HOW TO BAG A BARGAIN AT A BROCANTE
We love a good brocante (flea market) – time slows down as you sift through past treasures such as rediscovered LPs, toys and books from your childhood, antique jewellery. During these times of up-cycling, shopping at a brocante is not only a trendy, but sustainable way to personalise your style.
On the eve of two of the biggest brocantes in the area at Lutry and Nyon, we ask antique lover and organiser, Jacques Dufour, to share his tips for bagging a bargain at a brocante.
THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
A lot of rare, stunning or collector’s objects change hands during unpacking or at the start of the flea market. Those in the know arrive when the exhibitor is setting up their stand or emptying their truck.
MAKE EYE CONTACT
Greet the trader when entering or approaching the stand. Visual and oral contact is always going to make an eventual sell start off on better terms. Don’t forget that the wanted object belongs to the flea market trader and that he or she is not necessarily in a hurry to get rid of it, because he or she knows its story and may be attached to it. This is particularly true if the market lasts a few days as the trader will have more opportunities to pick the customer of his choice.
SECOND TIME LUCKY
Take the time to return to stands. Once from one direction, then from another or twice with a few minutes in between. It’s very difficult to see everything at first glance, and by looking from different angles, you may discover an object you missed the first time round. Beware, though, if you do really love something. Don’t wait. Someone else may pip you to the post.
BAG IT
Take some bags or trollies with you in order to carry your purchases.
GET THE STORY
Ask the seller if he or she knows the story behind an object. The flea market isn’t just about exchanging money for goods. The story behind the object will bring an emotional and sentimental value to your purchase, which will allow you to treasure it even more.
LOOK DOWN
Always look on the ground too. Some flea market traders have their best products right on the ground.
LOOK UP
Humans usually look at eye level, but lamps, mirrors, frames and other decorations may be hanging.
BE THE LAST TO LEAVE
Come during the 3 last hours of the flea market as this is the time when many traders may be happy to slash prices to avoid having to take big or cumbersome items back home.
BRAVE THE RAIN
Not only will there be less competition and a better chance to bag a bargain, but there will also be fewer strollers to navigate and you’ll have a much better view.
BE RESPECTFUL
Respect the work of the trader. The object didn’t land on the trader’s table of its own accord: it was discovered, bought – often from far away, loved, cleaned and possibly repaired or restored.
MORE INFO
LUTRY BROCANTE – 14 to 16 June
Quai Gustave Doret
HOURS
- FRIDAY 08:30 to 8pm
- Saturday 9am to 8pm
- Sunday 9am to 5pm
- Quai Gustave Doret
BROCANTE NYON – 24 and 25 August
HOURS
Saturday: 9.30- 8pm
Sunday: 9.30-6
WHERE
Rue de Rive
USEFUL LINKS
- swissbrocante.org
- Facebook and Instagram:
- BrocanteLutry
- brocante-lutry.ch
- brocante-rive.ch
