West Bottoms shopping tips: How to conquer the antiques extravaganza

Never been to the First Friday flea markets in the West Bottoms? It’s not for the weak-hearted.

At the moment, 22 vintage boutiques and flea markets with 600 vendors fill the multistory warehouses. It can be overwhelming.

We asked owners of flea markets, vendors and veteran shoppers for tips on how best to get through a day or — if you’re of hardy, shopaholic stock — and entire weekend of shopping. Here’s what we learned.

Dress for comfort

You’ll be walking between lots of buildings over several square blocks and up and down stairs. Wear comfortable shoes as well as layers of clothing that you can take off and put on as you walk indoors and outdoors.

Wear sunscreen

Especially if you plan to get lunch at a food truck and eat outside.

Arrive early Friday

You’ll find the best selection.

Arrive late Sunday

You might get better prices. Some flea markets and vendors mark their products down toward the end of the weekend.

For bargains, go up

Vendors on the lower floors often pay the highest rent, and therefore have the highest prices. Better bargains can often be found on upper levels.

Don’t hesitate

If you see something you love, snatch it up. It might be gone if you wait.

Take cash

Especially if you plan to eat at the food trucks.

Ask about haggling

Some vendors do it, some don’t. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Do research

Try to learn the value of items you’ll be hunting for ahead of time, so you know if they’re priced right when you see them.

Carry a smartphone

You can look up prices while shopping.

Bring measurements and a tape measure

For obvious reasons.

Bring paint and fabric swatches

They’ll help you determine if potential purchases will match your current decor.

Bring a pen and pad

Write warehouse names and vendor locations where potential purchases are located.

Plan for several visits

Visit just three or four flea market/warehouses in a day. Not only will you save yourself exhaustion, you’ll be better able to remember who sells what kind of merchandise.

Arrange pick up

If you buy a large piece of furniture that won’t fit in your vehicle, ask to arrange a time later in the week to pick it up when you’ve secured a larger vehicle. Or ask the staff if they know someone who’ll deliver for a fee.

Do reconnaissance work

Most West Bottom flea markets have a website or Facebook page with photos of merchandise for the upcoming sale. If you see something you like, print the photo, take it with you and ask a staff member where it is when you arrive.

Bring a folding cart

It’ll keep your hands free and your purchases bundled.

Look up

Vendors often hang clever decorating ideas and merchandise from the ceilings. Bedsprings woven with grapevines and string lights, anyone?

Get inspired

Take pictures of beautiful vignettes that you can replicate at home.

This story was originally published June 22, 2016 at 12:44 PM.