Advantages:
Unlike yard sales that are sporadically held, flea markets are a more predictable shopping venue. They are generally held on weekends (in larger communities, some are daily or nearly daily), have established hours and usually offer a little more consistency. That is, when you find a good one, it is generally that way all the time.

Once you get to know a particular flea market's character and what types items the vendors specialize in, you can frequent it or avoid it, either way not wasting time.

Depending on the market, they can be a mixed bag of professional dealers, vendors selling new items at reduced prices and even average folks selling off personal items.

Some flea markets are indoors or covered by a roof making them a great way to spend a rainy day. They are often more conducive to taking along children (easier to manage strollers) or other family members as there is usually something for everyone. Often these markets take credit cards, in case you overshoot your cash limit. (However, we recommend that Discount Divas avoid even having something as constraining as a “limit.”)

And then there are the refreshments and generally they are only of the tasty variety: burgers, pizza, fries, ice-cream...you know the kind of things Divas need to recharge their shopping batteries.

Lastly, since flea markets count on return customers and value their reputation, many do a good job of screening their vendors to ensure that those with frequent complaints lodged against them by customers, are weeded out. Some even have return policies, either market-wide or varying by vendor.

Downside:
Since many flea market vendors have regular booths or are savvy dealers, they are generally there to make a profit from items they are selling, as opposed to simply trying to unload them (as is often the case at yard sales). Therefore, really great deals may be harder (though not impossible) to come by.

Bottom Line: Deals are harder to come by but quality of merchandise is more consistent.