June 10, 2017 3:23 pm
Undoubtedly, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is the greatest flea market on the West Coast. For over 45 years, bargain hunters have entered into this enormous treasure trove to search out new and used, modern and vintage items, which include furniture, clothes, toys, music, jewelry, art and much more.
Every second Sunday of the month, the Rose Bowl Flea Market in all its glory hosts over 2,500 vendors spread out over 7 miles of shopping grounds, so a few questions arise: How can you find what you are looking for? And even more important, how can you get the best deals?
Fortunately, because the Rose Bowl Stadium has been hosting this event for so long, there are quite a few well known tips that can help you navigate the place and make your shopping experience a true success. In fact, if you keep these five simple tips in mind, you are sure to find some real bargains and enjoy a lovely day spent treasure hunting (and finding)!
Tip #1 – Dress for the Occasion
Remember that the market sprawls over a seven-mile area, so you will be doing a lot of walking in a mostly outdoor market. That means comfortable walking shoes are a must! Dressing in layers is also a good idea depending on the weather. If you plan on arriving early, the day can start out chilly, but after the sun comes up temperatures will rise pretty quickly. Be sure to slather on the sunscreen as well.
Tip #2 – Arrive On Time
What time “on time” is for you will depend on your objectives. If you want to snatch up the best finds before the crowds arrive or are looking for something specific, you will want to get there at opening time. If you prefer to simply rummage or don’t need anything specific, you might choose to come later in the day to take advantage of the vendors’ last minute deals. Ticket prices vary depending on what time you arrive so keep that in mind too. Here is a brief rundown of how things are priced:
- VIP admission (5am – 7am) – $20
- Early admission (7am – 8am) – $15
- Express admission (8am – 9am) – $12
- Regular admission (9am – closing) $9
The box office is open until 3pm. After 3pm the vendors start packing up and preparing to leave, but ticket holders are allowed to keep browsing until 4:30pm in hopes of picking up a closing time bargain.
Tip #3 – Come Well Equipped
There are several things you will need to bring along in order to make your day a success. The first is plenty of cash, including lots of small bills. Having cash on hand and in small numerations will help you barter more confidently and snag better deals. In addition, if you are planning on getting there early, bring a flashlight in case it is still dark outside. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Believe me, you won’t want to buy water at the market. In some places a single bottle can cost up to $10! Finally, bring bags and/or a small cart to carry out your treasures. Your arms and shoulders will thank you at the end of the day.
Tip #4 – Plan Your Route
If you are looking for furniture or clothes, turn left as you enter the market. In fact, turn left no matter what you are looking for if you want to find good deals. If you enter to the right, you will run into vendors selling new and expensive items, which is probably not why you came. As you enter, take an inventory of the place by making a quick run through. Make a note of vendors you would like to spend a little time checking out and plan your route accordingly. Or if you prefer a spontaneous approach, just turn left and stop where you please.
Tip #5 – Bargain, Bargain, Bargain
The best part of flea marketing is the ability to barter with vendors, so take advantage and do a little haggling. If you are trying to bring the price down on an item, feel free to point out defects or issues you see with the piece, but always do so respectfully. Since it is a flea market, an important goal is to build a relationship with your favorite vendors, which will help you get consistently good prices in the future. So barter your tail off, but be nice while you do.
Most importantly, have a great time as you enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting at the best flea market in Southern California!
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