chris Messer I agree. I am never disrespectful and it's never a "kick", it's more of a toe tap.

[@dreadrea3265]

I find people that kick the stuff I am selling, are ignorant and make me instantly hate them

[@davidwilbanks7641]

Thanks Chris I used your kicking technique yesterday picked up a Morgan 20 a
vice for 10 bucks

[@ChopWithChris]

+David Wilbanks Nice. Glad it helped!

[@fryefoto]

Thanks for more great tips, Chris! On the non-efficient side, yet still enjoyable for me, is to check amongst kitchen/sewing/misc. areas for misplaced tools. I picked up a 2 ft four fold rule in the sewing notions of one flea market!

[@ChopWithChris]

Nice!

[@allenharper6873]

YOURE approach while efficient, doesn't sound like much fun!! I've been collecting antiques for 30 years! I go to the flea markets because I enjoy spending time walking around and even talking with the dealers!! You're approach sounds like work!! I've made many friends through the years people that when they find certain items call me!! My approach is to get what I want before anybody else even knows they have it!!

[@ChopWithChris]

Great strategy. I agree I probably go too fast. I’m always wanting to get back to my shop.

[@frankmakes]

Super informative Chris, I'm going to have to check out flea markets around here.

[@ChopWithChris]

Glad you enjoyed it. I'm watching your stop motion instructional video and may use the technique in the future. I will likely come back with some questions.

[@frankmakes]

+Chop With Chris great, ask away.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks.

[@Henkalicious]

+Chop With Chris frank & Chris, you 2 are my favorite youtubers. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put in your videos. Your humble fan Benjamin from Belgium.

[@Henkalicious]

By the way Frank you got me into woodturning and I quit my deskjob and am working with a woodturning familie now. Thanks for inspiring me!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Never seen a strategic approach on flea markets before! Totally agree with all your tips! Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@ChopWithChris]

You bet!

[@MarceloFreitas70]

Very clever strategy! Thanks for these precious tips.

[@ChopWithChris]

Good luck.

[@manuht1052]

Thank you for the tips! I love going to flea markets but I always find myself spending too much, I'm eager to try out these new strategies

[@ChopWithChris]

+Chang Wong Thanks and good luck.

[@davidaubrey5416]

You give good advice and make people smile

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks. Smiles are a good thing.

[@MrGr8golf]

I definitely will use this strategy...never did before.

[@MajidAlQassimi]

Chris, we don't have markets like that here. But man this insight is amazing! Very methodical and efficient! Loved learning all this! Thanks for sharing!

[@ChopWithChris]

You are most welcome.

[@asun1600]

This helps me a lot for finding other products by the way... I would appreciate a selling flea market video. Thanks a lot and regards from Spain! :)

[@ChopWithChris]

+Asun I just don't think I could sell my tools...

[@notatechie]

So much information. You really taught me something today. Never kiss an old rusty woodworking tool. 😊😜

[@ChopWithChris]

Glad it was helpful. Be sure to get a tetanus shot and never actually kick the vendors tools, just a toe tap is all you need 😄.

[@notatechie]

@@ChopWithChris Most of us understood your point. I believe I can do it properly. I'll find out Saturday.

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@BraxtonWirthlin]

Great info, Chris! It gave me some good laughs too. I've really enjoyed this whole series, thanks for putting in the time to make it!

[@ChopWithChris]

My pleasure my friend.

[@TheCyberbedouin]

sellers in serbia hate when you kick something like this and ask for prices.
my approach is...if someone sells toys and i found retro computer staff
i ask wrongly on purpose how much for this calculator, keyboard to hear if they know what they sell...

[@ChopWithChris]

Great idea.

[@jasonhockett5418]

Hey Chris I used to live down around Milford PA and a huge flea market I used to go to during the spring thru the fall was outside of Stroudsburg PA in Marshalls Creek. And a place your wife might like to visit is Pocono Candle .

[@ChopWithChris]

Sounds great!

[@LitoGeorge]

Ah, good video Chris, and a lot of pro tips. I find you miss some of the hidden treasures hurrying along though. I found an old extremely rusted but ancient brace at the bottom of a pile that was impossible to see standing up. I got it for $2 Canuckistan, which is incredible. One of my favourites.

[@ChopWithChris]

Wow! Nicely done!

[@MarcSchaefermeyer]

Nice Chris! Great information and tricks!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks

[@donnymcarter]

Thanks for the video Chris! Now I'm ready for the auctions and flea markets!

[@ChopWithChris]

Good luck!

[@axelfaltin]

I like the kicking instead of touching!! :-)

[@ChopWithChris]

Kicking might be a bit too harsh. Toe tapping might be more appropriate.

[@mrlunaticful]

Great Tips Chris!

[@ChopWithChris]

You are most welcome.

[@Bitterrootbackroads]

Along the lines of the kick / toe tap-- I suggest giving something a quick pick up and look then put it back quickly without acting too excited. It lets vendor know you have interest. Then, just as you are leaving the booth, ask how much for that (whatever) item back there. Vendor wants to get you back in, and get that tool in your hands, and may throw you a deal. I've done some selling and have seen it from the vendor point of view. Someone who tries talking the price down while drooling & fondling a tool never gets a deal. And NEVER ask for the vendors lowest price up front then offer them less. He's already given you the lowest price, which of course is NOT really the lowest price. You're asking the vendor to do all the compromising. If you ask for a "lowest price" either buy it at that price or walk away! If I'm selling, and someone asks for my "lowest price" I ask them what is the "most" they will pay?

[@ChopWithChris]

+Bitterrootbackroads Spoken like a pro!!!

[@yuvallahav]

As always, good points, and now I know what to look for, there are markets everyday around Rome, but on sunday, they all gather around into a couple of blocks in the center of the city and turn into a super market (hemm.....) called "porta portese", I think it's about time I'll do my rounds :)

[@ChopWithChris]

Have fun!

[@denniscotey8182]

Ok so as a flea market fanatic I can say that some of the info here was decent. But the Golden rule is, YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO WALK AWAY!
As for touching a piece, thats not a bad thing. Showing interest and/or the seller knowing you're interested is fine as long as you remember MY Golden rule. As long as you are willing to walk away, you have the upper hand.
I Never move fast. My wife and I generally shop for only rusty stuff. But there are other things we also look for as well. And quite often you cant always see the best stuff if are are moving too fast. You might miss those .50 clamps hiding behind all those xmas decorations if you're just looking for rust or trying to cover s lot or area as quickly as possible.
Because flea markets are a past time for us, we enjoy thd time we spend there but we've also learned that shopping at them should be methodical, if you want to find the best deals.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks for the feedback and have fun!

[@dcmccart25]

I appreciate the funny moments. Life is to short to take it seriously.

[@ChopWithChris]

Exactly!

[@miroslavgagic3418]

Very informative video, great tips, good advices! One thing I would add- where I came from, it is very important how you dress when you go to the flea market. Old and outworn clothes equals low starting price. By the way, kissing that rusty tool made me laugh, and among very useful stuff, that is the reason why I really enjoy your videos. Thanks a lot!

[@ChopWithChris]

Excellent point in the clothes - I always wear my work boots and clothes to match. The rust does not taste so good but I love the sight of it!!

[@beckytruesdell1952]

Another great one Chris. :)

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@emmasilk6195]

I go to the Columbus market with my dad all the time it’s so much fun

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Chris, look up Sagastua at UA-cam. These old world masters use the tools that you love to build an old world log home. The tricks and techniques are worth the time to watch it. It's not in English but that doesn't matter. I know you will love this.

[@ChopWithChris]

Will do. Thanks.

[@PinkyBear]

I love going to flea markets. Piles and piles of good stuff. :D

[@ChopWithChris]

Exactly!

[@arnoldallen4681]

Excellent tips. Thank you.

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻. Just don’t actually kick their stuff.

[@MichaelLawing]

Part 3 did not disappoint! I've never tried kicking the tool, but I could see your point.

[@ChopWithChris]

Just be careful not to get punched after you kick someone else's stuff! It's more of a toe tap vs a kick.

[@TheJohn8765]

+Chop With Chris Yah, *contemptuously nudges with toe* ..." hmm, how much for *that* rusty old thing"

[@woodturningjohn]

Funny how much you spoke of rust, because that is how I shop them with my daughter. If I see piles of rusty things it's a straight line to them

[@ChopWithChris]

+woodturningjohn I just love rust!

[@TheNickHorton]

Brilliant video....can you do one showing how to clean up/renovate a clamp?

[@ChopWithChris]

Honestly I would simply knock the rust off with a wire brush. That's about it.

[@Everfalling]

Seems to help being out in places with a lot of rural areas. Living in California in the bay area the tools are slim pickings. I get almost no auctions in my area through auctionzip

[@ChopWithChris]

Very true. Rural areas are much better.

[@rhwoodshop]

Awesome tips Chris. I have utilize these at some flea markets when I acquired three planes and I spent no more than 30 bucks. Oh and by the way go to fleamarket's ........ When?

[@ChopWithChris]

+Rock-n H Woodshop I like to go early before the crowds start

[@hspringsteen]

+Rock-n H Woodshop go Auction

[@ChopWithChris]

If there is something specific I am looking for then I will use Auctionzip. If it's just general them flea market.

[@stevedeoss4609]

I vend at several flea markets and swap meets if you come to my booth and kick smething of mine it dosent make me want to come down in price it makes me want to kick you out of my booth

[@ChopWithChris]

I agree. It should be more of a toe tap not a kick.

[@joehanna2231]

Good tips and straight to the point.

[@ChopWithChris]

+Joe Hanna Thanks.

[@StoneandSonsWorkshop]

Next flea market I'm just gonna kick around what I want. Lol. Good tips!

[@ChopWithChris]

Better to give them a toe rap so you don't get punched in the face 😄

[@StoneandSonsWorkshop]

True.

[@tiitsaul9036]

Lots of good information packed into 6 minutes. Thank you

[@ChopWithChris]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Smalltime]

Great Video Chris!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks.

[@rhinoschneiderwhitesbombs4020]

The kick 4:54 I love it I'll try that on Flea Market someday.

[@ChopWithChris]

It’s more of a toe tap. If you kick stuff you’ll get punched in the face by the seller 😖

[@evachilcoat3011]

Love your vids!!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks.

[@SerJahPhoto]

Great tips, thank you.

[@ChopWithChris]

You bet.

[@AxisAmazing]

It would be great if you could go into why you pick rusted pieces + the cleanup.

[@ChopWithChris]

I pick rusted pieces basically because of price but I am just as happy to buy clean tools as long as they are cheap. I have 2 videos on refinishing tools: How to refinish a chisel and A minute with Chris - Flea market axe.

[@82scoutsout]

Thanks this was helpful!

[@ChopWithChris]

+Joe Saladin You are most welcome. I have a few other videos as well.

[@aalove2010]

Love these tip vids Chris, thanks so much for sharing.

[@ChopWithChris]

You are most welcome

[@matthewbellamy8375]

last sunday i got a carpenters hatchet and a carpenters wood vice for 12 pounds, very good sunday!

[@ChopWithChris]

Excellent!

[@talltommyp]

Chris,
Thanks for making such great videos. I was wondering if you would to do a video on how you built those log horses I see you use occasionally.
Thanks

[@ChopWithChris]

Log horses?

[@talltommyp]

Chris,
I feel stupid. I went back through the your videos and realized the "log horse" I was referring to was actually the work bench without the top.

[@ChopWithChris]

No worries. Sawhorse or shaving horse is what you meant. B

[@BigDaddyOworkshop]

don't forget about Estate sales. That's were I have found almost all of my old tools. I have every local estate sale Company website bookmarked and I check the websites on Thursday Nights to see if any of them have what I may want. I only go on the 2nd days since they are usually 50% off.

[@ChopWithChris]

Very true.

[@maiatenshi9295]

tfs

[@karlaestefaniavazquezperez4877]

Thanks for the tips

[@ChopWithChris]

Good luck!

[@SterlingsWoodcrafts]

Great Stuff, I been using your Technic for Months and got some pretty cool stuff Cheap , Thanks a Ton !!

[@ChopWithChris]

+Sterling Davis Glad its helpful. More to come.

[@k.cashman427]

Great tips--thank you

[@ChopWithChris]

+K. Cashman You bet!

[@xsbxsbxsb]

Thank you very much Chris.Simple, clear and concise!
Will try the rusty, cluttered, kick approach tomorrow!

[@ChopWithChris]

+Benjamin Stephens Make sure it's more of a toe tap not a hard kick. I don't want you to get punched in the face.

[@xsbxsbxsb]

15 clamps, a machinist's vice and square, 2 stanley model 220 (i know, not the best but ok), 1 pound hammer, 2 cold chisels, a 10 inch grinder and stand, a toolbox, and much more.... and still got all my teeth!

[@ChopWithChris]

+Benjamin Stephens Wow! You hit the mother load!!!

[@bigbiemacaw]

when I was all down the Ile,love your work then marry it,great videos,and work

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks.

[@MrBrad777c]

Wow....some guy named Silver Lining came to my Haggling 101 Yard Sale Strategies video and just literally chewed me up and down because you told him to kick something when asking price LOL.....turns out you were talking about total junk lying on the floor.....well....."junk". Although I probably wouldnt be ballsy enough to touch someones merch....and my hard fast rule is never to touch because as you and every buyer worth their salt knows it gives value....I do see your purpose here. Looks like either Silver Lining didnt have the courage to post here....or he made such a nuisance of himself he had to be banned.....I'm guessing the latter. Guy is a real piece of work.....looks like you have some great info here btw......think I'll just subscribe actually......good work!

[@ChopWithChris]

Wow! Sorry about that. I really meant a toe tap but not ever to be disrespectful to the seller.

[@MrBrad777c]

Lol yeah well its all good....I found a good channel to subscribe to! Basically he was just a whiny seller with anger issues.....but instead of taking it out on the guy that kicked his merch....or the guy that he BELIEVES told the guy to kick his merch....he decided to dive into me??? Lol. Some sellers just cant enjoy the game.....and yes I did not figure you meant to launch their merch into outerspace! Figured it was just a gentle tap....like someone does when kicking the tires of a car. Anyways enjoyed the vid....no harm done....pay no mind to hating sellers! What gets me is my video is CLEARLY yard sale strategies....I even state at the beginning I don't spend a lot of time at Flea Markets and this guy a Flea Market seller comes crying around to me??? What the frick? Lol

[@JericoEight]

Great advice! I'm gonna start doing that.. Thanks!

[@ChopWithChris]

Just make sure you @toetap" the stuff on the ground, not kick it.

[@dgisgd]

Bigfoot confirmed as a new build !

[@ChopWithChris]

Yep.

[@sanderspayne2729]

great video just subscribed

[@ChopWithChris]

Thank you and welcome to my channell

[@LuckySawdust]

Chris, definitely enjoy your videos -- I'm just getting started putting a set of tools together, but I can definitely vouch for the value of flea markets. I've never been to an auction, though.
Have you had luck going to estate sales? If so, how do you find them?

[@ChopWithChris]

I view estate sales and auctions as on in the same. Some are in auction halls and some are on site.

[@roystoys3099]

I disagree on the not asking bcuz you Think they are going to ask Too Much. I Always Ask & Sometimes Are Surprised At The Low Asking Price. What's The Worst They Can Say & How Long Did It Take To Ask?? Good Luck!!

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@auctionking856]

hey Chris joppa town is my market I also have the auction there twice a month
col john Alexander djs auction service

[@ChopWithChris]

I went to the Joppa Town auction about a month ago.

[@denisskorski3471]

+500 agree!

[@ChopWithChris]

+Denis Skorski Thanks

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I ask my British father in law to check what they call "car boot sales" in the U.K. for some really old tools. He uses much of the same strategy as you do but being British, he always does much better than the American.

[@ChopWithChris]

😄

[@zacmcgrady2020]

I'm heading to Joppa and diamond point Fleamarkets now

[@ChopWithChris]

Been there many times!

[@skyecooleyartwork]

So I've snuck up on the water buffalo. I'm about 25 feet from it and am ready to employ the Right Bargaining Approach. Is this when I should kick it? Will wait for next video.

[@ChopWithChris]

Kick and then run like hell!!!

[@ronjohnsonoutdoors339]

Great tips! Thanks!
ATB
Ron

[@ChopWithChris]

You are most welcome.

[@tooljunkie555]

thanks for the info Chris I like that just kick it approach..lol bo is looking good cannot wait for the actual video I don't have Twitter otherwise I would follow you I tried setting up a Twitter account but I just don't understand it..lol.but I do have Instagram though and im pretty sure I follow you on Instagram

[@ChopWithChris]

Glad you enjoyed it. Flea markets are awesome!

[@tooljunkie555]

+Chop With Chris yes they are. we HAD a HUGE indoor/I utdoor one and they tore it down for a flipping Walmart!$%**#*#*#*#* : [

[@ChopWithChris]

That's criminal!

[@tooljunkie555]

+Chop With Chris it really is! it was a great place to go on sat,and sundays. now theres 3 walmarts with in 10 miles of each other

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Good advice Chris. The juxtaposition of those axes over your head make me think of a Mohawk--sorry, I catch myself checking out your tools and lose my train of thought.

[@ChopWithChris]

Your head is in the right place. I just love axes.

[@57WillysCJ]

Would that cracked axe be useless? I have a good welder friend who has arc welded one for me in the exact spot. He has done a few shovels for me too. I think a blacksmith could forge weld it too and I believe they did. The arc weld piece would be a user and not high value item. Obviously the person that welds it needs to be good. That's why I have someone else do it. I am not that good.

[@ChopWithChris]

I'm not an expert on these types of things but I just put it back down on the table and move on to the next one.

[@57WillysCJ]

That's why it should be cheap to the guy that takes it on.

[@ChopWithChris]

+57WillysCJ True

[@bldriver7453]

Dont show interest, if you walk or run too fast and all of a sudden stop like the guy in a video "i never break stride", well once you do break it, that seller will probably think you are interested and prices go up, just look like you are looking around randomly stumbling unto stuff, look like youre not looking for something specific, i sometimes ask for 1-2 random things, and then that 3rd thing I ask the price for is the thing I want. be unpredictable

[@ChopWithChris]

Very well said!

[@1954BJohn]

A lot of common sense Chris - It also helps not being a smart-ass and trying to rip the non business vendor off.

[@ChopWithChris]

Exactly. These people are running a business just like everyone else.

[@Temuba]

Efficiency? Don't take the wife. Efficiency slows down to -500% :)

[@ChopWithChris]

Ha ha ha!

[@Draculapek]

How did i get to this part of the internet

[@ChopWithChris]

That’s a good question...

[@kneegurr7393]

Hi I am an Australian 12 year old and love selling with my grandma I need more money any tips

[@ChopWithChris]

Selling on UA-cam or selling things at a flea market?

[@jacoblrussell]

So the important question about flea markets - when you visit them wearing that beautiful shirt, do you sully the shirt by pairing it with that terrible hat?

[@ChopWithChris]

I wear a clean shirt when I film the videos in my basement but the other 10 versions are all soiled!!

[@ChopWithChris]

Oh and the hat is awesome! Go Bears!

[@bbender3113]

Even if on the ground, Don't kick vendors or porcelain.

[@ChopWithChris]

Probably a good idea.

[@lilianakaspar5360]

You lost me when you said to kick people's stuff

[@ChopWithChris]

+Liliana Kaspar It's more of a toe tap. If you really do kick it you'll get punched in the face by the vendor.

[@57Spanky]

I agree, you kick my stuff like you did in the video, I think, what a jerk, and the price goes up.

[@oaktree1290]

This guy had a Morgan silver dollar CC UNCIRCULATED. He wanted $800.00 for it. I dropped it on the ground and kicked it, he let me have the coin for $5.00.

[@ChopWithChris]

Ouch!!

[@robertzavala6856]

none of these videos were helpful. my question is what is a good price set on used blue jeans or slacks ?

[@ChopWithChris]

+Robert Zavala walk the flea market and see what the going prices are.

[@bradfordpear2317]

Batman

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@Godfatherofthefleamarket]

Wow you need some help

[@ChopWithChris]

😄

[@wolflahti412]

Some really bad advice mixed with some good advice.
Which is which is left as an exercise for the viewer. :\

[@ChopWithChris]

Which ones are bad?

[@talktech1]

Good video, but kicking a vendor's merchandise is not cool in my book. Kinda makes you look like a jerk.

[@ChopWithChris]

I agree I used the wrong wording. Better to say "toe tap" and only if it's a rusty old tool, not something nice but this is only for things on the ground which is an indication of how much they value it.