What to Bring to an Antique Market: A Collector’s Checklist
Antique markets are a treasure trove for the curious and the collector alike. Whether you're searching for a 19th-century oil painting, vintage ceramics, or that one-of-a-kind piece you didn’t even know you needed, being prepared can make all the difference between a frustrating day and a thrilling find.
Here’s what to bring to make the most of your antique market visit:
Cash in Small Bills
Many vendors, especially in smaller or rural markets only want cash, and most of the time will not accept cards. Also in many antique stores it will be cash only, especially in France. Bring a mix of notes, including smaller denominations. If you're buying big furniture, you need 50s + 100s
Pro tip: Keep your cash in a secure pouch or crossbody bag that allows easy access but keeps your hands free. Pickpockets love busy antique markets since it's harder and harder to find cash on people and a busy antique market is a great hunting ground for them.
A Measuring Tape
You’ll thank yourself when you find the perfect mirror or framed painting but don’t know if it will fit in your car. A small measuring tape helps you make quick decisions.
Bonus: Keep the measurements of your car and frame sizes you are looking for in a note on your phone.
A Magnifying Glass and flashlight
A magnifying glass will be handy when trying to find a makers mark. They are not always the easiest to read. The flashlight comes in easy at a winter market if you start really early and you want to be there when the dealers unpack. A blacklight is great if you are on the hunt for uranium glassware.
Tote Bags or a Foldable Cart
Antique markets can require a lot of walking. A sturdy tote or foldable cart lets you carry your finds without having to juggle them or make a hundred trips back to the car.
We use a foldable cart and a large Hulken bag with cardboard dividers to pick up art. We also make sure there are some extra tote bags in the car if needed.
If you buy large pieces: Vendors may allow you to mark them “SOLD” and pick them up at the end of the day (we use stickers with our shop name and phone number!). Don't forget to snap a photo with the booth and item so you don't forget the item at the end of the day.
A Phone With a Camera
Snap photos of items you’re considering. This lets you compare booths, ask for second opinions, or double check where you saw something earlier. If you split up on a big market its also handy to be able to share location.
Take a photo of the booth’s sign or location marker before photographing the item—so you can find it again.
Google Search App + Image Search (Lens)
A thing we also can't live without is google lens. There are always things you have never seen before and a quick lens can inform you if the item is rare or give you a price indication. With Art, we can see the age of the painting with it in our hands but we don't know every piece of art ever painted. Even if a painting is over 100 years old, we generally don't buy antique reproductions. If a painting is excellent, you'll want to know if someone else first painted the original.
Water and Snacks
Markets can stretch over hours. Pack a refillable water bottle and a few energy boosting snacks to stay sharp and focused, especially if you’re in the sun or dealing with crowds.
Sun, Rain and Snow Protection
Many markets are outdoors. I never leave the house without sunscreen but especially at markets the sun can be brutal. I always bring extra sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a rain coat. Weather shifts quickly, and you don’t want to be caught off guard. In the winter, wear layers. In the winter, a nice pair of Sorel boots and some electric heated gloves for the win!
Moving Blanket & Cardboard
We usually keep some moving blankets in the car for when we find a alabaster lamp or mirror. Cardboard we use for when we pack paintings, to divide them safely. We also wrap them in stretch plastic wrap after the market (this is great if you are planning to buy lots of art). When packing paintings, make sure to always remove the eyelets from the back of the frame. Trust me on this, we learned the hard way :)
Also great to always keep in the car, a box cutting knife and a pair of pliers/wire cutters.
Your Curiosity & Confidence
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Vendors often love to share the history or provenance of a piece. And if you're not sure about something because of condition, origin, authenticity, it's okay to walk away and think. If you fall in love with it, trust your instincts. One-of-a-kind antiques rarely wait around.
Final Thoughts
The antique market isn’t just a shopping trip, it’s an adventure. With the right gear and a keen eye, you’re set to uncover pieces with soul, history, and stories waiting to be brought home.