Top 10 secrets for Paris flea market shopping and safety

Over the years, I’ve been to hundreds of flea markets, antique shops, and antique fairs in many countries. Since we travel to France most frequently, I’ve learned most of my tips from my Paris flea market shopping. Of course, these top 10 tips are just as applicable throughout Europe, or at home in the USA whenever I navigate large and busy flea markets.

Paris flea market shopping calls for safety first

1. It’s crucial to always keep safety in mind, especially at large and busy flea markets. Like all crowded places full of tourists, beware of pickpockets.
   
   • Don’t carry your passport with you if you can lock it up in your hotel or apartment.
   • Don’t wear expensive jewelry or watches while shopping.
   • Carefully guard your cash, wallet, purse, and credit cards.

Shopping and negotiating discounts

2. Also, few of the vendors in the markets accept credit cards, so bring along cash. You can negotiate for a discount, especially if buying multiple items and with cash. I’ve found that 20% seems to be about the average discount you might negotiate, though that does depend on the item, number of people shopping, and how close to closing time it might be. Vendors have offered me up to 30-40% off depending upon the circumstances. Just try not to start off too low because you might offend them, and they won’t be willing to work with you further on price.
3. When in France, ALWAYS start everything with “bonjour”. Vendors and shopkeepers may consider it rude not to address them the moment you enter. Saying bonjour also applies to all types of customer service transactions. I find it helpful when browsing to always ask permission before touching or grabbing merchandise. Unlike the USA, the customer is not always right.
   
4. If you don’t speak French, and they don’t speak English, I’ve seen vendors use pen and paper to write down an offer for you. You can write down your counteroffer or use your phone’s calculator to show your offer.
5. I can’t ever pass up the bargain tables labeled “Tout à €1, €2, or €3” where everything’s one price. You never know what you’ll find. These tables also tend to have boxes of goodies under or beside them to rummage through since they can’t display everything at once. I’ve been lucky enough to buy two matching cups and saucers on the €1 table I wanted. By searching through the boxes on the ground, I discovered the rest of the matching set.
6. Bring along an empty cloth reusable bag or small backpack to carry your newfound treasures. Many flea market vendors don’t have shopping bags or newspapers to wrap up your items.
   

Lessons I learned the hard way while shopping at Paris flea markets

7. One lesson I learned early on is to always hold onto your item while thinking about purchasing it. This includes throughout the negotiation and payment process too. What happens when you put your item down while trying to decide whether to purchase it? Your item becomes “fair game” and the person waiting beside you can now grab it for their own. This has happened to me several times, and trust me, I don’t forget the bargain that got away.
   
8. It’s also best to speak softly and more privately to the vendor, if possible, when making an offer so other shoppers around you don’t overhear. I once lost an item as someone standing next to me overheard my price and countered higher. The last thing you want to do is start a bidding war.
9. I try not to show too much excitement about any potential purchase as the seller may be less inclined to negotiate if they think I’ll buy it no matter what the price. I try to always stick to my budget, so that I’m prepared to walk away if I can’t agree on the price. Although, a seller has made a final “best offer” as I walked away. If not, it just wasn’t meant to be…at least this time anyway.
10. I usually don’t buy the first thing I see, unless it’s a “can’t pass up” item I’ve been looking for. I’ve often found exact, or similar items, cheaper at other vendors a few stalls over by price shopping. If you do decide to go back and buy the first item, be sure you remember the vendor location or booth number to return. While shopping, you do risk the item being sold, which is another pitfall I’ve encountered.

If you keep a few of these tips in mind, they may help you to have fun, grab a discount, and stay safe while hunting for your vintage treasures at the flea market. Do you have your own suggestions or stories you’d like to share from your shopping adventures?

You may also want to read my related post – The 3 best flea markets for antiquing in Paris