So, I went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market once and suddenly felt like I was a flea market expert. But let’s be real—I discovered I’m not that great at it. I learned a lot of lessons from being completely unprepared. Here’s what happened and what I figured out.
Yesterday, I got a crash course in flea market shopping. It was blazing hot, I was stressed, I didn’t have a plan, got super hungry, and almost passed out from the heat. I spent most of the time searching for shade and went home without the things I originally wanted—a rug and a cool chair. Instead, I ended up with Chanel sweats and a vintage Pat Benatar tee. While those are awesome finds, they weren’t the initial goal, so I felt like a bit of a failure at the flea market.
Next time, I’m definitely planning to be better prepared, and I’m sharing my takeaways so you can tackle the Rose Bowl Flea Market—or any flea market—like a pro.
Here are five tips to make your trip successful:
1. **Timing is Everything**: If you’re serious about shopping, get there early—but not too early. Showing up very early can cost more, and many vendors might not be ready yet. Arriving around 7:30 a.m. means you’re there with the professionals, which can be insightful. We arrived at 9 a.m., and though we missed some cool stuff and faced bigger crowds, it was still quite the adventure with lots of treasures around. Alternatively, if you’re hunting for bargains, visit at the end of the day when vendors are tired and ready to make deals.
2. **Check the Weather**: I checked the forecast the night before, but it was wrong. Wearing long overalls and motorcycle boots in the heat was a mistake. I was hot and uncomfortable, which made the experience less fun. If you arrive early, dress in layers and bring a bag—a chilly morning can turn into a scorching day quickly. Stay refreshed with a big lemonade as you wander around.
3. **Bring Cash**: Don’t expect to score a cheap deal here; I learned the hard way. I wanted a Persian-style rug for under $500 but was shocked to find them way more expensive, even beyond $1,500. Since flea markets are trendy now, prices for items like boho rugs and macramé are high. Bargaining is welcome, just don’t lowball people—be respectful and negotiate politely.
4. **Compare Prices**: After coming home with less than I expected, I snapped photos of items and compared prices online. I was surprised to find similar items cheaper on sites like Amazon and eBay. For instance, I saw a velvet armchair for $500 at the flea market but found the same on Amazon for $250. Before wandering too far from something you like, do a quick online search to see if you’re getting a fair deal.
5. **What to Bring**: Just bringing yourself and some cash isn’t enough. The flea market charges $5 for ATM withdrawals, capped at $200 each time, so withdraw cash beforehand, ideally in small bills for negotiations. Have a list and budget ready to avoid being overwhelmed. Do your research, measure your space, and bring a list along. Pack an external phone battery, water, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. We envied those with rolling carts, which would’ve made it easier to carry bigger items. Also, some vendors offer to hold items or deliver them if you live nearby.
Finally, having a map of the flea market saved to your phone can help plan your shopping strategy in advance.