Savvy Tip: Eleonor Stein on The Art (and Joy) of the Haggle

Flea Market season is upon us, but before heading out to find that unique fashion accessory or home accent at a steal, you'll need your wallet with a few extra dollars and these 10 quick and fun Haggling Tips on how to haggle at a flea market, from freelance writer, Eleonor Stein.

THE ART (AND JOY) OF THE HAGGLE
by Eleonor Stein

The long, cold Belgium winter delivered an unexpected gift last Sunday - a day of almost spring-like temperatures, with puffy clouds and an occasional appearance of the elusive Belgian sun. My girlfriend Nina picked me up and brought me to Place du Jeu de Balle in the centre of Brussels to Brussels Flea Market.

They call it “Marche aux Pus” meaning March of the Fleas, and in 2007 The Guardian ranked it #5 of the Top 10 European Flea Markets. It is considered to be not only one of the most variable and unpretentious flea markets in Europe, but also one of the more affordable ones.

Nina, of all people I know is the most passionate about this kind of place; which makes this visit even more enjoyable. To see her enthusiasm raise and her eyes sparkle when she sees something that might interest her is already worth the trip. And she really knows how to talk to those vendors!

In this day and age every savvy girl, regardless of continent, knows the importance of getting the most out of her euro, dollar, pound or hryvnia. Here are 10 HAGGLING TIPS you can take with you that will help you do just that.


1) Time it Right
Arrive just before closing. It's the best time to get absolutely everything at the best possible price.

2) Break the Rules
There are plenty of unwritten rules that a buyer should follow when dealing with a vendor, but at a Flea Market, rules are meant to be broken.

3) Just Say No
First and foremost - never buy at asking price. Not only is it unwise, you are missing out on all the thrill and excitement that comes from haggling.

4) Poker Face
When you look at the piece, try to keep your facial expressions in check. Even if you really like it and think it’s already nicely priced, DO NOT show it! Instead put on a sour expression and argue the price with a vigorousness you never knew you had in you.

5) Be Fearless
Forget your manners and fearlessly start the bidding!

6) Get Ready for Adventure!
This is your time to be adventurous. Honestly, I would recommend this for a timid person to build character. Whatever price is asked, you serve up HALF!

7) Walk Away
Even if you feel that your haggling process was successful, take a moment to stop and think by walking away. You might say something like ”J’ai besoin d’un petit moment pour refleshir” to the vendor. Then go and look for something else. IF you feel that you still must have that item, by all means go back. If not, you didn’t truly like it and it shouldn't take another moment of your precious time.

8) Expect the Unexpected
Don't be surprised if you find the vendor chasing YOU down to give you the price he previously refused. If this happens, take their angry expression as a compliment.

9) Mutual Gratification
So you've decided you must have the item, go back and buy it. The beauty of acquiring anything at a flea market is that everybody is happy in the end. You are happy that you got something you might never have thought of having before, for peanuts. And the person you bought it from is happy as well because he sold it! Happiness is around us and it’s very rare to see it coming from both sides.

10) It's Not Over, Until...
While walking through an almost empty market, people were picking through the boxes of stuff lying around, and I realized that I was a true witness to the cliché statement: ”One person’s garbage is another’s treasure.”

Some of the items I noticed laying around:
- A picture of good looking, elderly couple: man and woman, smiling, dressed in 60s style over boxes of what might as well have contained their possessions
- A painting of a young woman
- A graphic image of peasant life, laying over carton
- An interesting top of a metal biscuit box over chipped plate





Eleonor Stein is a freelance writer, fashion consultant, art enthusiast and international socialite. She lives in New York City and Brussels, and spends most of her time writing and traveling abroad.




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Now that you are armed with haggling basics, check back soon for Savvy City Girl's Flea Market finds and ideas to help inspire your spring wardrobe.