Instagram indeed does do what it set out to do which was to open us up to wider networking experiences. Stories and pictures simply influence and help us explore ideas and concepts. I am influenced daily by lots of the people I follow and I absolutely love where it leads me. What popped up recently on my feed which I chased up was vintage buys and antiques from flea markets in Cyprus. (Joanna and Christiana inspired by you)
If the words bargain, bric-a-brac or collectable excite you, then you might have an itch for a flea market (pardon the pun). Nothing quite beats the thrill of coming home with a one-of-a-kind, rare or unusual artefact bought for a mere fraction of the price. The allure of junk and valuable antiques thrown together and in need of sorting is aphrodisiac enough to some treasure hunters, but because this happens a couple of times a month or maybe even a year makes the flea markets we have here in Cyprus so much more valuable. Unfortunately, we don’t get to rummage through much, just a couple of stalls but enough to find great bits.
On the search for a particular porcelain design I advised my mum to try out the flea market – my Instagram discovery! And lo and behold she struck it lucky, really lucky! I then decided to follow suit and checked it out for myself. Vintage Wedgewood, Ainsley, Royal Daulton and great one-of-a-kind crystal pieces were on display. Dinner services, pots, bowls cutlery, glasses and lots more. A couple of bits which I bought, automatically gave my space personality. There’s something thrilling about searching for that perfect piece of art, vintage serving dish, or furniture item—almost like a treasure hunt! But if you’ve never shopped at a flea market before, it’s easy to be put off at first.
Tips if you’re a Newbie
Go regularly. The markets in Cyprus consist of mainly fresh fruit, vegetables and clothes. The other stalls are easily dismissed but believe me they are worth visiting. I was told by a pleasant English stall holder to visit regularly as not all pieces are put on display once a week. So, to secure yourselves some good finds go often, that’s what I did on a couple of occasions.
Know how to haggle. Haggling is an art. Do it right, and you get a great deal. Offend the seller, and the sale is off. Being respectful to the vendor’s business is key to haggling a fair price. Vendors work hard to collect their goods, and it needs to pay off on market day. Haggling too low shows that you do not value the item or the seller.
Building a relationship pays off. If you really like a stall, chances are you’ll really like the vendor. Many vendors put their personalities and style into their stalls. A compliment to the vendor may build a friendship or may pay off with a discount. Being a returning customer definitely will pay off.
Look for quality. If a vendor has high pricing, there is a reason for it. Don’t be afraid to ask the vendor how they came to the price they did. Artists, designers and collectors always account for time, supplies and higher quality materials. Many vendors love talking about the quality of their product, especially if they have taken the time to carefully pick materials and ingredients.
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Have fun!
